Through Sunshine and Shadow by Debra Hicks

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Ezra leaned back in the hard chair. He had insisted on going back to his room and getting a shirt before joining the others at the jail. Vin refused to look at him, though now it seemed more out of embarrassment than anger. The others were sitting in silence, waiting for Chris to finish walking Missus Travis home. Ezra smiled, thinking she had not really needed the escort as much as Chris had needed to escort her.

"Ezra," JD said.

Looking over at the dark-haired youth, Ezra asked. "Yes, Mister Dunne?"

"Thank you," JD said with deep sincerity.

Ezra didn't pretend to misunderstand, he merely smiled. "Nothing any one of us wouldn't have done for the others, sir."

As soon as the words were out, Ezra realized how true they were. That actually made him frown, a reaction that he carefully hid behind his genteel smile. Despite what he had said, despite the friendship that filled the room, despite what Vin believed, Ezra knew that if the truth about himself and Vin were discovered, all the rest would end. Sadness filled his chest at that thought. He wanted the friendship, needed it. He knew that the same held true for Vin. Glancing sideways at Vin, he was faced with the question, not for the first time, whether what they would lose was worth the risk they were taking to be together. For himself the answer was yes, but he wondered if Vin realized the real consequences. And if he did, if his answer would be the same.

Restlessly, and to take his mind off the depressing thoughts, Ezra picked up the note that the gunman had been carrying. As he did, the door opened and Chris came in, followed by the judge.

"Gentlemen," ; Travis said cordially.

Chris didn't say anything, just went straight over to the cell and stared at the one conscious man. The other one was still down, though Nathan had said he would live. Vin had not hit him hard enough for any permanent damage. The man in black leaned against the bars, staring at the other man.

After a minute, in a voice that would have cut steel, Chris ordered, "Bring him out."

"Chris, I don't think that's a good idea," Buck said.

Ezra sat back, ready to enjoy the show. Chris didn't even bother to look over at Buck, merely continued his glaring. Even though not the direct recipient of the stare, Ezra could feel the temperature lowering.

"I'm going to find out who's behind this, Buck," Chris said in a low voice. "Now bring him out."

"Uh, Mister Larabee," Judge Travis said. "I don't believe, as a member of the legal establishment in this territory I can condone this approach."

Ezra watched a spark of hope flare in the prisoner's eyes. It was quickly dashed as Judge Travis continued by saying, "However, what happens after I retire is entirely up to you. Good night, gentlemen."

"Buck," Chris said, holding his hand out for the keys.

With a heavy sigh, Buck handed them over. Josiah put his hand on Chris' shoulder. "Brother Chris, as a sometime man of the cloth, I beg you to reconsider...." Chris cast him a quick glance over his shoulder. "I believe I will walk the judge home," Josiah finished.

"I'm the sheriff here..." JD threw in. "Guess I'd better leave too."

With only four of them left in the office, the prisoner shrank back against the wall. "I don't know nothing." The key clanked in the first set of locks. Chris let the door swing open with a rusty squeal. The man jumped. "Y'all cain't let him do this."

"My dear sir," Ezra added, "your companions tried to kill me and, as a result, destroyed a new shirt just arrived from New York."

From the corner of his eye Ezra saw Vin smile just a little at his statement. Maybe the tracker wasn't too upset. Chris was now approaching the second set of bars and the prisoner was visibly shaking.

"Honest, mister, I don't know shit. Hurst, the short guy, he planned all this, got his orders from someone else. He never told us who. We got a hundred dollars each to bring back the men on that list."

Ezra's head came up--seven hundred dollars! Someone desperately wanted them out of the way. There was no doubt in Ezra's mind that the man was telling the truth. He was too terrified to speak anything else. The reality of his words obviously reached Chris, as he stopped his deadly silent walk.

"If I find out you're lying, I'll take you apart a piece at a time," Chris promised quietly.

"It's the truth, honest."

Chris turned back, looked thoughtfully at the other three, then nodded. "Let's go outside. We'll send JD back in, take it in shifts tonight. Judge Travis can have them tomorrow."

Buck left, going to look for JD while Vin and Ezra made themselves comfortable on the bench outside. Vin sat down close, shoulder brushing Ezra's. After six months, they had learned an amazing shorthand, where a smile was as sensual as a kiss, a brush of a hand all that was needed to speak of love. Ezra controlled his smile, letting relief claim him and calm the last of his own anger. Chris stood across from them, leaning against the pole.

As they waited, Ezra found himself examining the note he had carried with him. The meager light from the lantern inside made it hard to read, but he had seen enough to have already noted a few interesting things. The others joined them and in a few short sentences Chris explained what they knew.

"Seven hundred dollars!" JD exclaimed. "That's a lot of money."

Vin looked toward Chris. "Do you think this could have anything to do with that shootout last winter?"

Everyone but Chris looked surprised at that. "Been thinking the same thing," he admitted.

"That was a while ago," Buck said. "Why wait?"

"Why wait is not the question," Ezra ventured. "Why, at all. Why the first attack--"

"To get our number," Vin suddenly explained.

Chris nodded. "Find out how many men protect the town."

"Spend the next few months identifying us," Ezra fell into the pattern.

"Then watch the town," Josiah picked up, "to decide the best time to take us."

"Like at a dance when everyone has put down their gun," JD added.

Looking puzzled, he asked, "How did they know about the dance?"

"Heck, JD," Buck countered, "that dance's been planned for a month, got notices up all over town and half the territory."

"But not the part about the guns," JD protested.

Ezra stared at their youngest member and nodded. "Mister Dunne is correct; one would have to be a local denizen to know about that addition to the night's festivities."

"Someone in town is passing information," Vin said in a level voice.

"Could be innocent," Chris said. "Mentioned in passing, someone riding through town."

"Or someone coming into town deliberately to find out things like this," Josiah said. "It might not be on the poster but it wasn't kept a big secret."

"Gentlemen," ; Ezra cut in, "I have a few more pieces to add to our puzzling predicament. This list is on the finest linen paper, quite expensive."

"Hell, Ezra, we already know there's money," Nathan argued.

"Agreed, but there are two elements here to increase our confusion," Ezra continued. "The script is in a lady's hand."

That brought a quick start from everyone.

"And?" Nathan prompted shortly, not liking Ezra's theatrics.

"And, Mister Larabee's name is absent from this list."

"What?" Chris said, taking the note Ezra held out. "But the bastard called me by name."

"So, this has something to do with one of us, but they ain't interested in Chris," JD ventured.

"I would say just the opposite," Ezra insisted. "It is Mister Larabee they are most interested in."

"Yep," Josiah said. "I agree."

"If they want me, why didn't they just take me?" Chris wondered.

"Because they'd a had six angry gunfighters to deal with," Buck said with a smile.

"Part of that miscreant's statement may have been correct," Ezra said. "It would seem that whoever is behind this does indeed wish a meeting with us; though the meeting, I feel, would have concluded with our demise."

"And leave Chris alone to face whoever she is," Vin reminded them.

"May not be a 'she' behind it," Buck cut in. "Just 'cause the note is in a lady's hand don't mean she wasn't just writing it down for someone."

Ezra had to smile; leave it to Buck to defend the ladies. He also, Ezra admitted, had a point. Something tugged at his memory and he frowned trying to bring it to the fore.

"We're just going in circles here," Chris complained.

"The only thing we have for sure is that it's someone rich and--" JD began.

"Brunswick!" ; Ezra suddenly came out of his chair and went back into the jail. He could hear the others following him after a moment of surprise. Walking straight to the cell, he noted that the second man was now groggily looking at them.

Calmly, Ezra said, "Now, boys, since I hesitate to use the term gentlemen, I have a few more questions for you: In what town where you recruited? How long ago? And how were you to be paid?"

The two hired killers glanced up at him, then behind him to Larabee. Ezra sighed, knowing very well that he was anything but threatening. "Come, come, I don't have the patience to waste allowing Mister Larabee to threaten you each time I require an answer." He pulled his gun, pointed it at the first man. "And you do still owe me a shirt."

The first man, the one already thoroughly cowed by Chris, finally shrugged. "Brunswick, nine days ago. We were supposed to collect when we delivered you to a place just outside town, near the fork to Eagle Bend."

Ezra frowned. He had hoped that wherever they were to be taken might have increased their list of clues. Turning to the others, he explained about the telegram from Big Lester. Hesitantly, he looked at Chris, ready for an explosion over the fact that he had dared interfere in the search for his family's killers. The green eyes did indeed hold anger, but it was not the icy cold that drove many men back in their tracks.

"Why didn't you tell me about this?" Chris said in a low, dangerous voice.

Ezra said easily, "I only received the telegram two days ago. I replied to Big Lester, encouraging him to let me know anything else, especially once he arrived in Brunswick. I have yet to receive a reply."

