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Learning to Improvise…
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The rain stopped early in the afternoon, leaving the streets a muddy mess. Chris had cancelled the afternoon patrol as well, knowing that it could be until tomorrow before things would dry enough to make the usual roads and trails easily passable. He lit a cheroot and slouched comfortably in his chair in front of the saloon. He’d moved to this spot after lunch, waiting for the rain to stop, and keeping watch as he normally did. He mused silently that today would likely prove to be more interesting than most.He watched, with carefully hidden amusement, as the townspeople began making their way through the muddy streets. The lean gunslinger found it entertaining to observe normally staid people mincing, jumping, and all but dancing in futile efforts to avoid getting wet or bogged down with mud. Don’t know why they don’t just stay inside if they didn’t want to get dirty or wet. Streets will be completely dry in a couple o’ hours.
It took every ounce of control Chris had at his disposal not to burst out laughing when the bank manager, Mr. Lovitt, slipped and landed face first into a huge puddle. Chris thought the portly man looked a like a pig on a good day, and he reflected with heavily restrained humor, that today was definitely not a good day for Lovitt. The mud now covering him from head to toe only enhanced the swine-like image. No. Defintely not a good day for Mr. Lovitt.
Chris swallowed his laughter, struggling not to give in to it. His struggle was made harder by the guffaws he could hear coming from the other side of the street. He really shouldn’t laugh at one of the town’s more respected citizens. No matter how much he wanted to.
Vin slid into the chair next to him. He cocked his head to the side, casually regarding the muddy banker who struggled to his feet, cursing loudly as he did so. Chris lost his battle for control when the tracker sent a look his way, blue eyes bright with amusement, grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. The dark clad leader snickered, which grew into a chuckle. He cleared his throat and tried to send a look of reprimand toward the tracker, not wanting to be caught making fun of the banker’s predicament.
He knew he’d failed when Vin just looked back innocently, and whispered, "Suuuie. Here piggy, piggy."
Chris lost it. He laughed out loud. The harsh look Lovitt sent in his direction just made him laugh harder. Chris found the fat man’s attempt at intimidation even more amusing than his being covered in mud. With a disdainful sniff the banker gathered what little dignity he had left and walked away, clearly doing his best to ignore the laughter coming from both sides of the street that followed in his wake.
Chris wiped the tears from his eyes, struggling to get his breath back. He hadn’t laughed that hard in years. It felt good, real good. God. I should do that more often.
He pointed a finger at Vin. "You are an evil man, Vin Tanner."
Vin just grinned. "Ya know," he drawled nonchalantly, "you ain’t the first person ta tell me that."
Chris raised an eyebrow. "You might want to think on that. Could be we’re right."
Vin chuckled quietly. "Don’t bother me none."
No, I don’t imagine that it does. Chris sat back in his chair, getting comfortable again. He pursed his lips thoughtfully. When they all met up for lunch something had been off. It was subtle, but it was there. He relit his cigar, and puffed thoughtfully for a moment.
"You have a good morning with Ez?" Chris asked, casting a sly glance toward his friend. He knew the tracker had spent the entire morning in Ezra’s room, both men emerging only in time for lunch. Might be there was something wrong there. Don’t think so, but it’s hard ta tell with those two. Could be missing a leg and they’d be doing their best to hide it. Don’t imagine their relationship is any different when it comes ta keeping stuff to themselves.
Vin’s lips curled in his usual half-smile, immediately easing Chris’ worry. Blue eyes twinkled. "Was right nice way to spend the morning. Meant ta thank you for not sending me out in the rain. Ez said it was a judicious decision on yer part." The Texan smirked. "Told him I’d let ya know what he said."
Chris snorted. He didn’t care if the gambler thought he made a wise choice. And he made a point of ignoring the warm feeling the compliment, even if made in jest, had engendered. Although, he might not be comfortable admitting he cared what Ezra thought of his decision, he was more than willing to acknowledge the fact that by giving Vin the morning off he had done something nice for the lovers. It was a way to make amends for being so slow to accept their relationship. He still remembered how nice it was to spend a rainy day in bed with Sarah, even if all they did was cuddle together.
No reason Vin and Ezra shouldn’t have a chance to experience a lazy morning together. No reason at all. All right already…enough of that sappy stuff. You need to focus here, Larabee. Things are fine between Vin and Ezra, so it must be something else.
Vin slouched in his chair, pushing with his feet so that the chair tilted precariously on two legs. It was something of a mystery how he could balance like that. Ezra had once made a bet on how long Vin could stay in that position. Made a tidy sum of money as I recall.
