Learning to Improvise… Chapter 5

by Katherine

Chris chewed on his cheroot. He tried not to worry about the three men who’d spent the day at Nettie’s. It was his idea for them to be there together. He manipulated things to get them some time together. If anything went wrong, it would be his fault.

He clamped down angrily on his thin cigar. Damn it. I take responsibility all the time. This shouldn’t be any different.

But it was. Usually, he only felt accountable for their physical health, not their emotional well-being. This time he’d actually taken an interest, and gotten involved. If I gotta sweat like this every time, I’m thinking this will be the only time I do this. Should just stick to what I know.

So intent was his focus on the road where he expected Vin, Ezra and Nathan to appear, he did not immediately acknowledge the arrival of Buck. The tall cowboy slid into the seat next to Chris and propped his feet up on the railing. "They’re fine, Chris."

Chris leveled a glare at his old friend. "You don’t know that."

Buck rolled his eyes. "They’ve been working together for more than a year. Ain’t nothing ‘tween Ez and Nate that been there ‘fore. Two haven’t killed each other yet. No reason ta think they’ll do it today."

Chris removed his cheroot. He pursed his lips before spitting. "What’s between Vin and Ezra is new." And that might well be the problem.

Buck waved a hand in dismissal. "Junior ain’t gonna fly off the handle. He might get pissed at Nate, but he ain’t gonna shoot the man."

"What makes you so sure?"

Buck held up one finger. "First of all, Vin knows Ezra wouldn’t approve of him killing the only man this town has that comes close to being a doctor. Nate is needed here and they both know it."

He held up a second finger. "Vin likes Nate." The ladies man gave him a stern look when Chris snorted in response to that argument. "Oh he might not be too happy with him right now, but he does like the man."

"Maybe, but he loves Ezra." Chris pointed out quietly, knowing all too well the lengths a man would go for someone he felt that strongly for.

Buck nodded, signaling his understanding, but not agreement. "That’s reason number three. Ezra would be pissed at him for killing Nate. Not ta mention it would mean they’d have to leave. And he knows how much Ez likes it here. Hell, they both do. He won’t risk it."

Chris didn’t find the last argument very reassuring. Vin and Ezra had made it clear they would have left if he had voiced a dissenting opinion about their relationship. It was obvious to him they valued each other far more than they cared about staying in Four Corners. It was a sentiment he actually approved of. He’d have lived anywhere as long as he could be with Sarah.

"They might like it here, Buck, but that don’t guarantee they’d stay."

Buck shrugged. "Only reason they’d leave is if somebody was stupid enough ta make ‘em. And Nate may be a lot o’ things, but the man is not stupid."

The former ranger settled further into his chair. Blue eyes scanned the street, and Buck casually glanced around making note of their relatively isolated position before he continued speaking. "Sides, they only said they’d leave if there was a problem with the two o’ them being together. And that ain’t the problem here. Nate is okay with that."

Buck ran thumb and forefinger over his mustache, his expression thoughtful. "Well, saying he’s okay with them as a couple might be stretching things a mite. But he’s not pitching a fit about them either." Buck sighed. "No Chris, the problem is how Nate and Ezra get along with each other. An’ that’s reason number four."

Chris frowned. "Come again?"

"This isn’t between Vin and Nate. It’s really between Ezra and Nate." Buck smiled slightly. "Ez isn’t the sort ta hold a grudge, or lose his control o’ his temper for long. And he’s smart." Buck’s eyes twinkled. "He was smart enough ta give you time ta come around."

Chris scowled. "That was different."

Buck raised an eyebrow, and gave Chris a knowing look. "You keep right on thinking that if it makes ya feel better."

The dark clad gunslinger glared at his long time friend. Buck returned the look, not the least bit intimidated, his expression mild. "You were just as quick ta judge Ez as Nate is. Was just for different reasons is all. But after awhile ya saw the light. Nate will too."