"Chris," Vin said, suddenly stepping up next to Ezra. "Ezra had no way of knowing that any of this was about us. Fowler's old gang could have been planning anything."

"So," Buck ventured slowly, "this all comes back to Fowler and the person who hired him."

Again Ezra whirled toward the prisoners. "When were we to be delivered?"

The man had sat down now, too tired and beaten to even think about protesting. "Hurst was gonna ride on to Eagle Bend, telegraph his boss, then get directions to the final meeting place."

"Damn," Chris said harshly, slamming his palm into iron bars. Turning, he stormed out the door.

Vin darted after him, getting in front of him he hit the sidewalk. "Where you going?"

Ezra and the others stepped out of the hot jail into the equally warm night. Nathan slammed the door behind them.

"Brunswick," ; Chris snapped.

"That ain't a good idea, cowboy," Vin said.

"Mister Larabee," Ezra joined them. "The person behind this Machiavellian scheme obviously knows you. I would hazard a guess that they also know Buck, since he was with you during... when your family was killed."

"Get to the damn point, Ezra," Chris demanded.

"My point is that going to Brunswick will either cause them to flee or cause them to kill you. Likewise, if we were all to ride into the town."

Cold green-blue eyes stared down into his, but Ezra held the gaze unflinchingly. Finally, the frost melted and Chris sighed. "What's your plan?"

Ezra smiled at the assumption that he had a plan. "My plan, sir, depends on how our prisoner answers my next question."

Leaving the others outside this time, Ezra once more went inside and straight to the cell. "How did Hurst know who to take?" Ezra asked bluntly.

"How many questions you gonna ask, Reb?" the man demanded.

Slipping his gun out once more, Ezra stated, "I can arrange matters so that this will be the very last one you have to endure."

He dropped the calm façade enough to let his hatred show and was pleased to see the prisoner sit up a little. "Had names on all seven, knew what four of them looked like. Hurst figured the other three would give themselves away trying to stop us."

"Which were you certain of?" Ezra asked.

"Larabee, Dunne, Jackson and Wilmington."

Ezra nodded. The list confirmed that the person behind this knew Larabee and Wilmington. Jackson and Dunne would be the easiest to identify by description. "What were you told about the remaining three?"

"Standish is a gambler, dresses fancy, kind of short." Ezra bridled at the remark but remained silent. "Tanner carries a sawed-off, wears rough clothes, scruffy looking." Again Ezra held his tongue. "Sanchez is an extra big preacher, bearded, kinda homely."

Having heard enough, Ezra whirled to join the others. Expectation filled each man's eyes. It was Vin who asked, "What'd you find out?"

"You're scruffy; Josiah is homely and I'm short," Ezra said sarcastically.

There was a moment of silence, then JD chuckled, and after a minute the others followed him, giving in to the chance for a little relief from the tension and long night.

"I am not short," Ezra complained.

"Well, that's better than homely," Josiah explained; though he didn't seem very upset over the statement. The others laughed a little more and even Chris smiled.

Ezra repeated what he'd been told. Then, looking at Chris he said, "Based on the information provided by our very helpful prisoners, I would suggest that Vin and I ride to Brunswick, contact Big Lester, if he is still in the area, and attempt to find out more about this gang. If Lady Luck were to smile on us, we might even be able to hire on."

"What makes you think they ain't gonna catch on to someone fancy- dressed riding with someone, uh, scruffy-looking," Buck said, unable, despite the seriousness of the question, to contain his smile.

"Very simple, Mister Wilmington," Ezra said before Vin could think of a comeback. "I do not intend to be 'fancy dressed' nor is Vin going to be in his usual attire."

"I ain't?" Vin asked. His tone said he was worried about what Ezra had in mind.

Taking the opportunity to throw his arm around Vin's shoulders, he said, "Trust me, Mister Tanner."

"And what about the rest of us?" Buck said, sounding peeved that he wasn't going.

"We're all going to get some sleep," Nathan ordered, nodding toward the just approaching dawn. "All of this can wait until morning."

There were mutters of disagreement but even Chris finally admitted that it was enough for the time. As they all started to move into the night, Ezra stepped up to Chris, letting the sincerity reach his eyes.

"We will do our utmost to discover something, Chris," he promised.

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Chris looked twice at Vin, then back at Ezra, then back to Vin. Until that moment, despite Ezra's misadventure in the purple dress, Chris had never truly appreciated the multitude of talent the gambler possessed. Ezra had exchanged his tailored jacket and perfectly- pleated pants for a plain suede coat, a dark green shirt and tight cotton pants. Chris couldn't help but notice that, even when trying to dress more conservatively, he had still chosen a shirt that matched his eyes. His fine handcarved holster and shoulder rig had been replaced with two, low strapped well-worn plain leather holsters. An old Confederate gray cap had replaced his hat. Chris shook his head. Ezra looked like a man who could ride a herd or kill for money, someone no one would ever notice in a crowd.

His attention switched the Vin and to an even more remarkable change. Vin's hair was tied back with a leather thong, making him look younger and at the same time harder. The buckskins were gone, replaced with a white shirt, a black leather vest and black leather pants. A thin bolo tie with a turquoise clasp hung from his neck, the only hint of color in the monochrome outfit. Even his guns hung in black holsters; the darkness of the leather bringing out the white of the bone handles. Chris was not unobservant; he knew very well that Ezra had dressed Vin in almost an identical outfit to what Chris wore. What surprised him was how much menace the outfit brought out in the usually unassuming tracker. The blue eyes seemed cutting as Vin gave him a glare, then softened as he grinned.

"He looks as scary as you do, Chris," Buck laughed.

Ignoring him, Chris said to Ezra, letting him know he understood the plan, "People notice Vin and you do the talking."

The conman smiled at him, looking harmless and very friendly, exactly what he would want everyone to see. "That may be wishing for too much. If our change of apparel only keeps us from going unrecognized, I will deem it successful."

Nathan handed Ezra's horse's reins to him. "How long y'all 'spect to be gone?"

Ezra tilted his head to say something but was cut off by Vin saying, "I figure ten days once we get there."

Chris nodded. That made sense. It was four days to Brunswick, four back. That put his two friends away for nearly three weeks. He didn't like it but could see no way around it. They had agreed to telegraph on arrival and if anything was uncovered. What they hadn't discussed was the fact that Chris would be there in three days if he didn't hear from them. They hadn't discussed it because Vin and Ezra already knew it.

Stepping up between the horses, Chris put a hand on each man's leg. He didn't let either of them see his fear. "You boys be careful. These men don't mind killing."

Vin nodded solemnly and Ezra gave him a quick tip of his hat, then they were off.

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"This is it?" Ezra questioned.

Vin only smiled, something he had been doing for the whole ride. Now, over his shoulder, he looked through the narrow opening into the cave he had used on several occasions when hunting. It really didn't look like much, the entrance covered with scrub and thorny vines.

"Ain't much to look on out here," he agreed.

He had told Ezra that he had special plans for their first night out. Despite the seriousness of their mission, he couldn't help but be excited by the fact that they were out of town together. Once they hit Brunswick they would once more have to be only friends, but for two glorious nights, Ezra was his. When Ezra had tried to question him about the details, he had been vague, which only served to darken Ezra's beautiful eyes with lust. He glanced over at the smaller man, wanting nothing more than to take him in his arms right there, but there were things to get done before dark.

"It gets better inside," he promised.

Ezra stepped closer, ran his hand along Vin's cheek. "I have discovered that my comfort level lowers in direct proportion to how much I desire to be with you."

Taking the hand off his cheek, Vin kissed along Ezra's narrow wrist. "If that's your way of saying you like being with me no matter what...." He let his words die as he leaned forward and kissed Ezra very lightly. "Will you do something for me, Ezra?"

"Anything," Ezra answered simply.

"There's a pen south side of the rise. Will you tend the horses while I take care of some things?"

Vin watched the green eyes light with curiosity, but Ezra nodded and reached for the reins to Vin's mare. They had already stripped off the saddles. Vin reached for him as Ezra turned the horses.

"Ezra," Vin said. When the other man looked over his shoulder, Vin smiled. "I'll come get you when I'm ready."

The wonderful dimpled smile, the one that had first drawn him to the egotistical gambler, lit the gathering dusk. "I will be looking forward to it, Mister Tanner."

Whatever Vin was doing was taking far too long. Ezra gave each horse another pat, then paced away and back, resisting the urge to take a peek inside to see what was going on, resisting the urge to take a sip from his ever-present flask. He was almost afraid of what Vin had come up with for comfort. As much as he loved the man, their particular lifestyles were directly opposite each other. That brought a smile to Ezra's face. If Vin were going to show him how wonderful it could be in the wilds of New Mexico, perhaps one day, Ezra would get a chance to show him the joys to be found in the wilds of New Orleans.