"Ez teaching?" He asked quietly, thinking that might be the reason for the tension he noticed at lunch. The gambler usually spent a few hours after lunch with several of the children in town, but Chris wasn’t sure if the lessons might not have been called off due to the weather. Standish dotes on those kids. Might be he was out o’ sorts not being able to see them today.
Vin simply nodded in answer to his question. Chris resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Fine. I’ll do it your way. I’ll just come right out and ask.
"Why don’t you fill me in on whatever it is that happened this morning?"
Vin raised an eyebrow. "What makes ya think somethin’ happened?"
This time Chris did roll his eyes. "Give." He commanded, having used up what little patience he possessed.
"JD knows."
Chris frowned. He didn’t need to ask what it was JD knew. The lean gunslinger was fairly certain Vin and Ezra hadn’t changed their position on waiting until they were asked before telling anyone about their relationship. He was somewhat surprised that the young sheriff was wise enough in the ways of the world to even ask the right question. Just goes to show that some days he’s a lot sharper than I realize.
Chris turned to look directly at Vin, a worried frown appearing. "Good or bad?"
Vin slouched even further into his chair, easily managing not to disturb the chair’s two-legged stance as he did so. "Good. Real good." The tracker smiled softly. "Said he was okay with us being together long as I didn’t hurt Ezra."
Chris felt both eyebrows head upward. Vin hurt Ezra…hunh. Wonder what made him think Vin would do that? And if he was okay with it then what the hell was going on at lunch?
Chris glared at Vin knowing there had to be more. And the little shit is going to make me ask for it. Some days he is just as difficult as Standish.
"What else?" Chris demanded, his voice soft, but unyielding.
The lanky Texan sighed, his expression resigned as his gaze shifted back toward the street. "Nathan."
The gunslinger considered that for a moment. He knew Nathan was aware of Vin and Ezra’s relationship. And he knew that the healer had been somewhat hesitant in his acceptance. Can’t really find fault with the man for that when I did the same thing myself. Still, if he’s making trouble now after saying he wouldn’t have a problem with them, I’ll be putting a stop to that bullshit right now.
"What did he do?" Chris kept his tone neutral, not wanting to jump to any conclusions too soon. As far as Chris knew the healer hadn’t treated Vin or Ezra any differently, but it was always possible he’d missed something.
"Didn’t do anything." Vin took a deep breath. "Was some o’ the stuff he said a few days ago…when Ez got hurt and he found out ‘bout us." The tracker somehow managed to execute a graceful shrug in spite of his precariously balanced chair and severe slouch. "Ez has been avoidin’ him since then. An’ I think it was ‘bout time Nate came ta terms with us. Unconditionally." Sky blue eyes met Chris’ darker counterparts. "Like you did."
Chris hesitated a moment, thinking. He nodded slowly, reviewing the past few days, and realized that Ezra had been avoiding Nathan. Not hiding exactly, but somehow managing to simply not be where the other man was. The only time the two were in the same room was when necessity demanded it.
Wonder if he did that with me when I was being such an ass about him and Vin? Chris mentally slapped himself. I KNOW he was. What’s that saying…discretion is the better part of valor. Fits. Ezra knows better’n most of us how to pick his battles.
The lean gunslinger frowned slightly. But they left me alone for nearly a month waiting for me ta get my head out of my ass. It’s only been a few days with Nathan. And Vin is the one pushing it. Odd. He seemed willing to give me all the time I needed. Wonder why he’s not willing to let it go with Nathan? Best to ask what they got planned. Might be the only warning I get.
"So how do you plan ta get him to come to terms with you and Ez?"
"Don’t really know yet." Vin shrugged again. "Told Ez the first thing we was gonna do is stop avoidin’ him."
Chris nodded once. When I think on it…Vin might not have pushed me, but he didn’t hide from me either. Didn’t have a choice but to come to terms with him being with Ezra, because even a blind man could see they have something special.
Vin sighed quietly, eyes troubled. "Nate ain’t gonna ever really see Ez for who he is if he never sees him."
Chris raised one eyebrow, confused by Vin’s statement. "What do you mean see Ez?"
"When he started askin’ us questions…" Vin scowled, and shook his head. "The first thing he did was ta…insinuate…Ezra was like the slave owners he knew. Like his master’s brother who just used young Negro men as his play toys."
