A New Beginning
Follows John Chance
Vin leaned back in his chair, watching the main road. The past few weeks he had been getting up before dawn, which really wasn't unusual for him. What was unusual was the fact that he now sat in front of The Clarion newspaper office instead of the Saloon. Vin smiled has he remembered the events that brought him here. One morning he had found himself wondering the streets of Four Corners.
He saw that Mary Travis' light was on, so he went over to check on her. After seeing that she was alright, just unable to sleep, she invited him to stay for a cup of coffee.
For some reason, it had become a morning ritual between the two. Vin would come and watch the town from her front porch. He would usually be there for about an hour before he would hear the door open behind him.
Mary would have a cup of coffee also, and even though neither of them spoke most the time, Vin felt comfortable. Ever since that night that John Chance tried to kill Mary, Vin had felt responsible for her. They found out from some of the other Texas Rangers that after Vin had escaped from Tuscosa, John Chance just went mad. There was no explaining it, and although the others said it wasn't Vin's fault, he still felt responsible. And since Casey and Nettie Wells had gone back out to their house, he felt like he couldn't protect them. They were to far out of town, and he did have a responsiblity that kept him here. With Mary being in town, he felt like he could protect her better.
But there was something else. Vin wouldn't deny that he felt attracted to Mary Travis, but he knew it wasn't lust, or even love he felt for her. He had felt love before, and the one time had been enough. He finally settled on growing admiration. He knew the first time he saw her, standing up to the wagon load of men who were threatning Nathan, he knew then that he respected her. But over the last few weeks, the two had begun to share things with each other that no one else knew. She talked about Steven, her husband, but not just about his murder. She talked about how they had met, and what their life had been like when they first came to Four Corners. She was remembering the good times in her life.
And Vin. He himself didn't even think he could talk has much as he had the last few days. He had told her things that no one else even knew. Things that he had kept bottled up inside him for what seemed like forever. She was what Vin considered a friend. But he liked to think of her has the sister he never had. Vin laughed to himself. Deep down in his heart, he knew he did love Mary Travis, he loved her like a brother would love a sister.
Well I guess I just adopted her. He smiled at the thought. He looked up when he heard the lock on the door being undone. Mary stepped out into the morning air, holding two cups of coffee.
"Morning Mary," she had insisted that he call her by her God given name.
"Good morning Vin," he insisted the same thing.
Vin nodded and gave a quick thanks as he acceppted the coffee. Mary smiled. She hadn't realized what had been missing in her life until these seven men befriended her. She had always been curious about Vin Tanner, but he seemed to not want any connections. After his pardon though, she noticed a different side to him. She realized that with each passing day, she was growing to respect this man more and more.
"Vin, may I ask you something?" she politely asked.
"Sure."
"Why is it you call me Mary when we are alone, but Mrs. Travis when anyone else is around?"
Vin thought for a moment. Why did he do that? He had noticed it more the past few days, that anytime the two met while others were around, he always called her Mrs. Travis. Vin shifted in his seat. None of the others even knew about his morning ritual with Mary. She was usually done with her coffee before any of the others came out, and they all assumed Vin was just sitting there by himself.
"Vin?" Mary sounded a little concerned.
"Sorry." He turned his attention back to her. "I guess I just didn't want anyone gettin' the wrong idea." He noticed her frown. He gave her a puzzled look.
"If anyone got the wrong idea, let them. This is my life, is it not?"
Vin grinned. "Hell, I ain't gonna argue with that."
Mary laughed out loud. Vin had discovered that she had a beautiful laugh, it was almost musical in a way. Her laugh reminded him of his mother's laughter.
"Vin, I need to tell you something." It was his turn to give a concerned look. "Nothing bad. I just, I'm so grateful for you. I feel like next to my Billy, and Orin and Evie, your the closest to family that I have," she reached out for his hand.
Vin held her hand, and watched her smile. "Well I guess there's only one thing left to do."
"What's that?"
"I'll have to talk to the Judge about adopting ya." His grin grew wider as did her smile.
"Why I would be honored," she stood up, and started walking back into her office.
Vin noticed her hesitate, and he looked up at her. She usually sat with him for a few minutes before going into her office to work. "Something wrong?" he asked.
"Yes," she went back to his side. "I think I will have breakfast early this morning. Would you care to join me?" she held out her hand.
"Now I'm the one who would be honored," he accepted her hand, and the two began to walk toward the restaraunt.
Mary and Vin were walking in quiet contentment when Buck stepped out from the boarding house.