Chris sighed. He knew his friend was right about him being quick to judge the gambler. He just hoped Buck was also right about Nate coming around. The last thing he wanted was for there to be, as Ezra would put it, permanent dissention among the ranks. He liked living in Four Corners too. And Chris couldn’t picture staying here if there weren’t six others to stand with him to protect it.

His gaze shifted back to the road where he expected the three men foremost in his thoughts to appear. There was no way to know for certain how long it would take to repair Nettie’s roof, but Chris expected them to show soon. Damn well better be soon, or I’m riding out there. Buck might be right about Vin not killing Nathan but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a referee. He chose to overlook the fact that he had more experience being a combatant than mediator.

His gaze narrowed as he spotted three horses just coming into view. Chris breathed easier once he confirmed they were the men he’d been waiting for and not trail hands or strangers coming into town. Buck straightened up in his chair, his usual easy smile appearing. "See? Told ya they were alright."

Chris rolled his eyes. He growled out a half-hearted warning. "Don’t make me belt you one, Buck."

The ladies man just waggled his eyebrows, smile still firmly in place. He reached out and patted Chris on the shoulder. "Don’t worry, big dog, your secret is safe with me. I won’t tell ‘em you were worried."

Chris shot a dirty look at Buck, but knew it was wasted on the man. Subduing the other fun-loving cowboy was no easy task, a personality trait Chris found himself honestly grateful for. He wouldn’t be sane or sober were it not for Buck. But there were still times when he wished he could intimidate the man with a glare as easily as he could most of the townspeople.

Chris shook his head and redirected his gaze to Vin, Ezra and Nathan. At least they’re riding together. Figure if there was too much trouble ‘tween ‘em they wouldn’t be quite so close. And no one is sporting any bandages, black eyes, or split lips.

After sitting to wait for so long he suddenly couldn’t stand the idea of sitting any more. Chris rose to his feet and casually leaned against the support pillar, waiting for the three to stop in front of him the way he knew they would. Buck chuckled, a knowing look on his face as he also rose to his feet. The tall cowboy leaned on another nearby pillar, his pose a mirror image of Chris’.

Ezra brought Chaucer to a halt with some unseen signal. Peso and Buster also stopped, lining up in front of Chris with a near military precision. The gambler tipped his head toward Chris and Buck. "Mr. Larabee. Mr. Wilmington."

Vin just smiled slightly and nodded his greeting. Nathan did likewise.

Chris pursed his lips, looking them over. He could read some lingering tension, but nothing major. There was just something about the set of Vin’s shoulders; the slight hesitation in Nathan’s manner, the way he held his eyes. Chris couldn’t read anything from Ezra, but he was used to that. It was rare that the gambler gave away much of anything. Still, I know something happened. Can’t tell if it’s good or bad though.

"Boys." He greeted them as he usually did.

"Y’all get Miz Nettie’s roof taken care of?" Buck asked.

"Yep." Vin answered. "Weren’t too tough ta fix."

Nathan added commentary on what they had to do, but Chris tuned him out. He pinned Vin with his gaze, silently asking how everything else went, the state of Nettie’s roof not honestly being his main concern. The tracker just barely tipped his head, signaling he’d talk to Chris later. The gunslinger wasn’t happy, already feeling off kilter from the waiting he’d done, but he wasn’t going to argue. Can’t see how I could win anyway. And I know he’ll talk to me…just a matter of finding a good time to do it is all.

Chaucer shifted his weight, stomping one foot, and swishing his tail. Chris would swear sometimes that damn horse was almost human the way he expressed his emotions and opinions. And it was blatantly obvious that Chaucer didn’t see much point in standing still, doing nothing. Ezra smiled and dipped his head to Chris and Buck. "If you gentlemen would be so kind as to excuse me, I believe my steed would like to take a well deserved respite from his labors."

When Vin would have nudged Peso to join his lover, Chris shook his head slightly, stopping him, urging his friend to wait. Nathan had already nudged Buster to move with Chaucer down the street. The two rode companionably side by side down the street toward the livery. The tracker raised an eyebrow, expression asking why Chris had stopped him.