The way Vin sounded out each syllable of ‘insinuate’, almost feeling out the word, told Chris it was a fairly new word for the tracker. But he was not at all surprised by Vin’s pronouncing it correctly, if slowly. Nor was he surprised by the fact that Vin clearly understood the meaning. Ezra appeared to be influencing the tracker in more ways than one.
What did surprise him was the reference to Nathan’s slave days. The healer seldom talked much about that time in his life. At least not specific details. Well he obviously went into detail with Vin and Ezra. And Ezra’s accent, the way he carries himself, how he dresses, his attitude at times…I could see where that might remind Nate of his former owner, and how it might be a problem.
"Ez ain’t like that. Never was. High time Nate saw him for who he is." Vin stated firmly, giving Chris a narrow-eyed look, leaving no doubt that the tracker knew exactly where Chris’ thoughts had been a second ago.
Unfazed, Chris cocked his head to one side. "Seem to remember him being a bit hesitant ta ride with Nate."
"Weren’t cause o’ the color o’ Nate’s skin." Vin glared at him, reminding Chris to tread lightly when it came to assuming things about the gambler. Much of what he’d assumed in the past had been way off the mark.
"An’ that was a year ago, Cowboy." Vin’s gaze was unwavering, weighing Chris with his eyes, letting the older man know he wouldn’t back down from his defense of his lover and friend. "The man has proved himself since then. More’n once. He shouldn’t have to keep doin’ it."
Chris tipped his head, conceding that Vin did have a point. Was a time when I might have been pigheaded enough to argue with him, but Vin’s right. Standish has proven himself. Took me way too long to see that. Wasn’t fair to Ezra then, and it wouldn’t be fair now. Can see why Vin’s bent outta shape over Nate doing it. Least I understand better why he’s pushing the issue now.
Chris raised a hand, silently offering his apology, admitting he was in the wrong. Vin nodded, signaling his acceptance. The tracker took a breath and let it out in a heavy sigh, straightening slightly from his slouched pose.
"Ez is worried he’s making Nate uncomfortable. That he’s reminded Nate of things he’d rather forget. So he don’t wanna push too hard. Me…I don’t care ‘bout Nate being uncomfortable. Don’t think Ezra should be the only one ta bend. Ez ain’t Nate’s old master, or his master’s brother. He can’t keep tarring Ez with the same brush."
The lanky man shifted almost imperceptibly in his seat, the move bringing him into a more face to face position with Chris, while still maintaining the chair’s gravity defying two-legged stance. "We agreed ta stop avoidin’ him, but I don’t think Ez is real keen on the idea."
Well that would certainly explain some of the tension I felt between Vin and Ezra. Not a major disagreement, but enough to make them uneasy for a bit. Good to know they can work stuff like this out without either of them flying off the handle. Sort o’ surprises me that they managed to come to a decision at all given how opposite their views on it are.
"And then there’s Josiah."
Chris started, caught completely off guard by Vin’s mentioning the big peacekeeper. What the hells does Josiah have to do with this? Shit, one morning off and problems are popping up like daisies in spring. Maybe I should have sent Vin out in the rain. Not without a feeling of reluctance, Chris warily asked, "What about Josiah?"
Vin shrugged one shoulder, seemingly totally unaware of the reaction his almost casual reference to the ex-preacher had caused. "He’s the only one who don’t know ‘bout me and Ezra. JD pointed out that it might not be such a good idea ta leave him in the dark. And Ez sort o’ agrees with him. Thinks ‘Siah might see it as us keeping secrets from him. We ain’t, but it will sort o’ look that way if he’s the only one who don’t know."
The sharpshooter shook his head, brows pulling together. "But, I’m not sure we should be rockin’ the boat. Weren’t all that long ago that Ez damn near shot Josiah ‘cause he didn’t know when ta back off. They’ve been on an even keel now for the past few months. Getting along real good. An’ I’d really hate ta see that get messed up."
Chris rubbed at one temple, reminding himself to just keep his mouth shut in the future and stay out of other people’s business. Too late for that now. I already asked. In for a penny, in for a pound.
He sighed. "Anything else I should know about?"
"Ya don’t think what I jus’ mentioned is enough?" Vin smirked, giving him a knowing look.
"Oh no, that’s plenty." Chris glared at him. The impertinent little whelp. God…Now I sound like Ezra. "I just want to make sure there isn’t some surprise lurking around the corner that I should know about."
"If there is, it ain’t mine or Ezra’s, Cowboy."