"Oh, sorry there Vin, Mrs. Travis." Buck stopped suddenly. "Where are you two off to this fine morning?"
"Should ask you the same thing," Vin answered before Mary had the chance.
"Oh, just headed over to the saloon, see if Chris and Ezra are still there. What about you two?"
"Vin and I are going to breakfast." Mary smiled sweetly, and started walking away. Vin followed, for Mary still held onto his arm.
"Subtle," Vin whispered.
"I thought so." Mary tried to keep from smiling.
Vin shook his head. Well the others would know about this inside of an hour probably, the way Buck talked. But Vin didn't care, he wanted the world to know that he and Mary were more than friends. They were family.
Restaurant
Mary and Vin had been enjoying a nice, quiet breakfast when six men came in. Mary glanced over as the men sat down at their usual table near the door, but Vin hardly paid them any mind. Mary leaned over the table and whispered, "What do you suppose they are thinking?"
Vin could feel the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
He leaned closer to Mary, "Folks'll talk. Especially Buck," she started to laugh, and quickly placed her hand over her mouth.
+ + + + + + +
Chris could see Mary and Vin out of the corner of his eyes. Buck had said that the two had been heading off toward breakfast this morning, but none of the others had believed him. Who would? Mary Travis was a friend to all the men, but she had never paid much mind to the ex-bounty hunter. That is until these last few weeks.
J.D. was the one who had noticed first. The kid was still naive about things though, and he assumed that the two were just friends. Hell, maybe they are just friends, Chris thought.
It was when he noticed the strange looks he got from the others that he realized he had said that out loud. He bowed his head down so his face was covered by the brim of his hat.
Josiah cleared his throat, "Did anyone tell Vin about the bank robbery in Bitter Creek?"
"Yeah," J.D. had a huge smile on his face, "I told him yesterday morning, while he and Mrs. Travis were having their cup of coff..." J.D. stopped in mid sentence when Chris' icy blue eyes turned to face him.
"What?" was all he asked.
"Well Vin and Mrs. Travis have been having coffee together in the mornings. I thought you knew."
Nathan and Buck laughed, and Ezra smiled. "So that would explain why he has been stationed out on her front porch the past few mornings?"
"Seems so," Chris stated.
Mary took one last sip of her coffee before standing up. "I guess I had better get back. I have so much work to do today."
Vin stood up also. "I guess I'll see you later." he tipped his hat, and started to walk over to where the others now sat.
"Oh Vin," Mary walked back toward him.
"Did she just call him Vin?" Josiah asked.
"Hell even Ezra don't call him that," Buck laughed.
"Yep." Vin turned to face Mary.
"I forgot I must go out to the Bradshaws this afternoon. So perhaps we can postpone our dinner plans until after I get back and have a chance to freshen up?" she didn't even realize the surprised looks that the others were giving the two.
Vin nodded his head. "Be careful though, what with those robbers and all."
"I will be," she patted his hand and walked out of the restaraunt.
Vin watched her go, then turned his attention to the six confused stares he was receiving. He pulled up a chair and sat down.
"Dinner plans?" Nathan asked.
"What have you been up to Mr. Tanner? Or should I say Vin?" Ezra drawled. That brought forth numerous chuckles from the others, even Chris, who tried to hide it behind his hand.
"I figured it best she not be alone tonight. It would have been her and her husband's seventh wedding anniversary," Vin explained.
"How'd you know that?" J.D. asked.
Vin gave a wry grin. "I talked to her," he got up and started walking toward the door. "A lot," he added, his grin growing wider.
Sheriff's Office
Vin leaned back in his chair and watched the rain fall. The storm had come in fast, and it brought a fury like only Mother Nature could. Vin glanced down at the Clarion. Mary still wasn't back, and he didn't like the idea of her getting caught in a storm like this. He smiled when he saw a black clad figure approaching him.
Chris took his hat off and ran his fingers through his hair. "It's coming down hard," he said, putting his hat back on.
"You noticed," Vin smirked.
Chris held his smile back, and went to sit on the bench. The two sat in silence for a moment. Chris knew it was none of his business, but he couldn't hold it in any longer.
"How come you and Mrs. Travis have gotten so..." he searched for the right word to say, but he came up with nothing.
"Friendly?" Vin finished for him.
Chris nodded. "I know it ain't none of my affair, but..."
Vin interrupted him. "It's alright. Ever since that night with John Chance, I just, I feel responsible for her. I can't do nothing to protect Nettie or Casey, but Mary I can look after." Vin wasn't sure if Chris understood what he was trying to say.
"So you and her are..."