"Thought they could use a minute."

Vin sighed. "Probably."

The fact that he didn’t argue made Chris even more curious as to what happened. Buck cocked his head to one side, blue eyes narrowed, a faint frown appearing between his brows. "Trouble?" There was an amazing amount of concern and support offered in that one word question.

Chris realized that Buck was not as confident everything would work out as he had sounded earlier. You’d think that for as long as I’ve known the man, I’d be able to see through him by now. But then knowing Buck, he really did believe what he said. Just worried now that me might be wrong.

"Nothing that weren’t wrong when we left." Vin replied, answering Buck’s question with a weary smile. "Ez says we’re making progress, but I ain’t sure I see it."

Chris’ jaw tightened. His gaze flickered to Ezra and Nathan. They appeared to be more or less as comfortable with one another as they normally did. Looks like they’ll be okay on their own for a bit. The gunslinger’s blue-gray eyes shifted back toward the tracker. "Think I need the whole story, Cowboy."

Vin glanced up the street. Nathan had ridden inside already, but Ezra paused at the livery door, glancing back toward Vin. Despite the distance, Chris was sure their eyes met. He had no idea what message might have been conveyed, but Vin shrugged, and Ezra nodded before heading inside with Chaucer.

Vin dismounted with his usual grace and agility. Chris had expected the tracker to loop the reins around the hitching post, but Vin flipped the reins so they would hang from the saddlehorn and not tangle in Peso’s hooves. He stepped away from Peso when Ezra reappeared in the livery door. Ezra raised his fingers to his lips and let out a piercing whistle. Peso snorted, and trotted up the street, making a beeline for Ezra.

Buck laughed, and slapped his thigh. "Jus’ how long you two been workin’ on that little trick?"

Vin shrugged one shoulder. "Not long."

Chris wondered if this was more evidence of Vin’s ability to understate things. Probably worked day and night for weeks to teach that ornery horse to come when Ezra called. Lord only knows when they found the time to do it at all.

Chris pointed toward the saloon with his chin. "Let’s get a drink."

They sat at the seven’s usual table. It was almost always vacant. Chris secretly found it amusing that their claim had been staked and honored without a single word having been said. It was simply their table, and everyone knew it. The more wary often left the neighboring tables vacant, just to be on the safe side.

Buck sipped the beer he’d retrieved from the bar before taking his seat. He sat back in his chair, bright blue eyes focused on Vin. "So tell us what happened?"

Vin sighed, and slouched further in his seat, not leaning back it back on two legs as he usually did. The tracker quietly filled them in on what had occurred at Nettie’s. He told them about pointing out the assumptions Nathan had made, assumptions Chris found himself silently admitting to having mistakenly made as well. Should have known better.

The tracker shrugged one shoulder. "Thought he was startin’ ta understand when he said he was thinkin’ on what I said. Told him ta ask Ez. That if he really wanted ta know things about the man he should talk to him." Vin sighed heavily. "Then he goes and all but calls Ez a liar."

Chris frowned. "Back up. I think I missed something. Why would he call Ezra a liar?"

Vin pursed his lips. "Ez was saying that Peso needed some retraining on account o’ the way he acts sometimes."

Buck saluted that statement with his beer. "Man is right about that. That horse is one ornery son of a bitch."

Vin gave him a dirty look. "Nothin’ wrong with my horse, Buck. He does ‘xactly what I tell ‘im to."

Chris interrupted before the conversation could get too far off topic. "And Peso acting up led to Nate calling Ezra a liar how?"

"I said the only qualified horse trainer Yosemite knew was Ezra."

Buck raised both eyebrows. "Ezra trains horses?"

"Yep."

"Well, I’ll be damned." Buck blinked. "Always knew he was good with Chaucer. Taught that miserable critter all sorts o’ stuff, so I guess it ain’t much of a stretch ta think he could train another horse a thing or two."