Chris accepted that. Vin might make him work for the answers, but his friend wouldn’t deliberately keep anything from Chris that he thought he should know about. The Texan had made a point of watching out for his friends. It wasn’t likely that would change any time soon.
Chris pursed his lips. "So you aren’t going to avoid Nate. Can see that as a good place to start." He hoped that would be enough. Realizing it took Vin getting shot, and Ezra’s reaction to that to open his own eyes, Chris sent a silent prayer heavenward that Nathan would not need anything nearly so drastic. He made a mental note to keep an eye on the situation. He might not have any suggestions for how to make Nathan see the light, but the least he could do was make sure things didn’t get out of hand.
"What about Josiah? You have a starting point there?"
"Not yet." Vin shook his head, expression rueful. "Gotta work on that one a bit. It’ll be Ez that figures that one out. He’s good at conundrums."
Chris raised an eyebrow. "Conundrum?"
"Yeah…ya know…problems, or I guess puzzle would be more accurate." Vin grinned, clearly delighted with having one up on Chris. "Ezra told me ‘fore we went to lunch that he’d be trying to improvise a solution to addressing the conundrum of how to inform Josiah that were a couple."
Chris closed his eyes, and pinched the bridge of his nose. He should have known better than to ask. He sighed. He’d had such high hopes for today being a stress free day. He opened his eyes to ask, "You really had to tell me all this?"
The tracker shrugged. "Since ya asked, I figured I might as well tell ya all of it."
Chris nodded. "You let me know if there is anything I can do to help."
By way of an answer, Vin raised two fingers to the brim of his hat, giving Chris Ezra’s trademark salute. Chris rolled his eyes, thinking Vin and Ezra spending so much time together might not be a good thing. Vin grinned, blue eyes warm with amusement, easily reading Chris’ thoughts. Not for the first time did Chris come to the conclusion that having someone able to read him so well could be a real pain in the ass.
The smart remark Chris had been ready to say went unspoken when Buck sauntered up the boardwalk. The tall Midwesterner leaned casually against a support post, tipping back his hat. "Boys."
"Buck," Chris greeted him. Vin just nodded his hello in his usual reticent fashion.
Buck began scraping his boots against the boardwalk, removing the mud that had accumulated in his brief walk through town. The lanky man looked up from under his brows. "Understand the kid was askin’ you questions this morning, Vin."
"Yep."
Buck smirked, pride evident in his voice when he spoke. "Kid is full of surprises, ain’t he?"
"That he is." Vin chuckled. "That he is."
Chris found himself nodding in agreement. JD had certainly come a long way in the past year. He was no longer a greenhorn. But then, to be fair, the boy obviously knew more than Chris realized if he’d managed to figure out, on his own, that Vin and Ezra were a couple.
Buck sighed, and shook his head slightly, his expression turning to one of bemusement. "Now if I could just get the boy to start courting Casey proper like. I mean, honestly, they been dancing ‘round each other for nearly a year. Jus’ ain’t natural. I tell ya. It just ain’t."
Chris and Vin shared a look. Buck seemed to have a one-track mind at times. Although, to be fair, he’s usually doing his best ta look out for his friends. Just unfortunate for JD that Buck’s way of looking out for him, in this case, might well introduce him to the business end of Nettie’s shotgun.
"Might be you’d have better luck working the other end o’ things, Bucklin. But I kinda doubt it." Vin’s familiar half smile appeared. He pointed up the street with his chin when Buck raised both eyebrows at him. Just coming into town were Nettie and Casey Welles.
"Huh." Buck frowned. "Didn’t think the roads would be dry enough for a wagon yet."
Chris decided against pointing out that the roads were obviously passable or Nettie wouldn’t be here. Some days his long-term friend was just as prone to the same blatantly obvious comments that he ragged on JD for making. Chris shook his head, having decided years ago not to let it bother him.
Wonder what brings Nettie ta town. She doesn’t come in very often. Could be trouble at the ranch. Hope not.
Nettie stopped her wagon directly in front of them. She set the brake before turning to greet them, her wide brimmed hat flopping slightly as she moved. "Afternoon boys."
Casey seconded her greeting with her usual youthful enthusiasm, reminding Chris of JD. Nothing seemed to dampen either one’s spirits for very long. He knew it was only Nettie’s firm grip on Casey’s arm that kept the teenager from jumping off the wagon and disappearing like a startled jackrabbit. The young girl, unlike her older guardian, delighted in spending time in town and always enjoyed seeing the sites, such as they were. Chris didn’t understand the appeal, but then, he saw the town nearly everyday. And as the leader of the band of peacekeepers that protected Four Corners, he tended to regard anything new or interesting in town with some suspicion, rather than eagerness. Such things were usually the harbinger of trouble.