"If you keep lookin' so happy, someone's gonna notice," Vin's voice carried over the slight breeze.

Vin smiled warmly, hand coming up toward Ezra. Hesitantly, and only after a look around, Ezra took the offer, letting Vin lead him around to the cavern. Without a word, Vin gently pushed Ezra in front. With a puzzled look, Ezra walked inside. The entrance was narrow, dark and damp. Ezra stopped as the darkness closed around him. He was not afraid of the dark but was a little concerned that there didn't seem to be any light in front of him.

"Vin?"

"Twenty feet, then a sharp right," Vin assured him, hand resting on Ezra's back.

Moving carefully with his hand on the cavern wall, Ezra finally saw the slight glow from the tunnel he was looking for. He stepped around the corner--and stopped, mouth dropping open in amazement.

The corridor opened up into a huge area with a high ceiling covered in glittering stalactites. The beautiful formations cascaded down the walls into a floor deep with fine, soft sand. A half dozen candles were set around the area. Light that would have been meager outside was magnified and enhanced by the darkness that filled the area. The limestone formations sparkled with their light. On the floor, surrounded by the candles and with a small fire burning brightly beside them, were two large Navajo blankets. The smell of coffee gave the room a homey feeling that belied the unworldliness of the setting. Ezra continued to stare.

The hand on his back moved to his upper arm, turned him slightly. He looked up into dark blue eyes that reflected the sparkle of the candles, that were filled with warmth and love.

Ezra wrapped himself around Vin and kissed him deeply, holding tight. Vin's response was to tangle his hands in Ezra's hair and return the passion. When they eased apart, Vin laughed.

"Reckon you like it," he said.

It took Ezra a minute to get his voice. When he did, he felt himself smiling. "Vin, there are times when you rival Mister Larabee in understatement." Kissing along Vin's throat, he continued, "And you have given yourself away, Vin."

Looking at him narrowly, Vin asked, "What?"

"You, my love, are not only an accomplished poet but an unequaled romantic."

Blushing, Vin said, "Come on, got something else to show you."

Ezra was almost holding his breath, as Vin grabbed a lantern from near the blankets and led them down a narrow, winding corridor. Several times they had to turn sideways to proceed. It occurred to Ezra that of the seven only the two of them and JD could have gotten through. Once again the claustrophobic tunnel gave way to a bigger cavern, though this one did not rival the grandeur of the first. The stalactites in this one were huge columns, falling from a low ceiling and surrounding an absolutely crystal clear fifteen foot round pool.

Vin set the lantern next to the pool, and Ezra leaned over to gaze in. The bottom was multi-colored and appeared only a few inches down. Mesmerized by the reflection, Ezra slipped his hand through the water, only to discover that it was much deeper than it looked and it was wonderfully warm. He jerked his arm out, looking in dismay at his wet sleeve. Vin chuckled behind him.

Turning, Ezra started to give him a dirty look. But Vin was beginning to disrobe, and all of Ezra's comments died on his lips as he watched the quick strip. When the lean tracker was down to just his pants, he looked expectantly up at Ezra.

"Well," Vin said impatiently, "I don't know about you, but I'm all for a bath before supper--or other things."

Ezra couldn't recall ever stripping so fast, even though he was still careful to put the clothes on a rock far away from the pool. As he reached for his pants, Vin sat on the side of the pool and lowered himself carefully into the water. Ezra stared, watching the way the reflection of the lantern was broken up by the ripples Vin raised in the crystal water. Vin's fair skin seemed to pick up the light, glittering with the warm gold glow.

Dropping his pants, Ezra followed the same procedure as Vin to enter the pool. Just as the water touched his already sensitive nipples he hit the bottom, feeling the sand and gravel shift a little under his feet. The water was perfect after the too-hot afternoon: cool enough to ease the heat, warm enough not to be shocking. Closing his eyes with a sigh, he let himself sink all the way into the water, let it wash off the dust of travel, the weariness of the heat. A hand touched his chest, then lips were on his. He came to the surface locked in a kiss with Vin.

When Ezra tried to deepen the kiss, though, Vin broke away and took Ezra's hand. Once more Ezra followed as Vin led him to the other side of the pool, a side flush with the rock wall.

"Ledge here to sit on," Vin explained.

The slightly taller tracker sat down, the water coming to just under his chin. When Ezra sat down, the water tickled at his lips. They both leaned back with twin sighs, letting the warm water and calm surround them, drifting with the pleasure. Ezra leaned his head back against the rocks, looked up at the decorated ceiling, marveling at the colors in the paper-thin drapes of rock. He felt Vin slide closer and looked over to find his lover smiling tenderly. Raising an eyebrow, he silently asked what Vin was thinking.

Vin's answer was just as silent; he leaned down and kissed him. Ezra tilted his head back to make sure he was clear of the water, then returned the kiss, tongue dueling with Vin's, heat starting along his nerves that made the water feel cooler. His arms went around Vin's shoulders, pulling him closer. He brushed the long hair, annoyed to find it still tied back. Ezra let Vin support him as he untied the leather holding back the fine locks. Burying his hands in the wet silk, Ezra moaned deep, sucking hard on Vin's tongue.

Easing away, Vin said, "Soak now, kiss later."

Managing to look indignant, Ezra said, "I'm not the one who instigated the action, Mister Tanner."

Vin only closed his eyes and slipped down in the water, leaning back against the smooth stone wall. Still a little breathless from the kiss, Ezra found himself studying the grotto. "How did you locate such an amazing destination, Vin?"

With his eyes still closed, Vin said, "Kiowas. Used it for hideout, healing. Not many white men have seen it."

Ezra smiled. "Then I am honored that you have shared it with me."

Blue eyes opened, slight surprise at his sincerity shading them. "Honest?"

Nodding, he said, "I feel privileged whenever you share a part of your life with me. One day, perhaps, I will be afforded a chance to do the same."

He was suddenly wrapped in long arms and pulled against Vin's warm body. He barely had time to smile before Vin's tongue filled his mouth, drawing a moan as the heat crept through him. Once, without really knowing how he was doing it, Ezra had managed to say the perfect thing. It seemed he had done it again. When the taller man eased away, Ezra could see the love shining in his eyes, and more than just a little lust.

A callused hand slid down his arm, took his elbow. "Come on. We done soaked long enough."

Pulling back, Ezra forced a hint of irritation into his voice. "We've only just gotten settled. I've yet to be..."

Vin sliding closer, lips teasing along his chin effectively cut off his protest. "Okay," Vin agreed easily. "I'll just be waiting for you in the other cave."

Knowing when a bluff was called was the sign of a good gambler, and Ezra was one of the best. He was out of the water before Vin had a chance to say anything else. The lean tracker glanced at him from the pool, and started laughing. Ezra chuckled as he reached his hand down for his friend. Vin climbed out, right into Ezra's tight embrace and hot kiss.

Ezra moaned low, heat flowing through him, making his cock twitch impatiently. "I love you."

"That's good to know, Ezra, since I feel the same," Vin whispered into his ear.

Taking the lantern, Vin gave a featherlight brush of his hand to Ezra's cock. "Careful in the cut, we don't want you scraping nothing important."

Reaching for his clothes, Ezra let his gaze follow the handsome man leading the way. The glow from the lantern cast erotic shadows on Vin's muscled form, increasing the desire that had already claimed Ezra. As he eased through the narrow passage, he let his thoughts wander to what Vin had said before about being taken, what it might be like to take him, what it might be like to be taken. He took a sharp breath at both ideas as he came into the first cavern.

Vin set the lantern down, sank cross-legged to the blankets and held his hand out for Ezra. Dropping his clothes haphazardly, Ezra knelt next to his companion, mesmerized by the sparkle of candlelight in the beautiful eyes. He leaned closer, began kissing along Vin's shoulder, up to his throat, only his mouth touching. Vin's hands stroked down his back, slipped around to the front and brushed again over Ezra's hardening cock. Ezra moaned, nipped at the junction of Vin's neck and shoulder. Ezra brought his hand up, cupped Vin's chin and took his mouth, tongue sliding into welcome.

With a soft moan, Vin fell back, pulling Ezra down on top of him, long legs locking around the gambler's back. Ezra gasped, feeling the hard press of Vin's erection into his stomach. Before his hands could continue their feast, Vin rolled over so that he was straddling Ezra's hips. A large hand came down in the middle of his chest and he looked up in question at Vin.

The look Ezra saw this time was dangerous and seductive. "You were kinda rough on yourself last time, pard," Vin said huskily. "Guess it's my turn to do the educating again."