"Just friends. I care about her like a sister," Vin answered. Chris nodded his head. He was glad that Vin and Mary did have a close friendship, and he hoped that someday he might have the same thing.
A loud crash of thunder brought both men out of their thoughts, and J.D. and Buck out of the Sheriff's office.
"What in tarnation was that?" Buck asked.
"What's the matter Buck, you never heard thunder before?" J.D. quipped. Buck glared at J.D. Before he could say anything Vin replied for him.
"Careful J.D., you're suppose to respect you elders." Chris smiled and moved his hand to cover his mouth, hoping Buck hadn't seen him.
"Don't you start." Buck sounded exasperated.
The others laughed at Buck's statement. Josiah and Nathan wore confused looks on their faces when they approached.
"Something funny?" Nathan asked, taking refuge from the rain underneath the wooden canopy.
"Just a little joke involving Buck and his pride." Chris answered. Josiah and Nathan tried to stifle their laughter. Buck just shook his head, "Ain't nothing funny about a man's pride."
J.D. laughed. "We ain't talking about a man, we're talking about you."
The others could not hold back their laughter anymore. Buck glanced at J.D. and got a devilish twinkle in his eye. "Boy," he started, and grabbed J.D.'s hat off his head, "Get yourself a new hat!" he yelled as he threw it in the mud filled street.
"Damnit Buck!" J.D. hollered as he ran out into the street to retrieve his hat.
Buck grinned slightly and turned his attention back to the others.
"Well, well nice of you to join us Ezra," he said as the gambler came up behind Josiah.
Ezra just grinned. "Forgive me Mr. Wilmington, but unlike you, I prefer a warmer atmosphere."
"It ain't to bad Ezra," J.D. said as he came in from the rain, wiping some of the mud of his hat.
"Speak for yourself," he said under his breath.
"Well," Chris started, "Has everyone been keeping an eye out for these robbers?"
Everyone nodded their reply. The others watched as Vin stood up and walked down the steps to the street. He was staring down the road, trying to see something through the rain.
"What is it?" Chris asked, joining him in the rain.
"Horse. No rider." Vin pointed toward a dark gelding riding toward them at a gallop. For a moment, Vin's breath caught in his throat.
"It's Mary's," he whispered, running toward the frightened horse. He got a hold of its reins, and rubbed its nose, trying to get it to calm down. Soon he was joined by Chris and the others.
"Are you sure its Mary's?" Chris asked, checking the horse over for any sign of blood.
Vin nodded, looking out toward the plains that the horse had just come from. What the hell happened to her, he thought to himself.
"Her horse was spooked, could be because of the lightning." he said, leading the horse over to the livery. "We best get after her, with the rain it'll be hard to track her," he continued.
Chris began following him to the livery when he stopped suddenly.
"What is it?" Buck asked from behind Chris.
"Look," he pointed toward the other end of town, where three men were riding in on horseback."They match the description of those men who robbed the bank in Bitter Creek," Nathan spoke the thought everyone was having.
"Great," and "Damn," were spoken amongst the small group. Vin turned to Chris, his blue eyes full of worry and concern. "J.D., Nathan and me'll go find Mary. The rest of y'all take care of them fellers."
Chris pursed his lips together, deep in thought. Slowly he nodded his head. "Find her," he said. Vin started to turn when Chris laid his hand on his arm. "Be careful." Vin could hear the sincerity in his voice.
Vin smiled and he, J.D. and Nathan went to the livery and quickly saddled their horses.
Josiah and Chris watched the three men ride out of town. Chris knew in his heart that if anyone could find her it would be Vin. Josiah, sensing his thoughts, laid a hand on his shoulder.
"She'll be fine," he said reassuringly.
Chris nodded and turned his attention back to Buck and Ezra. "Anyone got any ideas?"
Buck nodded. "Ezra'll go to the saloon and lead those boys to the bank, where we'll be waiting." Josiah and Chris looked at each other, before walking over to the bank, followed closely by Buck. Ezra stood alone in the street for a moment, looking up at the black sky.
"Why am I standing in this down pour," he whispered to himself, running for cover.
Saloon
From the moment he entered the Saloon, Ezra's eyes began scanning for the three strangers who had ridden into town. He saw them standing at the bar, and he strode over to join them. He took out a gold coin and slapped it on the bar. "Whiskey," he smiled.
"You seem to be in a good mood," the barkeep mentioned as he poured Ezra his drink.
"And why not good sir. I am preparing to go deposit my good fortunes from the poker table into the bank," he downed the whiskey and finished, "Before it closes in a few minutes," he tipped his hat and walked out of the saloon.