"Afternoon, Miz Nettie. Casey." Vin returned their greetings, straightening in his chair. Chris hid a smile thinking Nettie was the only person Vin ever made the effort to sit up straight for. Chris tipped his hat to them, acknowledging their hellos.
"Hello ladies." Buck smiled broadly. "What brings you two lovelies ta town on a miserable day like this?"
"My roof." Nettie frowned severely, her displeasure easy to read.
"Your roof?" Buck cocked his head to one side, clearly surprised by her answer, and the vehemence of it.
"Yes." Nettie grimaced. "It’s leaking like a sieve. Need supplies ta fix it." Her blue eyes shifted to Vin. "Have a feeling it might just be worse than it looks. And I might be needing a little help to get it fixed proper."
It wasn’t exactly an order, nor was she really asking for his assistance. It was more like she was simply stating a fact, and waiting to see how Vin would react to it. The lanky Texan didn’t hesitate to volunteer. "Be glad ta help ya out, Miz Nettie. No problem at all."
Chris was glad she hadn’t looked at him. Vin’s a good choice. He doesn’t mind scrabbling around like a mountain goat. Chris didn’t mind heights, but he preferred those mother nature had created to the ones man made. It just seemed entirely unnatural to him to be crawling around on the outside of a building.
Nettie nodded, accepting Vin’s offer. "Figure I’d get supplies today. Maybe spend the night here in town. Roads weren’t bad, but that was with an empty wagon." She shook her head slightly. "Might be tough ta get through with a full load weighing it down."
She sent a sly look toward her niece. "Sides, I think Casey might enjoy a chance ta spend some time in town." Casey smiled broadly, her pleasure at spending time in town written all over her face.
"Understand that gambling fancy man is teaching some of the young ‘uns in town." It was a statement, but it came out almost as a question. Chris wondered if she was going to voice some level of disapproval. She wouldn’t be the first person to voice an opinion that the gambler was not a fit person to act as a teacher.
Hope not. I know he does a good job with the kids. Damn shame some people in this town can’t see that. I know Vin won’t put up with her bad mouthing Ezra. No matter how much he likes Nettie, he loves Ezra. I know Ezra would come first with him.
"Yes, Ma’am." Buck was quick to answer her. Chris was pretty sure his old friend was thinking the same thing he was. "Ezra teaches up ta eight kids or so now. Spends a couple of hours in the afternoon with ‘em." The tall cowboy smiled warmly, but his eyes were measuring. "Pretty good at it too. Kids seem ta really enjoy their lessons."
The older woman nodded. "Think he could put together some lessons for Casey?"
Casey regarded her aunt with surprise. "Oh, Aunt Nettie, I don’t need—"
"Hush, child." Nettie gave her a stern look. "It wouldn’t hurt for you ta get a bit more schooling. An education is important. And there isn’t anyone else ‘round here that likely ta know as much as that fancy man does. Man has more words than anyone else I’ve ever met, that’s fer damn sure. So I’m pretty sure he can teach you a thing or two."
Vin’s eyes sparkled, obviously pleased with Nettie’s statement regarding Ezra. "Only way ta know if Ez is willing is ta ask him." Vin offered quietly. "But I don’t think Ez would mind workin’ up some stuff for Casey."
He slid out of his chair, getting to his feet with his usual easy grace. "Fact is, Ez is at the mercantile teaching now. Mrs. Potter lets him use the storeroom. Since yer headed over that way ta get supplies, it would be a good time ta ask." He smiled shyly. "I’ll load yer stuff while ya talk to Ez. Save ya some time, in case ya got other things ta do while yer in town."
There was no way Mrs. Potter would be able to actually handle the materials Nettie would need. Since she had not yet been able to hire someone to tote the larger, heavier items, she relied on her customers’ ability to see to those things. So far, it hadn’t been a problem. However, Chris knew Nettie wouldn’t be able to do it herself. Not that she would ever admit to that fact. Vin’s offer let her save face, offering her a simple solution.
Nettie nodded once, accepting his offer and thanking Vin with the gesture at the same time. She reached for the brake, but before releasing it, she pinned Buck and Chris with a firm look. "Expect one o’ you boys to lend a hand as well."