Chris felt a flash of satisfaction at knowing something his old friend didn’t. He might not have known Ezra was teaching children in town until the gambler told him, but he hadn’t failed to note the amount of time Ezra spent at the livery. The gunslinger had a love for horses that ran deep, and he was quick to note a similar depth of emotion in the gambler. He’d seen the conman working with several different horses, and had asked Yosemite about it. Yosemite told me Ezra said he was just doing it to ensure there would be a quality replacement mount for him to use if Chaucer should ever come up lame or needed a break. But we both know damn good and well the man just loves working with horses. Same way he loves working with the children. And he’s mighty good with both.

Vin’s half smile appeared. He was obviously pleased by Buck’s comments. The smile faded quickly though. "Problem was Nate was quick ta say he didn’t think Ez could do it. Thought Ez was too much of a dandy ta be willing or able ta spend the time and energy ta get the job done."

Chris shook his head. It had taken him awhile to realize it, but despite the odd hours the gambler kept, the man was anything but lazy. And he never had cause to doubt the man’s ability with horses. Just watching the man ride, and the shit he can get Chaucer to do was proof enough of how good he is with horses.

"Ezra get pissed?" Chris thought it would be natural if he did. Know I would.

Vin dipped his head. "Not fer long though. Ez ain’t the sort to really lose his temper fer long."

Buck sipped his beer, not quite covering the small smile Chris saw there. He knew Buck thought Vin’s statement as further proof he’d been right. He kicked Buck under the table for that not so subtle ‘I told you so’ gesture. Buck gave him a dirty look in response.

"You said he thought progress was being made." Chris made the statement more of a question, once again focused on Vin.

"Said there was a time when Nate wouldn’t have asked him a question, much less bothered ta listen ta the answer. Ez reckons that’s a step in the right direction."

Man has a point there. Just to make sure he was clear on the issue, Chris asked, "And Nate was asking question before this problem came up?"

"Yep."

"But you don’t see that as positive a sign as Ezra does?"

Vin shrugged, brows pulling together in a small frown. "Was just hopin’ for more I guess."

Buck’s expression turned sympathetic. "Won’t happen over night, Vin. Ya know that. Man don’t change the habit of a life time as easy as he does his clothes."

Vin chuckled. "Ez pretty much said the same thing." Blue eyes twinkled with mischief. "But he said it a whole lot better."

Buck rolled his eyes. "O’ course he said it better. The man has a gift with words." Buck waggled his eyebrows, a warm grin growing. "Just like I got a gift with the ladies."

"Think Ez got the better deal there, Bucklin." Vin laughed lightly, and sat back in his chair, tipping it back as he usually did. "Least his gift don’t ever seem ta let him down."

Buck feigned indignation. "My animal magnetism has never let me down."

"Uh-hunh." Vin arched an eyebrow. "You keep tellin’ yourself that every time Inez shoots you down."

Buck snorted. "I keep tellin’ you, I’m wearing her down."

Vin shook his head, eyes bright with inner amusement. "Suurre, ya are."

Chris was pleased to see the younger man relax. He could understand the impatience Vin had to be feeling. It seemed a bit out of character for a man who normally didn’t get ruffled by much, but Chris could still remember feeling the same way wondering if Sarah’s parents and family would ever finally accept him. Nathan isn’t exactly like having in-laws, but we are a family of sorts. An’ everyone wants their family ta welcome his choice of… well, I guess spouse don’t really fit here. Same idea though.

He suspected Vin was more patient with him because he was already starting to see the light where Ezra was concerned, recognizing and rectifying his own misconceptions. Chris was honest enough with himself to admit a shove or two from Vin had helped the process along. His initial reservations were more about the nature of their relationship, rather than Ezra per se. Vin was sharp enough to realize that as long as Chris accepted Ezra, he would eventually accept their relationship unconditionally.