As he spoke, his hand drifted down Ezra's chest. Ezra felt the words as much as the touches, felt the desire that flowed from Vin's hard fingers, the love that drowned the fear, lurking like a shadow just at the edge of his mind. Giving himself to the other man, he smiled as the fear faded. Vin smiled crookedly above him, feeling the surrender and trust.

"Is this to be teaching by example?" Ezra asked innocently.

The only answer was for Vin to take Ezra's right hand and wrap it around the base of his own partially risen cock. Ezra flinched slightly at the feel of the scarred flesh in his grip but he didn't have time to think on it before Vin shifted down, licking slowly up Ezra's cock, deliberately following the twisting scars. Fire etched his nerves, and Ezra moaned quietly, his eyes drifting closed, his legs falling open, his body obeying the silent commands Vin was giving.

"Watch me, Ezra," Vin demanded.

Forcing his eyes open, Ezra was entranced as the full lips moved sensuously down his cock while Vin's fingers played lightly just below where he had placed Ezra's hand. His cock swelled a little more, hardening under Vin's talented mouth. When Vin's next slide down brought him to Ezra's fist, he eased his fingers under Ezra's, encouraging him to follow his moves. With another small moan, Ezra kept his hand in contact with Vin's soft lips, moving up and back down his now wet, slippery cock. Van smiled at him, picking up the pace a little.

"Oh, God, Vin...." Ezra panted.

On the next move up, Vin's mouth left him and he gasped his surprise. Vin's fingers still kept up the rhythm, ordering him to follow. The tracker licked across his fingers, giving little licks to his cock's flared head before dropping to suck gently on loose flesh of his ball. Once more Ezra gasped, trying desperately to steady his erratic breathing. His hand started to move faster, encouraged by the pleasure ripping through him.

"Feels good, huh, pard," Vin whispered. His soft breath floated over Ezra's wet cock. His hand wrapped around Ezra's, slowing his moves.

Ezra moaned. "Vin... please..."

Vin continued to ease his hand up and down, ignoring Ezra's pleading. "Enjoy it. Talk to me."

"Talk?" Ezra asked, trying to figure out if he could do that.

Vin's soft chuckle sent a flare of love through Ezra's chest to combine with the heat of lust. With a whimper, he tried again to get Vin to move faster. The strong hand covering his tightened but refused to step up the pace.

"Come on, Ezra, you remember how. Tell me what it feels like," Vin urged.

Almost afraid to do it, Ezra let himself think about what was under his hand, as well as the fire and ice singing along his nerves. "The scars..." he swallowed hard, felt an encouraging kiss to the head of his cock. "It feels rather strange when I rub over them," He paused, thinking. "But the areas between seem even more sensitive. The--"

Ezra was momentarily startled as Vin shifted with swift grace, taking him in a deep kiss, while his hand keep up the slow, erotic dance. "Tell me what it feels like," Vin repeated.

Closing his eyes, he felt Vin move back down, the perfect mouth again teasing along the head of his shaft, sucking on the hard ball. "It feels..." Ezra panted. "It's ... like being on fire and ... in snow.... It is too perfect for words."

Vin kissed down his chest slowly, still keeping the same maddening pace with his hand. The heat went up and Ezra felt his voice fade into another inarticulate groan. Vin allowed his hand to move faster. On the next stroke down, Vin's grasp fell away, leaving Ezra on his own. Forcing his eyes open, Ezra looked down to the blue gaze. Vin pulled back a little, the desire in his eyes clearly visible in lamplight. Ezra pushed up into his hand, hips coming off the soft blanket.

The disgust and memories were gone, lost under the heated gaze of his handsome tracker. Ezra smiled. Flirting was an art to a southern gentleman and he began to play to his audience of one. He slowed his pace, letting his fingers play over the swollen head, his other hand drifting up his stomach, grazing lightly over both nipples. Moaning he arched up, feeling the tightening across his stomach, down through his aching cock. Vin's eyes widened in surprise. With his eyes still holding Vin's, Ezra started moving again, thrusting into his hand, deliberately bringing his hips off the blanket high enough to attract Vin's attention to his ass.

"Damn, Ezra," Vin whispered.

Ezra expected Vin to start on his own cock, but the taller man shifted, sliding closer, between Ezra's legs. Ezra's pace faltered for an instant as Vin's hands slipped under his ass, shifting him so that on the next stroke Vin's tongue teased under his ball, slipped down the taut skin and circled the tight opening to his body. For an instant he was too startled to respond, then his body took over, thrusting back against the wet tongue.

"Vin!" Ezra cried.

The waves started down his back, arching it up with their passing, condensed at his cock, hardening it. The tongue slipped into his body and thought vanished under flame and ice. It was too much; it was everything Ezra had always wanted to feel with another: the surrender, and the trust. His hand squeezed hard on his solid cock.

"Vin! God....!" Ezra screamed his coming, white fluid pumping over his fingers, splattering into Vin's soft hair.

The world exploded around him, leaving him floating, suspended somewhere warm and safe. The only thing he was aware of for an eternity was the pounding of his heart. Soft lips brushed his, bringing him back to a new reality made up of the same warm safety. He looked up at Vin, surprised to find that his lover had moved to straddle his hips. Vin leaned away, strong hands reaching for his cock. Ezra smiled, entranced by the man above him, by the way Vin's smooth muscles flexed under the pale skin. The sapphire eyes slid shut as Vin gave into his need.

Ezra suddenly wanted to do more than watch, wanted to share the passion that was evident in Vin's every move. Gathering his strength, he flipped the lighter man over, switching their positions briefly before sliding down. Green eyes connected with hot blue. Vin was holding his breath, waiting for Ezra to do something. Ezra smiled and licked up the big cock jutting up in front of him. Vin cried out, hand reaching to help. Ezra batted it away, leaning in and letting the shaft slide into his mouth, while his hand tightened on the base of the large cock.

Vin's hands tangled in his hair as he thrust deep, bumping the back of his throat. Ezra choked and Vin pulled back, still thrusting but in short strokes. Increasing his suction, Ezra moaned, felt the vibrations send a shiver through the strong body under his ministrations. Encouraged, he moved faster, sliding down as far as he could, sucking hard, tongue busy on the big shaft. Vin was panting now, mumbling Ezra's name just under his breath. One hand moved off Ezra's head, gripping the blanket with white knuckles.

"Ezra... gonna...."

Ezra felt Vin stiffen, muscles locking with pleasure. The cock held tight between his lips pulsed and thick, bitter fluid flooded his mouth. Despite his best effort, he once more gagged and most of Vin's offering ran down his chin. Vin bucked, a final push into Ezra's mouth, then he sagged back with a small moan. Still holding the firm cock, Ezra chuckled, well pleased with his efforts. After a minute Vin's shaft softened and Ezra released him with a final kiss.

Sparkling eyes watched him as he eased his way up to rest his chin on Vin's chest. They lay in comfortable silence, their eyes reflecting the love they didn't need to speak of. Then Vin shifted slightly, reaching behind him at the edge of the blanket.

Smiling, he handed Ezra his flask. "Taste can take some getting used to."

Thankfully, Ezra took a large sip. "Not the taste so much," he said, "but the texture."

Putting the flask aside, Ezra laid his head down, feeling sated and completely relaxed for the first time in longer than he could remember. Even their first night together, he had been so nervous that he had never completely let his defenses down. Shifting, he looked up at the man he loved. Vin started to say something else only to have it cut off by a wide yawn.

Ezra trailed his hand through the light dusting of hair on Vin's chest. "I suggest that we partake of the wonderful springs again before we decide on our culinary adventure for the night."

"Rather just lay here for a while," Vin said softly.

He spread his arms and Ezra moved willingly up, sliding close, resting his head on Vin's slightly bony shoulder. A kiss landed on the top of his head while Vin's hand stroked down his back.

"Now I know what causes a housecat to purr," Ezra said with a chuckle.

Vin's answering laugh bounced Ezra's head, causing him to look up at the tracker. "That 'cause of the petting, or the cream you had?"

Ezra felt the blood rise in his face and Vin's smile turned into a hearty laugh. "Damn, Ezra, I'd'a never figured you to color up like that."

Long arms wrapped around him and Ezra was pulled across Vin's chest. Soft kisses covered his face before Vin merely settled back, holding him close and safe. Ezra sighed, feeling himself slip toward sleep. Then Vin's stomach growled. It was Ezra's turn to chuckle as he tilted his head to look up.

"You had an earlier objection to dinner?" Ezra prompted. "Would you perhaps like to reconsider that?"

Instead of answering, Vin stroked Ezra's cheek.

"Days of watching you,
Through sunshine and shadow.
Nights of sitting with you,
Through sorrow and smiles.
All of these,
The sunshine, the shadows,
The sorrow and the smiles,
I would spend forever sharing."

Once more Ezra found himself speechless in the face of such simple eloquence. "Vin... I can never... say...."