Chris could never quite figure out how she could make him feel like an errant schoolboy with no more than a look and a comment. It was unnerving, and just a bit annoying. He sighed, and sent a mildly exasperated look toward Buck. The cowboy waggled his eyebrows at Chris. He obviously knew how Nettie had just made him feel, and was amused by it.
"I’ll help him, Nettie." Chris responded, proud of the fact that he didn’t sound as put upon as he felt. If nothing else, I won’t have to put up with Buck laughing at me.
Nettie smiled tightly, and clucked to her horse, urging him forward. Buck smirked at Chris, eyes all but dancing, as he slid into the chair Vin had recently vacated. "You boys run along an’ have fun. I’ll jus’ stay here and keep an eye on things."
Chris snorted and moved to join Vin after he cuffed Buck none too lightly on the shoulder. Buck just grinned in response and made a shooing motion with his hand, making a show of getting comfortable as he did it. Together Chris and Vin made their way toward the mercantile, walking in step down the boardwalk.
Nettie parked her wagon in front of the store, casually securing the reins before stepping down with an easy movement that made Chris wonder, and not for the first time, just how old she really was. Casey scrambled down with more speed and impatience than grace. Chris was again reminded of JD. Two of them will make an interesting couple when they finally get serious. Can just see them running hither and yon. Lord, now that makes me tired just thinking about it. Can only hope they grow out of all that energy by then.
Nettie and Casey entered the store a step or two ahead of Chris and Vin. Nettie called out for Mrs. Potter as she entered. "Gloria? You about?"
Mrs. Potter stepped out from where she’d been straightening the bolts of cloth. "Nettie Welles. My, what a pleasant surprise. I expected the rain to keep most people out of town for at least a day." Mrs. Potter smiled warmly. Her eyes shifted toward Chris and Vin. "I’ll be with you gentlemen as soon as I’ve taken care of Mrs. Welles." Mrs. Potter turned her attention back to Nettie. "Now then, what can I help you with today?"
"Understand Standish uses yer storeroom to do some teaching. Was hopin’ he was still about. Wanted ta I talk ta him about lessons for Casey here." She patted her niece on the shoulder, ignoring the teenager’s put-upon sigh with practiced ease.
Mrs. Potter’s smile brightened, not at all offended by Nettie’s brusque speech, and clearly pleased that Nettie wanted to add her niece to the ranks of those Ezra taught. Chris wasn’t surprised since it was Mrs. Potter who had instigated the whole teaching thing. Wonder if she’s even still working on finding a real teacher. Seems mighty pleased with Ezra. Might be she’s decided that he’s more than good enough for Cece and Josh, and there’s no need for someone else. Chris smiled slightly. Well, Ezra is good at it. Although, I suppose there are other children that could do with a bit of education too. And they’re parents aren’t going to let them get it from Ezra. Damn shame that. Have to remember to check with Mrs. Potter and see if she’s still looking or not.
"Oh, yes, Mr. Standish uses a space here as a classroom nearly every afternoon." Mrs. Potter glanced toward the clock that hung behind the counter. "He should be finishing in a few minutes." Her smile turned conspiratorial. "He really should have been done half an hour ago, but the children never seem to want to wrap their lessons up so things usually run a bit long."
Nettie pulled a list from her jacket pocket and handed it over to her. "Was sort of hoping you could fill my order, Gloria, while me and Casey talk to Standish." She tipped her head toward Vin and Chris. "The boys were good enough ta see about loading it for me."
"Certainly." Mrs. Potter scanned the list, before glancing back up toward Nettie. "No trouble at all. I’ll see to getting this together for you."
"Thank you." The homesteader pointed toward the back room. "If it’s all right, we’ll just head on back and talk ta the man?"
"Oh, by all means, please do." Mrs. Potter waved her hand in an inviting gesture as she moved toward another part of the store, already focused on filling Nettie’s order.
Just as Nettie stepped toward the storeroom, all but dragging her reluctant niece with her, the door opened. Several young children scrambled out the way children always seemed wont to do. They didn’t even slow down as they apologized or excused themselves, dodging around Nettie the same way a river flows around a large boulder. Chris smiled at the sight. Kids only seem to have one speed…gallop. Never seem to see any of them walk anywhere if they can help it.
Nettie and Casey stepped inside, and out of sight. Vin moved to stand closer to the door, positioning himself so that he was near enough to hear what was being said. Chris wagged a finger at him, silently reprimanding the tracker for eavesdropping. Vin just gave him a dirty look in return.