Ezra quickly ran across the street, trying to keep the soaking he received to a minimum. He didn't need to look behind him to know that the men were following. He glanced at the street when he shut the door and caught sight of the men walking toward the bank. He turned and almost laughed out loud by what he saw. Buck was standing on the other side of the counter, as was Josiah. Ezra smiled. "I never thought I'd see the day that Mr. Wilmington was working in a bank."
Josiah also laughed and went to open the safe. "Thank the Lord it's only temporary."
Buck just glared at the men. "Why y'all picking on me?" He barely finished the sentence before the door opened, and three rain soaked men stepped in. Two of them were about Buck's height, the other was closer to Ezra's height. They wasted no time in drawing their guns. The smaller one pointed his at Ezra and the other two kept theirs trained on Buck and Josiah. "The money old man, now."
Josiah stiffened at those words. He moved to the safe and disappeared inside.
Ezra gave Buck a side ways glance and he nodded. Ezra whirled around on his guard and sent his derringer into his hands. The other two men were startled, long enough for Buck to reach under the counter for his shotgun.
One of the men just smiled. "Three to two. Odds are in our favor," his voice was gravley.
"Not when there are two others in the safe," Chris replied as he and Josiah walked out from behind the safe's door, both pointing their own rifle's at the men. "Drop your guns, now," Josiah continued.
The three men did as they were told.
The Trail
The storm continued to swirl around the three men has they searched for Mary. It had been raining long enough that Vin would be unable to find any kind of marking from either Mary or her horse. Nathan suggested they head toward the Bradshaws ranch, and hopeful Mary was still near the trail.
Vin hated the feeling he had in his gut. He had lost far to many friends, and he didn't want to lose another. He rode down the center of the trail, looking up ahead for any sign of her, while Nathan and J.D. rode along the sides of the trail. Vin didn't know how long they had been out searching, to him it felt like hours. Another loud crack was heard from the heavens. Vin looked back at his two friends.
"Storms getting closer."
J.D. made a face. "You mean it can actually get closer?"
Nathan smiled, and Vin found himself giving into a quick smile. "We best hurry, we still got four more miles to cover."
The other two nodded and they continued searching the trail.
Sheriff's office
Chris, Josiah and Ezra stood out on the front porch. Josiah had just gotten back from wiring the Sheriff in Eagle Bend. "He should be sending word back soon."
"Unless the lines go out." Chris motioned toward the sky. Buck came out of the office, shutting the door behind him. "Morons." was all he said. Chris almost laughed. That about summed it up. After they had arrested the three men, they kept insisting that they were just playing a joke on the men. They weren't really going to rob the bank.
"I've never seen such incompetents in my life," he said.
The others chuckled at Chris' statement, even though they knew it was true.
Ezra glanced down the street and was the first to see them riding in.
"Look," he said, running out to meet them.
He saw Nathan and J.D. riding on either side of Vin, who had Mary in front of him. She was wrapped in his coat, and she didn't seem to be awake. He also noticed blood running down her forehead.
"What happened?" he asked, as he reached Vin's horse. Vin slid Mary down to Ezra and Chris, who carried her up to Nathan's clinic.
"Near as we can tell," Vin started, following the other's upstairs, "Her horse got spooked, and bucked her off. She hit her head on the ground, and she's been laying in the storm for the past few hours."
They reached the top of the stairs and Nathan turned to J.D. "Run and get Mrs. Potter for me, and hurry," he said. Chris laid Mary on the bed, and turned his concerned gaze to Nathan. "She's got a fever."
Nathan said. "I need to get her out of these wet clothes, that's why I sent for Mrs. Potter," he explained.
"The cut?" Buck asked.
"Minor. We need to worry about her fever." Nathan looked at all the men. "All of ya are going to have to wait outside," he grabbed Chris' arm. "Make sure Vin gets himself into some dry clothes." Chris nodded, shutting the door behind him. J.D. came bounding up the stairs, followed closely by Mrs. Potter.
"How is she?" she asked.
"Not to good. Nathan needs your help Ma'am," Josiah answered. She nodded and disappeared into the room. The others looked at one another, their eyes finally falling on Vin. Chris approached him.
"You need to get out of your wet clothes." Vin stared at him for a moment, before nodding his head. Chris looked at the others. "Best go wire the Judge."
Nathan's Clinic
Nathan heard the footsteps outside the door before he heard the knock. Vin opened the door and looked inside. "I come in?" he asked. Nathan nodded. He saw that Vin had changed his clothes, and when he took his hat off, he saw that his hair was still wet.