"Sure you can," Vin whispered. "Just say it."

Blinking, Ezra leaned forward, kissing Vin just on the side of the mouth. "I love you." Vin's smile crinkled his eyes, melting Ezra's heart. The gambler started kissing him. "I love you."

His heart begged him to promised Vin he would stay with him forever, but that part of his mind that was infinitely practical, that was always in control, warned him that it was a promise he couldn't keep. He cursed silently. Why couldn't he just accept this? The fear of love, the fear of letting Vin see the real him was gone, was a dark memory, but the fear of the others, of the town, remained, shadowing his happiness. Vin must have sensed his hesitation; taking his face between callused hands, Vin claimed him in a deep kiss.

The lean tracker only pulled away far enough to meet Ezra's eyes. "Ain't no one gonna come 'tween," he promised fiercely.

Staring into the azure eyes, seeing the protectiveness in their depths, Ezra could only nod and kiss him again. Forcing the thoughts away, Ezra sprang up, hauling Vin to his feet. "A hot bath beckons, followed by a lovely supper--"

"And dessert," Vin cut in with a wicked smile.

Ezra nearly gasped at the lust visible in Vin's expression.

+ + + + + + +

It was hard for Vin not to laugh at Ezra's low muttering. He knew very well what his lover was complaining about. Spending their second night out surrounded by chattering children was not what either of them had in mind. While he knew Ezra loved kids, Vin also knew that he had been looking forward to a second romantic evening as much as Vin had. Still, when they had happened on the broken wagon filled with seven children and their near-to-panic mother, there was no way they could keep riding. Between the two of them, they had managed to get the wheel back on the wagon, though Vin had suggested she turn around for Eagle Bend rather than trying for Brunswick.

Ezra rolled out his blankets near the small fire with a heavy sigh. Vin just chuckled quietly.

"I am pleased that you are able to find some humor in this situation, Mister Tanner," Ezra said shortly.

"Well," Vin drawled, "it was a right good supper."

Ezra glared at him. "I would have gladly forfeited supper in favor of a repeat of last night's dessert."

Making the pretense of helping Ezra move the wood closer to the fire, Vin whispered, "Cave'll be there on the ride home. We'll do something special."

He heard Ezra take a deep breath at that promise, then sigh it out. The smaller man sat down on the blanket. "Perhaps this enforced break is not all bad. It will give us a chance to discuss the details of tomorrow's subterfuge."

Vin grimaced at thoughts of tomorrow. While it made sense for him and Ezra to come, it was not the sort of thing he was comfortable with. Getting too good at reading his thoughts, Ezra said, "You will be fine, Vin. I'm sure your performance will be quite convincing."

"Wish you'd quit calling it a performance."

Ezra continued as if he hadn't heard. "It would be best to go in together. We'll let it be known that we are looking for gainful employment, lawful or illicit, mattering not."

"Got that part," Vin said. "What about asking direct if anyone knows an owlhoot named Fowler?"

Vin noted that the slight look of gratitude in Ezra's eyes when asked his opinion of the plan. He knew he still owed Ezra an apology for the other night, for getting upset over his early entrance to the dance. One look into those crystal green eyes told him that there was no need for it, that by letting Ezra lead in this adventure, he had made it up. Thoughts of the night of the dance sent a shiver of ice through Vin's nerves. It was the first time he had allowed himself to think of it. As much as he had always hated the idea of any of the others wounded, it paled by comparison to the terror he had felt when he watched Ezra hit the floor.

"Ezra," he said quietly, "promise to be careful."

A confused look answered him but, after a minute, Ezra smiled. "It is one of my better talents. Now, as to asking about Fowler, I suggest that we avoid that since it would indicate we are more knowledgeable than we should be, given our situation."

Seeing the logic in that, Vin nodded. "Yeah, reckon you're right."

"Now, as to names...."

"Names?" Vin wondered.

"Mister Tanner," Ezra said patiently, "we can hardly continue to use our proper names."

"Oh, yeah."

"What is your middle name, Vin?" Ezra asked innocently, reaching for his coffee.

Flinching slightly, Vin asked, "Cain't we just make up something?"

Ezra's head snapped up, then he very gradually smiled. "Come now, it can't be that horrendous."

"You first," Vin insisted.

The gold tooth from Ezra's smile caught the firelight. "Paul."

Vin stared at him. He had heard at least four different versions of Ezra's middle name, from "Persuasive" to "Poindexter." "Paul? That's it?"

"What were you expecting?" Ezra was intrigued.

"Ain't sure," Vin admitted. "Something more... pretentious."

"Pretentious!" Ezra chuckled at his use of the word. "I seem to be rubbing off on you." Before Vin could answer that as he wanted, Ezra glared at him and said, "Don't."

"So," Vin picked up, hoping he had distracted Ezra enough. "What...?"

"Name," his companion said firmly.

Seeing no way out, Vin sighed. "Alphonse."

Across the fire, he watched Ezra's eyes widen, the corners of his mouth moving uncontrollably up. A tingle went down Vin's back as Ezra ran his thumb over his lips. "Um, a very... noble name Vin. I... uh.... Vincent Alphonse Tanner is a far more... more memorable moniker than Ezra Paul Standish."

Vin wasn't paying much attention to his friend's words. He was too busy watching his struggle to get his composure back. It amused him that the others seemed to think that Ezra had a poker face. That was only true if a person didn't look into those jade-colored eyes. He also felt a tickle of delight that he could set that sparkle into those eyes with just a look or a word.

"Well," Ezra said, once in control again. "At least it will be easy to shorten. Al."

Nodding, Vin said, "Paul." Placing his bedroll next to the fire opposite Ezra, he walked around to join him. "Haven't had much reading lately," Vin not so subtly suggested.

With a warm smile Ezra reached over and retrieved his saddlebags. As he started flipping through the small book, he paused. "Vin, has Mister Larabee ever expressed to you the status of his homestead?"

After a minute to translate that, Vin shook his head. "He ain't never said one way or the other. I think it's still his just 'cause he ain't let hisself think on selling it."

There was another moment of silence as both of them considered the situation they were hoping to cast some light on. It was Vin's turn to ask a question. "Ezra, could you hear Fowler that night in the saloon?"

"Perfectly." The cold in Ezra's normally smooth tones told Vin exactly how much it had shaken him.

"I was behind JD, couldn't catch it. What'd he say exactly?" Vin requested.

Ezra paused, thinking. "He told Mister Larabee, ‘I was paid to get you. Your little family just got in the way. I do apologize for killing them. I have to admit, though, that I did enjoy it.'"

"Damn," Vin muttered.

He had known it was bad, had seen the pain in Chris' face, as sharp as if he were just finding the bodies of his family. It had been tough for several weeks after the incident, taking all the men to keep Chris from disappearing into a bottle again. A sad smile touched Vin's mouth. Though Ezra would never admit how concerned he had been, Vin remembered it as being one of the first times he saw behind the gambler's tight control to the loyalty he knew the man was capable of. Several long nights of those hellish weeks had found Ezra in the saloon with Chris, usually involved in a silent game of cards. Vin knew that there were also many hours of mostly one-sided conversation, Ezra keeping Chris' mind off drinking by the simple method of boring him with long winded stories.

"Why do you suppose someone would still want Chris dead after near three years?" Vin asked.

Ezra's only answer was to mutter softly, "Get you.... get you."

Vin could hear the consideration in the man's words, would swear he could almost hear him thinking. "What?"

"Whoever the dastardly villain behind this twisted plot is, he does not wish Mister Larabee dead, at least, not immediately."

"Why you think that?" Vin asked.

"'Get you' and kill you are not the same thing," Ezra announced calmly. "Also, during our first altercation with the hired assassins, they were careful not to cause harm to him. Likewise, when they took the hostages at the dance."

"You're thinking someone wants Chris alive. Why?"

"It has been my experience that three things would make a person this committed to an action--a large sum of money, power or revenge."

"Might be revenge," Vin said. "They could want to kill him face to face."

"If there is something of worth on his land; cattle, timber, mining perhaps?" Ezra speculated.

"Not much mining in that area--" Vin answered,

Ezra's head snapped up, eyes narrowing. "Mining. Did not Mister Garner mention that his son had, just prior to his murder, purchased a mining company near Red Fork?"

"Yeah, but that's a hell of a long way from Chris' place."

"Mining operations are frequently far-flung," Ezra said with a yawn.

Vin smiled, knowing he was the cause of his companion's sudden need of an early night. "Sleepy there, Ezra?" he said mildly.

Ezra glared at him. "Yes, Mister Tanner, it would seem large desserts, delivered at dawn, are not conducive to a decent night's sleep."

Putting another log on the fire, Vin said sympathetically, "That's really too bad there, pard, since I'm real fond of sweets at dawn."