Chris would have liked to take up a position similar to Vin’s. He was curious about what the gambler would say when confronted by the cantankerous old woman, but Mrs. Potter had other ideas. "Mr. Larabee, would you please take these nails to Nettie’s wagon?" She pointed to a box of nails, and made a check mark on the list Nettie had given her, already moving on to the next item, not even waiting to see if he would comply.
Chris sighed silently, and picked up the box, heading toward the wagon outside. Won’t do any good to argue with her. Next time, I’ll make Buck do this. He grinned thinking about how he was going to enjoy seeing his old friend squirm a bit. Buck might have a way with the ladies, but I’m pretty damn sure that animal magnetism he claims to have won’t work on Nettie or Mrs. Potter.
He passed Vin on his way back in. The sharpshooter was carrying two boxes full of shingles, and didn’t look happy about not being able to follow the conversation between Ezra and Nettie. Chris just shook his head, and commented quietly. "Ain’t like he can’t handle her."
"I know that, Cowboy." Vin responded, his voice also low. "Just wanted ta make sure things went okay. Can’t do that if I’m not there ta hear what’s going on."
Chris could understand that. He reflected that in a way it was probably similar to Sarah meeting his mother. That had been a nerve-wracking experience. All he’d wanted was for everything to go well, and to make a good impression. It had been much the same when he met Sarah’s mother. Of course, he’d never really measured up in her father’s eyes, but that was a whole different issue.
Even though Nettie didn’t know about Vin and Ezra, Chris could empathize with the younger man’s apprehension. It was only natural that the tracker would want things between his lover, and sometime surrogate mother, to go well. Chris patted Vin on the shoulder, trying to offer physical reassurance since his words didn’t seem to have much effect.
Vin half-smiled, and jerked his head back toward the door. "Ya better go see what else she’s got ready for ya."
Chris nodded. He stepped back inside the store to see what Mrs. Potter had waiting for him. Stepping closer to the counter, he could make out Ezra’s southern drawl coming clearly from the storeroom. Chris could hear the smile in Ezra’s voice even though he couldn’t see the conman.
"It would be no trouble, my dear lady. No trouble at all. If you have a moment, I would like to attempt to gauge the level of Miss Casey’s knowledge. That way I could better ascertain an appropriate curriculum for her."
"Curriculum?" That was Casey’s voice. Her tone was an interesting mix of curiosity and apprehension.
"A course of study." Ezra’s voice again, sounding matter-of-fact. Chris recognized the tone was the same one the conman used whenever he explained his five-dollar words to JD or Vin. He was amazed how at ease that tone of voice made people, ensuring that they didn’t feel stupid about asking for an explanation.
Ezra continued speaking. "Since you are a few years older than the other children, an individual schedule tailored to meet your needs is really what is called for."
"Why?" Casey’s voice again, this time merely curious. "Can’t I just join in with the other kids?"
"I do not believe that would be a viable option in your case, Miss Casey. Many of the other students are likely to be far behind you, predominantly because they are so much younger than you. And there is no point in rehashing information you are already cognizant of. Doing so would simply be a waste of your time."
Chris found it interesting to note that Ezra was speaking to Casey as though she were an adult, not just a child. Hunh…never noticed before, but I’ll bet he does that with all the kids. Doesn’t talk down to them or treat them different than he would anyone else.
"And there is your location to consider."
"My location?"
"Certainly. Although, Mrs. Welles has not said so, I presume you will not be able to attend class here in Four Corners regularly. A course of study that would allow you to progress independent of daily attention is probably for the best."
Chris could picture Ezra cocking one eyebrow, and looking askance at Nettie, seeking confirmation. He didn’t get to hear Nettie’s or Casey’s reply to that because Mrs. Potter was once more directing him to tote roofing materials outside. Least Ezra doesn’t sound angry, insulted, or out of sorts. If anything, he sounds pleased. And if Nettie were pissed, I’m pretty sure she’d be saying something. So it must be going all right. At least so far anyway.
Chris pursed his lips, thinking about what he’d just heard. Unbidden, what Vin had said earlier also came to mind. He smiled to himself. Nettie had unwittingly provided a golden opportunity.
Vin said he and Ezra agreed to stop avoiding Nathan. Said he wanted a chance for Nathan to really ‘see’ Ezra. What they really need is a chance to spend some time together. I’ll just send Nate and Ezra along with Vin when he rides out tomorrow to help Nettie fix her roof. Doubt Ezra will have much ta do with fixing the roof, since he hates work and all. And Nate still wants him to take it easy on that shoulder. Was only a couple o’ days ago he got stabbed. But he can spend some time teaching Casey while he’s out there, and Nate will be able ta see Vin and Ezra interact.