And that’s really the heart of the problem with Nathan. He said he’s okay with them being together, but he’s got issues with Ezra that need to be settled ‘fore Vin’s really gonna believe that. But I think Buck is right. With some time this should all work out in the end.

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, wondering if he ought to interfere again. Didn’t do too bad first time around. Well, so far as I know. Think I might need to talk to Ezra and see if he’ll cough up more details than Vin did. Doubt it, but won’t know until I ask. And Ezra thought there was progress being made. Sounds positive at any rate.

Chris glanced up when Ezra and Nathan wandered in. It didn’t appear as if the few minutes alone in the livery had done any damage. Nathan, at least, seemed more at ease, something Chris had no doubt Ezra had something to do with. The gambler had a way of relaxing hostility and reducing the tension that came with disagreement.

Chris couldn’t really read much from Ezra, so he looked to Vin. If anyone could get a handle on what Ezra was thinking or feeling in just a glance it was the tracker. Vin’s blue eyes sought out Ezra’s green counterparts. He smiled slightly and got an answering smile in return. The gambler took the seat next to Vin, and Chris relaxed. If things were still ‘off’ Ezra wouldn’t have joined them at the table, nor would Vin seem so relaxed.

Nathan sat next to Buck. Dark eyes glanced toward Vin and then away. Chris was fairly certain the healer was trying to gauge Vin’s mood. The gunslinger found the irony amusing. If he’d have called any other man a liar, it would be that guy he’d be worried about. It would be that guy he’d be eyeballing for a drawn gun or a fist. Chris mentally snorted. Sometimes I think things would be easier if Ezra just acted like the rest of us. If he was inclined to be as uncivilized as he accuses us of being…to just react on those violent impulses, I doubt Nathan would have even opened his mouth.

Vin gave cast a sly glance toward Chris. That look was enough to let Chris know Vin was aware of his thoughts. The tracker hadn’t missed Nathan’s covert glances either. Chris waited to see if Vin was going to make things hard on Nathan or not. When Vin ordered a round of drinks he smiled, pleased that his friend had opted not to push the issue. Think he realizes it won’t help. Not that he’s forgotten it by any stretch of the imagination. Pretty sure he’ll be watching Nate close.

With the arrival of the drinks the atmosphere at the table slipped easily into their normal camaraderie. Conversation drifted comfortably to what had gone on in town during their absence, and what other damages had been suffered in the area as a result of the storm. It was the same sort of catch up talk that went on whenever any of them left town, no matter how briefly. Chris let it flow around him, not feeling any obligation to contribute, knowing it wasn’t really expected that he do so. He reflected that sometimes it was nice to have a reputation for being close-mouthed. It left him free to simply observe the others. Observe and plan.

First order of business is to talk to Ezra. Can catch him alone tonight before the saloon closes. Know he’ll be here until then. And I might get more out of him if it’s just the two of us.

Chris sipped his drink, eyes and ears taking in everything around him, even as he continued to focus on the problem. What he needed was a chance to talk with Nathan. But he wanted it to be natural, not forced. If he cornered the other man he wouldn’t get anywhere. Bit like leading a horse to water; you can’t make him drink. He smiled, finally hitting on the perfect time and place.

Yosemite got three new horses a few days ago. Know he wanted Ezra ta take a look at them, maybe get a feel for how much work they might need. But Ezra’s been laid up since that damn brawl. Be willing to bet he’ll be in the livery tomorrow. Nathan didn’t object to him riding out of town today, and Ezra is bound to interpret that as him being ready to get back to his usual routine. Which means...other than him bugging me about being put back on the duty roster, he’ll be in the livery, and likely working with those horses. Shouldn’t be too hard ta get Nathan there. Give us a chance to talk while he sees for himself that Ezra is good with more than just cards.

Chris nodded to himself, satisfied with his plan. All he needed to do was put it into action, and hope like hell nothing went wrong. He silently wished himself luck and downed the last of his drink.

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