"Well," Ezra cleared his throat, "I suppose I could learn to take my rest a bit earlier in preparation of the arrival of the morning confections."

The green eyes, night black, met his across the fire and Vin found himself laughing at the eager look in Ezra's gaze. He gestured, leaning back against the saddle. "Read, 'fore you fall asleep."

Nodding, Ezra picked up the small book--and suddenly found himself surrounded by children. Before he could say anything, an exhausted voice carried through the dark night. "Children, come here! Leave Mister Standish alone...."

Vin watched as the two smallest flopped down in front of Ezra, gazing up with the same adoring looking he constantly had to keep off his face. The attention from the little ones was too much, and Ezra smiled.

"It's quite all right, Missus Brin, I am only too happy to advance the youngsters in their pursuit of the arts." A quick glance asked Vin permission, which he happily gave with a warm smile. "I believe Mister Tanner and I had just about to embark on an adventure with Mister Revere."

Pulling his hat down low over his eyes, Vin watched as the children crowded around his lover. He let Ezra's voice carry him away.

"Listen, my children and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere...."

+ + + + + + +

Ezra sighed, looking down morosely at his hand. He didn't really have to look at it; he knew very well what he had dealt himself. Across from him, he admired Vin's control. Most men would have given away the three nines in the hand. The two men at the sunlit table with them also remained impassive, at least to most people. Ezra had picked up enough clues that, even had he not known their hands, he would have known how to bet.

"Fold," he said with a frown.

His folding gained little interest, proving that neither of the other two men suspected he was cheating. Since their arrival in town three days before they had made it well known that Vin was a gun for hire. Ezra was his tagalong friend, not as cutthroat, but willing to go wherever the other man went. While they had not been approached directly, the previous night's poker game had lead to several questions being directed at Vin concerning what he was willing to do for a dollar. Vin had played his part well, answering in only vague nods and one word questions.

"Raise two bits," the man to Ezra's left said. He was pale skinned with light blue eyes and dirty blond hair.

"I'm surprised," Ezra said casually, scanning the room. "Big town like this and you ain't got a gambler?"

"Jack Stebbin don't like gamblers," the man opposite him said. He was so much like his partner that Ezra wondered if perhaps they were related. There was some doubt, though, since this man was several inches taller than the other.

"Stebbin makes the rules ‘round here?" Vin asked quietly, laying two cards on the table.

The two men didn't miss Vin's sarcasm but didn't seem to take it seriously. One laughed. "Yeah, he took over after Cletus got killed."

Ezra saw Vin react to the name even as he fought to keep his own expression neutral. It was too late, though; the smaller of the two had noticed.

"You heard of Fowler?" he asked.

A thread of worry trailed into Ezra's stomach. While Vin had done an admirable job as the silent partner, now he was being called on to improvise, to provide an explanation for his reaction that would not scare off the two men or give themselves away. Before Ezra could think of a way of helping out, Vin shrugged and tossed out two cards.

"Heard of him. Didn't know he was dead. Heard he was a real pro, not afraid of doing anything for money."

Blondie chuckled. "Yeah, that was ol' Cletus. Nastiest bastard I ever met."

It was as easy as that; they had a connection between Fowler and Stebbin. More important, it made sense that whoever used Fowler would probably keep using the same connection.

The game continued in silence until Vin said, "Three nines."

"Damn," the taller of the two said.

Ezra passed the cards to the dirty blond as Vin raked in his winnings. The man did a sloppy job of shuffling.

"Any way can we talk to Stebbin?" Ezra asked. "'Cept for what Al's won here, we're kinda flat."

Blondie, who seemed to be the brighter of the two, studied him a minute, then glanced at his cards, then to Vin. "Got a job coming up if you're willing to agree to stay for three weeks."

"Not without meeting Stebbin first," Vin said levelly, picking up his cards.

Raising his hand, Ezra said, "Let's hear the man out, Al. Might be something easy."

"Not if it takes three weeks," Vin declared, sounding remarkably like Chris. "Sounds like cattle thievin'."

"Nothing like that," the man said. "Just have to go about this one slow."

"Are we gonna talk or play poker?" the shorter of the two demanded. "In and raise it two bits."

The man called and Vin raised it another nickel.

"Call," Ezra said. "Sorry, just curious."

The first man started up again. "Tom, we could use a couple more guns."

"It's one widow," Tom griped. "Shouldn't take more'n a few of us to scare her off. One card."

"A widow?" Ezra ventured. "Someone have designs on the lady's place?"

"Yeah," Tom started. "Cul--"

"Tom, shut up!" The blond looked over at Ezra with the start of suspicion in his eyes. "'Less y'all plan on signing on, that's more'n you need to know."

"We'll think on it," Vin drawled. "Two."

Two cards landed in front of him and Ezra called the same. A minute later the pot, smaller without Ezra dealing, went to Tom. They played in silence for a while, then Blondie snickered quietly, "If you wanted to play a real gambler you should have been here last week."

"Yeah?" Ezra said, pretending to study his cards.

"Had a real dandy in here. Big guy, fancy dresser. Played a hell of a game."

Once more Ezra controlled his smile. When it was obvious that Big Lester was not in town, Ezra had decided it would only raise suspicion by asking after him. He had hoped either to hear from him via Chris or just to find him wandering in for a game.

"Call," Ezra said. "Where'd he wander to?"

"Cemetery," Tom chuckled. "Someone jumped him in the alley, rolled him good."

Blondie snapped, "He asked too many questions."

The news sent unexpected sorrow into Ezra's stomach. Big Lester might not have run an honest poker game, but they had much in common. He forced a normal smile on to his face, shoving the thoughts aside until he was alone.

Tilting his head slightly, he said, "Didn't mean to rile you boys."

"Hell," Tom broke in, "no one knows why he got shot."

"Well," Ezra said quickly. "It'd probably be safer not talking so much. I just tend to talk more'n most."

Smiling, Tom said, "That 'cause your friend don't talk at all?"

Vin just glared and said, "Two pair, jacks and tens."

+ + + + + + +

Vin came out of the saloon and immediately scanned the street looking for Ezra. His partner had left the game early, signaling silently that Vin should stay. It had proved to be a good move. There had been a few more hints of information offered, since it seemed that the men were more interested in his gun than Ezra's. Vin smiled at that. Once again, Ezra had been right; dressing the part had lead the men to believe that Vin was the fast gun while Vin knew for a fact that Ezra was faster than he was, almost as fast as Chris. The smile curled into a frown.

He had seen the sorrow that briefly touched Ezra's eyes when he heard of Big Lester's death. Without thought he turned toward the cemetery.

Vin paused at the gate, making sure no one had followed him. If Big Lester had been killed because of asking questions, it wouldn't do to let anyone know they knew him, given that they had been doing the same thing. For a minute he worried that Ezra may not have taken the same precautions but he dismissed the idea. Ezra was always careful.

The church stood sad vigil over the dead who shared its small grove. Inside the weathered gray fence, Vin could see Ezra standing next to an unmarked, newly covered grave. His hat was in his hands and his head was down. Vin waited, torn between going to comfort his friend and knowing how much being caught would embarrass Ezra. Finally, he couldn't just stand and watch. The gate opened with a loud squeal. Ezra spun, hand half-way to his gun when he recognized the tracker. Ezra's eyes were pale in the high noon sun, filled with contemplation. Vin joined him at the grave.

"You must think it odd of me to be here," Ezra said quietly.

Shrugging, Vin said, "A mite. Didn't realize you two had gotten close."

A mirthless chuckle answered him. "More than you know, more than I am willing to admit."

Vin waited, knowing he wouldn't have to goad Ezra into talking. Ezra turned back, slipped his hat on his head. He gestured toward the settling ground.

"I came out here to contemplate how much alike we were," he started. "How my life could have easily finished in an unmarked grave in a nondescript dusty town."

Opening his mouth to protest that, Vin found himself cut off by Ezra's upraised hand.

Ezra stepped close. "Upon my arrival at this lonely little spot the magnitude of the change the past two years has wrought truly hit me--because of you, and the others. Vin, you are partial to the erroneous idea that I am a gambler who, on occasion, cheated a little. I'm not, I wasn't. I cheated, swindled, lied, took money from people who...."

"Shut up, Ezra," Vin said quietly. To his amazement the other man did. "I know what you were. We all do. Know what you've become too." With a wry look, he added, "Still ain't sure I'd trust you with my poker money but I do trust you with my soul."

He watched the complicated green eyes light up. It took every bit of willpower Vin had not to take Ezra in his arms and hold him tight. Instead, he reached out and touched the man's arm briefly, letting all his love color the simple gesture.

But one thing nagged at him. "I need a promise from you now, Ezra."

"Maybe," Ezra repeated Vin's own hesitation.