Vin noticed his smile, and raised an eyebrow in question. Chris made a ‘later’ motion with his hand, and gestured for Vin to go back into the store to get the next load. He knew that Vin would be grilling Ezra the minute they had a moment alone together. Chris wanted to know how everything turned out between Ezra, Nettie and Casey, before he suggested his idea to Vin.
The trick would be getting Vin to share with him what Ezra had to say. Chris shook his head, realizing that might not be so easy. It was hard enough to get Vin to say much of anything on a good day. And it wasn’t going to be just getting the story from Vin, but also Vin’s ability to get it from Ezra. Vin said Ezra never lied to him, and while Chris was willing to concede that might be true, it didn’t guarantee that the gambler would tell him everything. Especially if something between him and Nettie did not go well. Vin’s fondness for the old woman was well known. Ezra would likely remain silent rather than say anything that might put Vin in an awkward position of having to choose sides.
Chris grimaced, knowing the conman had a tendency to believe that it was better for him to bear the brunt of another’s displeasure rather than cause Vin any discomfort. He was not immune to the irony of realizing just how different his attitude toward Ezra was now from what it had been. He’d made a lot of progress toward seeing the real Ezra Standish much the way Vin felt Nathan needed to.
Chris sighed. He suspected that while the gambler firmly believed Vin loved him, Ezra was probably not entirely convinced that he came first with the tracker. Hardly surprising he’d have doubts, what with a mother like Maude. Shamed ta admit that I didn’t help there either. Acted like he was less important than the other boys, that he couldn’t be trusted, and was a chore to put up with. Was only recently I started ta treat him the way I do the rest, started acting like he was a friend.
Chris decided an alternative plan might be in order. His best bet would be to overhear as much of Ezra’s conversation as possible. Then he would know firsthand what had gone on and how to best approach the situation, be able see if his idea for sending Nathan out with them out to Nettie’s was going to be a viable option. Unfortunately, Mrs. Potter had other ideas.
She kept both Vin and Chris busy running back and forth, more or less continuously occupied with loading the wagon. Even taking nearly twice as long as he needed for each trip, Chris only caught snatches of the conversation he really wanted to hear. He tried to make sense of what little he heard, working on putting together a picture with the small details he managed to glean.
"…naturally a little brushing up on the intricacies of mathematics may be needed…"Ezra’s voice, still warm and encouraging. Chris figured they were still talking about subjects for Casey to study. He decided that was a positive sign. At least they are still talking about him teaching her. Will still work for sending him out with Vin tomorrow. Have to see if sending Nate along is still a good idea.
Chris heard Nettie’s voice on his way back out. "Fancy man, you think you can…" She sounded as if she were challenging Ezra, but not aggressively so. He couldn’t decide what that meant, but at least no voices were raise in anger yet, nor had anyone stormed out.
"…attention should be paid to the classics of literature, as well as some of the more modern works." Ezra again, his accent making his voice easily discernable. "Although, I would prefer you not read those dime novels young Mr. Dunne favors. They really have very little in the way of redeeming value." The derision in Ezra’s last statement made Chris smile slightly. The gambler was well known of his low regard of JD’s favorite reading material.
At that point Ezra, Nettie and Casey must have moved further into the storeroom, because their voices became muffled, less distinct. Chris didn’t get the chance to hear anything else sustentative, making him curse under his breath. He bit his lip to keep from laughing when he realized Vin had been doing the exact same thing he had; taking his time about loading the wagon, and cussing under his breath.
Wonder what he heard? Probably about as much as I did. Maybe we can compare notes. Mrs. Potter probably wonders what the hell is wrong with the two of us. Must be the slowest load she’s ever seen put together. If I’d have known they were gonna take so long, I’d have hustled this along so I could have hung out near the door and heard more.
He consoled himself with the knowledge that even if he didn’t hear all the specifics of their conversation, he did at least get the gist of it. And Chris was fairly certain that he knew enough to feel confident his plan would work. All he needed now was confirmation from Vin, after he talked to Ezra. Just to be sure.
He’d talk to Nathan at dinner tonight. That part could be squared away quickly and easily. The healer wouldn’t question his being ordered to help work on the roof. If Chris worded it right, he just might get the man to volunteer. I can’t believe I’m actually thinking this. Maybe Vin isn’t the only one Ezra’s having an effect on.
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