"How's she?"
Nathan shook his head. "She's having fever dreams." Vin went and stood by the side of the bed. "Why don't you go get some sleep."
Nathan looked between Mary and Vin. "You'll stay with her, and let me know if anything changes?"
Vin nodded, and watched Nathan leave the room. He went over and sat in the chair that Nathan had just been sitting in. He LEANed back, stretching his legs out in front of him. Vin watched has Mary tossed and turned. She kept saying things in her sleep. Once he heard her mention "Billy" and "Orrin".
Vin continued to watch her, and he could see the sweat forming on her forhead. He went to the basin and grabbed the wet cloth that was in it, rigging it out. He went and sat down on the bed, slowly patting her face with the cool rag. He saw her eyes flutter and open, they seemed almost as pale as her face.
"Steven," she whispered.
Vin gave her a confused look. "No Mary..."
She cut him off. "I thought I had lost you," she said has she sat up and wrapped her arms around him. Vin didn't know what to do, so he just held her.
"I'm so sorry I wasn't there. I'm sorry I couldn't help you," she started choking up.
"Shhh. Get some rest." Vin pulled her back and looked at her. Her eyes were full of tears.
"I can't. I wish I could," she placed her hand on his cheek, "I wish I could have said goodbye to you."
Vin was stunned. He didn't know what to do or say. He just stared at her, the confused look on his face growing. Finally he said, "It's alright, get some rest," he tried to lay her down, but she took his face in her hands, and placed her lips on his. Vin was so surprised by this action that it took him a second to realize what was happening. He felt it was wrong, almost like he was taking advantage of her, but he could not pull back. It had been so long since he had felt a woman's lips caress his own, that he found himself holding onto her even tighter than before.
When the two finally did pull away from each other, Mary stared at him with her pale green eyes. "Goodbye," she whispered as a single tear fell down her cheek.
The next morning
Vin had gone straight to his room after the kiss with Mary. He felt that it had changed him somehow, and he was afraid that the others would notice. Josiah had come to check on Mary, so Vin asked him to stay with her for awhile. He felt so many emotions running through him. Mary was his friend, like his sister, but last night was different. Vin shook his head. She thought you were her husband, he thought to himself, as he left the boarding house.
Vin crossed the street and went to Nathan's clinic. He couldn't avoid Mary forever, and he had to find out if she remembered anything about last night.
He knocked on the door, and entered without waiting for a reply. He saw Nathan, Chris and J.D. talking to Mary.
"Vin," she smiled at him.
"How you feelin'?" he asked, coming to stand beside Nathan.
"Much better, thanks to all of you," she smiled to each of them.
"We were just heading over to get Mrs. Travis some breakfast," J.D. said.
"You best get your own breakfast to," Vin replied.
"Sounds good." Chris turned to Mary. "You'll be alright?" he asked.
Mary nodded. "I'll stay with her," Vin said. The others nodded and left the room.
Vin went and sat in the chair. He looked at Mary, who noticed his stare.
"Anything wrong?" she asked, suddenly aware that she may not look her best.
"Nothing, just wondering what you remember from last night?" he took his hat off and laid it on the stand by the bed.
"Well Mr. Bradshaw saw the storm coming in, so I left a bit early. I remember riding back to town when lightning struck nearby. I guess it must have spooked my horse, because the next thing I remember was..," she paused for a moment. "I saw the ground coming toward me, but that's all. Then I remember waking up here this morning."
Vin sighed with relief. "So you don't remember anything from last night?"
Mary shook her head. "Why, what happened?"
Vin closed his eyes. "You said goodbye," he opened his eyes and looked into hers. She looked startled.
"What?"
"You had some fever dreams, and you talked in your sleep. When I was with you, you said goodbye to your husband."
"Steven?"
Vin nodded. Mary looked like she was going to ask him something, but Vin held up his hand. "You better get some rest."
Mary nodded, and rolled onto her side to face Vin.
"Vin," she said, "Thank you."
Vin grinned. "You're welcome."
He watched her has she drifted off to sleep. He sighed in relief has her breathing slowed, showing that she was asleep. The ex-bounty hunter was glad that he hadn't lost Mary. She was to him what the other six men were, she was his friend, his family. Vin smiled to himself. After the price had been put on his head, he had been careful not to let himself get attached to anyone. He didn't want people caring about whether he got himself killed or not, and he didn't want the same burden. But Four Corners had changed all that. His friends had changed all that. He pushed a piece of hair that had fallen across Mary's face away, and whispered, "Here's to a new beginning."
The End