Nodding toward the unmarked grave, Vin said, "If anything happens to me, I don't want you ending up like this."

Ezra took a sharp breath. "I won't. I am completely certain that were I to do something like that, you would manage to haunt me as Marley did Scrooge." He stared up into Vin's eyes. "I would ask nearly the same of you. Do not become Chris Larabee."

That startled Vin and he jerked back just a little, ready to defend his best friend. But innate honesty stopped him. He knew the anger that smoldered in Chris' heart, knew that if anything happened to the contrary gambler, his own heart might turn that way. Vin nodded solemnly. "I'll do my damnedest."

For a moment longer they let the warmth surround them, let the promises comfort the worries they had both held. Ezra threw his arm around Vin as they turned together and headed toward the gate.

"So, we gonna meet this guy?" Vin asked.

Ezra dropped the friendly hold when they exited the cemetery; shoving his hands into slightly loose pants, he let his shoulders slump. Vin marveled at how completely Ezra had settled into the role of Paul. He wondered if Ezra actually enjoyed stepping into another persona, if it gave him a break from the façade that others expected to see. Filing the question away for the dark and solitude of the ride home, he watched as his companion thought it over.

Finally, Ezra, almost reluctantly, nodded. "I think it would behoove us to gather as much information as we can concerning this new job."

"Yeah, maybe we can stop--"

A hand grabbed his arm. "Mister Tanner, do not get the mistaken idea that we are in this to save whoever the unfortunate widow is," Ezra said firmly. "If we reveal our hand too soon, we will not only get ourselves killed, but lose whatever slight edge this subterfuge may give the rest of our comrades if they are the next target."

Vin started to argue, but there was no escaping the logic. "What you got in mind?"

"It should be fairly simple to convince this Stebbin that we need more information to make an informed decision. When we are satisfied we know all we can, we will simply refuse the job."

"Ezra, ain't nothing that easy," Vin said wisely.

+ + + + + + +

Squinting in the early morning sun, Ezra re-read the telegram. He didn't know whether his first emotion was anger at the change in circumstances or sympathy over the news in the short message. The few lines not only cut off their chances of pursuing the lead but demanded a swift return to Four Corners. If he had been the type to show his emotions, he would have slammed something in frustration. Instead, he merely started scanning the street for his partner.

Vin was just heading out after breakfast at the boarding house. Despite everything, Ezra had to fight to hide his smile as he watched the lean tracker start across the street. To his delight, Vin was wearing the dark blue shirt that Ezra had picked out to bring out the color of his lover's eyes. The thing he found even more alluring was that Vin was completely oblivious: to the shirt, to the color of his eyes, to how attractive he was.

Stepping off the boards of the telegraph office, Ezra called, "Al!"

The Texan took two more steps before he remembered the second name. He stopped, waiting for Ezra. Vin's welcoming smile faded as Ezra drew closer. While the other man might not have noticed much about himself, Ezra knew Vin could read him from yards away.

"What's wrong?" Vin questioned shortly.

Gesturing to the telegram, Ezra said, "It seems Mister Larabee has decided to drown his thoughts before the distressing anniversary next week. He has disappeared. Buck believes he is in Purgatorio."

"Aw, hell." Vin glanced down then back up at Ezra. "What do you think we should do? We ride out now, ain't much chance of getting back in good with Stebbin."

Talking only a little behind thinking, Ezra suggested, "I would hate to abandon this particular lead so soon, though it is obvious that you need to return to Four Corners immediately. Perhaps if I were to sign on--"

"No," Vin said in a tone so final that Ezra blinked.

"This may be--"

Vin's fingers gripped his upper arm, tightening almost painfully. "No. You ain't doing nothing like that on your own. We rode here together; we ride home together."

There was the strangest touch of fear in Vin's voice, a hint that Ezra might have missed only a few months before. After a minute, he merely nodded; with a gentle press of his fingers around the tracker's narrow wrist, he removed Vin's hand from his arm. "If we gather our things rapidly, we should be able to narrow our return time to two days rather than three."

There was an infinite look of gratitude in the beautiful eyes squinting at him through the morning sun. "Be a hard ride to get back in two days."

The warning carried a wealth of meaning. "Vin, I can't say I understand the bond you share with Chris Larabee. But you are essential to our troubled leader's equilibrium. I dare say you are probably the only individual with any chance of retrieving Mister Larabee from whatever depths he has permitted himself to slide."

A charming smile touched Vin's mouth. "Huh?"

Knowing he was being kidded, Ezra said, in a good Texas accent, "You gotta get your ass back there, pronto."

Just before noon they rode out of town without offering any explanation to their prospective employers.

+ + + + + + +

Vin glanced over at his companion and was hit by a wind of guilt. At first Ezra had been as talkative as normal, speculating on what the mysterious menace could want with Chris. As the day worn on a soft silence took him, a melancholy that Vin thought he knew the cause of. Ezra had been looking forward to the return trip. Now, instead of two nights of slow pleasure they had only a single short night of hard ground and exhaustion. With a frown, he spooned some beans into the plate, then handed it to Ezra.

Ezra smiled gently at him. "Thank you."

"I'm sorry about this, Ezra," Vin said quietly as he sat down next to him.

The slight smile was very gentle. "Never apologize for being a loyal friend." He leaned over and poured himself a cup of coffee. "It is the single outstanding characteristic that drew me to this unique group."

The words were blandly spoken but Vin heard the longing in them. It also opened the question he had wondered about for a long time. "Why did you come back that first time?" he asked.

Ezra's soft sigh drew Vin closer, until their legs were brushing. Without looking up from his supper, Ezra said, "I wanted to belong."

Vin nodded, understanding completely the need Ezra had probably never admitted to, much less acted on. He could see what it had cost him, even now, to admit it.

Leaning over, Vin kissed him on the cheek. "I'm glad you came back."

The slightest shift in Ezra's expression told him that something was still wrong. Putting his plate down, Vin put his arm around the shorter man. Taking the tin plate away from the gambler, Vin turned Ezra to face him.

"What's wrong?"

Ezra tried to smile, but it faded quickly. "I am still uncertain whether sharing this life with you is the best thing for your happiness."

Vin didn't know what had triggered the new doubts, didn't know why the memories and shadows seemed to surround his lover tonight. What he did know was that the fear had come back and those demons needed to be brought into the light before they could be vanquished. But before he could ask the question, he offered reassurance by pulling Ezra to him, holding him tight.

"Ezra," he whispered into his ear, "no matter what happens, I will never regret this."

The strong arms around him tightened for a minute, then Ezra leaned away. "Rest assured, Vin, that nothing I have shared with you will ever bring me anything but happiness. I am just worried."

"It's Big Lester, ain't it?" Vin ventured. "Him getting killed got you thinking on the past."

"What I admitted to you in the cemetery was the truth, Vin, I do not feel that I could ever return to my former life," Ezra said sadly. "However, it seems the past is forever coloring my feelings for the future."

"The past is always there, Ezra, you just have to learn it cain't hurt you," Vin encouraged.

Without letting go of Ezra, Vin tugged his saddle closer and leaned back against it, supper forgotten. He had not imagined this setting when Ezra was ready to talk. Vin had thought it would be the dark of a room, after the exhaustion of sex or maybe during a long drunk, not in a starlit meadow on a hot summer night.

"You ready to tell me?" Vin prompted.

He felt Ezra's warm breath brush over his throat. "It is not actually much of a story."

"Single thing can change you," Vin reminded him.

There was another moment of silence, then Ezra's soft voice started, "There were four of us. We had become... friends during two years at the Virginia Military Academy."

Vin couldn't control his surprised start at the revelation. Ezra shifted, moving to sit facing him. "What surprises you? That I went to a university or a military school?"

"Hell, Ezra, I knew you was educated, just didn't know how well." Vin considered that for a minute. "Does answer a question though. No offense to your ma, but I couldn't figure where you got that weird sense of honor of yours."

Ezra gave him a look that was part disgust at the very idea and part amusement that Vin was right. "We were dismissed for running a numbers game."

Laughing, Vin stretched his arms out to pull him back down but Ezra reached for his plate. Vin recognized the move as Ezra's way of making the story merely a story and not the traumatic event it had been. He picked up his own plate, like Ezra absently pushing the food around. The gambler took a bite then stared off into the distance.

"The three musketeers, one for all and all for one," he said finally. "That was our romantic notion of ourselves."

Not knowing the reference, Vin stayed silent, waiting, letting Ezra set the pace. They both took a few, untasted bites of supper.

"We decided to head west, none of us feeling a need to be involved in the coming armed conflict." An almost wistful smile touched the handsome face. "Arlo Demonte and I were both well versed in living off other people's folly. Me by the cards..." He flicked his wrist and the ace of spades appeared in his hand. Vin smiled as the paste board was handed to him. "... Mister Demonte by the billiard cue. Our travels eventually brought us to New Orleans and into the company of a gentleman by the name of Howard Randall."

Eyes near black in the moonless night looked up at him. "I have always favored my own gender, Vin. It was something I had kept well hidden. As I mentioned before, I had one charmingly innocent encounter with an equally inexperienced young lady when I was sixteen. That was the extent of my amorous adventures."

"Till Randall," Vin supplied, understanding immediately where the story was going.

Ezra nodded. "Howard was urbane, witty, intelligent, slightly older, old enough to know what he wanted in life."

Hoping he didn't sound jealous, Vin asked, "Did you have feelings for him?"

"As much as any seventeen year old for a mature man of twenty two." The smile he gave Vin this time was wistful. "We were there for nearly a month, in which time Howard and I shared several delightful nights of fine dining, excellent music... and a few too-brief kisses."

With surprise sparkling in the fire-lit eyes, Ezra said, "I have never stopped to consider the good times we had... before. I believe Howard held feelings for me as well. He was kind and gentle, romancing me slowly."

"Then Fort Sumter was fired upon," Ezra continued. "Almost immediately there was talk of drafts. My mother sent word from San Francisco for me to meet her."

Ezra must have seen his doubtful look because he gave Vin a quick smile. "I am well aware of your opinion of my mother's motives, Vin. I was, after all, just coming of an age where I would be most useful to her. I like to hope there might have been a touch of maternal instinct that drove her to try to get me out of the danger."

Ezra's expression faded. "I went to Howard, explained that I was leaving, asked him to keep in touch. He was not pleased with my decision; he felt that I was betraying my southern heritage. He had already signed on with the Louisiana militia." He sighed. "Still, our parting was cordial, the kisses promises that we would meet again."

"I met the others that evening at the edge of town." Ezra's voice grew hoarse. "They had found out."

The simple, four- word statement was filled with anger, regret and sorrow; all carefully controlled, but speaking loudly to Vin. He wanted to reach out, but Ezra had retreated, was sitting, staring into the distance. The silence stretched out, the night getting darker and cooler around them. The drone of insects was a strangely comforting sound filling the space around them. This was the hard part, the part Ezra had to face, the part Vin had to--and didn't want to--hear.

"I noticed immediately that something was amiss. Arlo, normally as talkative as I, was silent and sullen. Clyde and Billy withdrew when I came to the fire to retrieve supper. Whatever was troubling them was not something I wanted to deal with at that moment. I simply wished to consume my meal in peace. I was allowed a few bites before Clyde called me a derogatory name."

Dryly, Ezra said, "It rather killed my appetite. The next few minutes were filled with me desperately denying everything and Clyde and Arlo getting progressively more aggressive."

Once more Ezra fell silent, staring off into the past. This time when Vin slipped an arm around his shoulders he didn't resist; neither did he lean into the comfort being offered. Vin held his words, not surprised to find Ezra shaking with the restraint he was holding himself under. Ezra took a deep breath.

"In any other time or location I would have recognized the danger I was in," he admitted. "But they were...."

For the first time, his voice broke. Vin tightened his hold, only to be shrugged violently off. Now the memories took over and Ezra continued the story in quick sentences, almost manic in his need to get it over with.

"It finally reached through my sentiment that I might be facing serious harm. I made a run for my horse--and Arlo hit me from behind." He laughed painfully, the sound cutting through Vin like a dull knife. "I did not conduct myself in a very gentlemanly manner after that."

"I am not certain when Arlo decided to use the knife; I was mostly senseless by then." Ezra stopped, breathing slowly, deeply. "I don't even recall the... exact injuries. I was reduced to... begging for my life.... Pleading with them to stop...."

"Damn, Ezra..." Vin whispered. He wanted to hold him, wanted to erase the pain in the smooth voice. But it was as if a wall had formed between them, a strong force that held Vin at bay until the story was told.

Ezra continued as if he hadn't heard the plea, went on in the same monotone. "It was, surprisingly, Billy who pulled the other two off of me. I...." He paused, sighed. "Through everything, I remember thinking that I was surprised at Billy's actions. He was crying, begging almost as much as me, but when they accused him of having similar thoughts, he retreated. Only at the end, when the other two had spent their anger, was he brave enough to drive them away.

"Billy saved my life," Ezra said, his voice lightening a little. "The other two withdrew, heading for the nearest stream to remove evidence of the attack. I was left.... Billy stopped the bleeding, moved me into hiding in the forest.

"He retrieved my gear, horse and enough supplies for a few days. He was crying, still, when he left, never saying a word, only leaving me there with enough to keep me alive." Ezra took another mouthful of beans. "I was not actually hurt that severely. I had cared for thoroughbreds once on a farm in Kentucky. I knew how to tend an animal after it was gelded. Making myself care enough to do something was more difficult than the act itself.

"Revenge might have driven some men," Ezra speculated quietly. "But I was too miserable to even work up a decent anger. It also occurred to me that it was God's punishment for my wicked thoughts."

Before Vin could even open his mouth, Ezra raised his hand. "My anger at God served me well, making me a better conman, someone willing to do anything for money. I surmised, that if God had taken

His best shot, what else could He do?"

"Ezra..." ;

"Eventually, time faded the anger, leaving only the distrust and loneliness. It wasn't God, of course, it was only the two men who had perpetrated the act. As for my survival, in the end I suppose it was, as Mister Jackson would say, simply my mule-headed stubbornness."

Into the edgy silence, Vin asked, "Did you try to reach Howard?"

"No!" Disgust filled Ezra's expression. "I had absolutely no desire to encounter anyone, most of all, someone I cared for. It may surprise you to know that I kept to the woods for nearly a month, long enough to heal so that I could walk to town. I sold my horse and took a stage to San Francisco."

As the story slowly wound down, Vin asked, "Your ma?"

"I told her only that I had been ill," Ezra said. "She tried to persuade me to see a physician, but for once, I was the more stubborn."

Silence. Vin ventured another question, "Ever see any of them again?"

"No," Ezra said firmly. "My mother, unaware of the circumstances of my estrangement, kept me informed of their locations. Arlo and Clyde both died in the war. Billy, to the last of my knowledge, was living in Kentucky."

"Howard?"

A flicker of new sorrow joined the old. "I never found out." Setting his cold plate down, Ezra admitted, "I retreated from humanity, devoted myself completely to material gain and comfort. It was a retreat that had continued unabated until that moment in the saloon when I looked over my shoulder and saw the four of you standing together." For the first time in long painful minutes, Ezra actually looked up at Vin. "I have never adequately explained to myself what occurred at that moment. I saw something I thought I'd never need or want again, something that tied the four of you together--and I wanted to be a part of that."

Ezra's soul was bared, laid fragile and open in front of him. One word, one gesture from him would shatter Ezra, would crack his façade like a thin sheen of ice on a fall pond. For a moment Vin debated what to do. He remembered one of his adopted tribe saying that sometimes a man had to grieve to get better. Vin dismissed the idea immediately. Ezra carried his feelings behind a pride that had survived everything thrown at him; to break him now would only multiply the pain he carried. But Vin needed to reassure him somehow.

"Ezra, you've got what you were looking for," he said quietly. He knew the doubts were still strong. "You have friends and a home now."

The sorrow was fading slowly, though the hesitation to accept home and family was still heavy in Ezra's eyes. "We shall see."

Knowing when to get practical had always been one of Vin's better traits. "You want some more?" he asked, gesturing toward the barely- touched pot of beans.

Ezra looked down at his plate in surprise. "I'm famished!" Holding the plate out to Vin, he said, "Perhaps confession is, after all, good for the soul."

"Reckon it's at least good for the appetite," Vin said, though he didn't eat any more.

Less than a dozen bites later, Ezra laid his plate down, yawning, eyes drifting closed even as he fought to keep them open. He managed another couple of bites before his head nodded forward. Reaching over, Vin removed the plate.

"Looks like confession is also tiring," he remarked.

Ezra looked guiltily up at him. "I wanted to read to you."

Vin was reminded of the children they had shared camp with a week before. They hadn't wanted to sleep either. Standing, Vin moved their bedrolls closer to the fire. Sitting down next to the gambler, he eased the suspenders off Ezra's shoulders. "Go on. I'll clean up."

Another yawn cut Ezra off. "I fear you may be right."

Stretching out, Ezra gave a single sigh and dozed off. Vin stared down for a moment, fighting the sympathy and pain that etched through him at what had been done to his lover. He also found a strong sense of pride in the story; Ezra had survived, and while the past still haunted him, he was finding his way through the shadows.

A few minutes later Vin dropped his shirt and eased down in front of Ezra. Ezra muttered something and slid close, wrapping Vin in a tight hold without waking. Vin smiled, taking comfort from the gesture.

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