Honor Bound

by Trish

Warning: Death of major canon characters (although they live long, happy lives first).

Ezra woke up with a headache and it got worse as the morning progressed. It was self-inflicted and he knew it would probably be the least of his worries before the day was over. He'd felt guilty enough the evening before that he'd actually paid for a bottle of whiskey and then he sat in Victoria's sitting room, trying to think of a plausible explanation for what happened while she was away. In the end, he knew the only explanation was that he'd let her down. He'd failed to do what she was paying him do, what he'd actually signed a contract for, and what she'd trusted him to do when she left on her "penance" trip to buy windows for Josiah's church.

Victoria had been gone for about a week and for most of that time Four Corners had been relatively quiet, and Ezra had not had a hard time looking after the saloon, and especially the casino. He'd even had time to play some poker himself, but he'd inexplicably found himself in a slump almost the moment Victoria left. He had never believed in good luck charms, relying instead on his own skill and guile, but as his losing streak grew longer, he began to believe that his unexpected new relationship with Victoria, and her absence from the saloon and the town, were actually affecting his luck.

He surprised himself every day when he realized he was having less trouble than he'd expected being an honest landlord, and he was proud of himself for being able to win or lose at cards and not give in to the temptation to dig out one of his old tricks to make sure he won more than he lost, especially in the midst of this slump. He would have been significantly less impressed with the whole situation if he knew Victoria had asked Chris to keep an eye on him and the saloon while she was away.

When Harmon Callendar and his lady friend, Liza Blackmoor, arrived from San Francisco, Ezra sized them up and figured them to be exactly what they turned out to be - con artists looking for a score. He watched them carefully the first night and nothing inappropriate occurred. The next night, coincidently, three high rollers arrived in town and took their money straight to the casino. Suddenly, Ezra's attention was divided. The men were not good poker players and his natural talents soon separated two of the men from most of their money. Unfortunately, he didn't notice the third man leaving the saloon with Liza Blackmoor. Just before the saloon closed, the girl reappeared, with her clothing torn, hysterically claiming the man had attacked her.

In the confusion that followed, the few people left the saloon went out into the street and nobody saw Liza Blackmoor slip behind the bar and empty the safe. She and Callendar left town soon afterwards, before the empty safe was discovered, loudly vowing never to return to Four Corners. The day's earnings had already been put into the safe so it wasn't until the next day, when Henry opened the saloon, that the money was missed. By then, Callendar and Blackmoor were long gone.

The night before Vicky's return, Ezra sat with his bottle of whiskey and ran the events through his mind over and over. He had enough money to pay back what had been stolen, but he knew that wasn't the solution to the real problem, which was his greed and neglect. In the early hours of the morning, he fell asleep in Victoria's bed; his last conscious thought was that it might be the last time he ever slept in that bed.

Against all his instincts, Ezra got up in the morning, in spite of his raging headache, and forced himself to sit in front of the saloon, waiting for the stage. He was frightened, not by what Victoria was going to do or say, but by the conviction he had to do the right thing, and to let her decide what the right thing was. For almost the first time in his life, he sat willingly waiting to face the music. When the stage pulled up in front of the hotel, Ezra was sitting on a bench on the boardwalk, obviously waiting for Vicky. He got up to meet her, and she knew without any words being spoken, that something was seriously wrong.

"What is it? You look like somebody died"

"No one has yet. Can we please go inside? There's something I have to discuss with you."

"Ezra, what happened?"

"Please. Let's go in the back way. I don't want to go through the saloon."

Ezra picked up Vicky's bags and she followed him around to the back of the saloon, into her private living quarters. He took the bags into the bedroom and then came back out.

"I'm sorry, Victoria. I've made a grievous error that has resulted in the loss of a large amount of your money. It was entirely my fault, and I'll repay everything that was lost."

"Will you please tell me what happened?"

"Earlier this week, two grifters came into town. They were obviously con artists and I recognized them as such as soon as I saw them. On their second night here, some gentlemen came into the casino with large sums of money to spend. They wanted to play poker and I allowed myself to be drawn into a game with two of them. I've been suffering through a rather extended dry spell recently and these two gentlemen went a long way to helping me recover my self-confidence. Unfortunately, I was so intent on winning their money that I failed to pay attention to the two cons. They managed to work a very impressive scam on the third gentleman which resulted in the man being accused of assaulting the female member of the partnership. She created such a scene that everyone in the saloon ended up out in the street and while that was happening, she emptied the safe. She and her partner left town immediately and the money wasn't missed until the next day. By then we were unable to track them."

"How did she get into the safe?"

"It was the end of the day. The day's earnings had just been put in, but she timed her performance so that we had closed the safe door but did not have time to lock it. It was obviously something they have done before. She was only alone in the saloon for a few minutes."

"Why was she left alone?"

"I told you. She created a scene and there was a great deal of confusion inside and outside."

"Where was Chris?"

"Chris? He was in the saloon."

"So, you were here, Chris was here. And everybody in the saloon went outside."

"That's correct."

"How much money is missing?"

"I don't know for certain. The day's earnings. It was busy in here that day, so it was probably close to $300. I'll pay it all back."

"I left you in charge, Ezra. I trusted you to look after things."

"I know. Victoria, I know I've betrayed your trust. I know I've let you down. I can't tell you how badly I feel about this."

"And why are you still here? Isn't it more your style to run away when things go wrong?"

Ezra knew what she said was true, but it still hurt him when she said the words.

"Yes, I usually do. Or I did. I told you before, Victoria, I've changed. I'm ready to take responsibility for my neglect. I don't know how to make you understand how sorry I am about what happened."

"Ezra, I appreciate that you think you've made significant changes. I know it was hard for you to sit here and wait for me to come back. But I'm not sure that you've really changed as much as you think you have. The kind of person you are has come from years of conditioning and training. You can't change that in a few weeks or a few months, no matter how much you might think you want to. A person's character doesn't change."

"I'll pay you back."

"The money isn't the issue, Ezra. You have to know that. You made statements to me about wanting to stay here to help me, about being my partner. How can I trust you now?"

"Do you want me to leave?"

"No, I don't want you to leave. We're supposed to have more than just a business arrangement between us, Ezra. Or am I wrong about that?"

"You're not wrong. I'm sorry, Victoria."

"I know you are. I think you'd better go to work. I need to sort this all out in my mind. Do you know where Chris is?"

"Why are you so concerned about Chris?"

"I need to talk to him."

"I believe he's in the sheriff's office. I saw him go in that direction just before you arrived."

Ezra went into the saloon and Vicky went down the street, to the sheriff's office. Chris was inside, with JD, Buck and Vin. They all stood up when Vicky entered, and they all looked guilty. Before Vicky could say anything, Chris spoke.

"It wasn't just Ezra's fault."

"Whose fault was it?"

Buck started edging towards the door.

"I think you two need to talk privately. I don't need to be here."

"Did you have anything to do with what happened?"

"I was there."

"That's not what I asked you."

"I left the saloon and the lady was still inside."

"That's still not what I asked you."

"No, I didn't have anything to do with it."

"Alright. You all don't have to leave. Chris and I will leave."

Vicky walked back down the boardwalk to the saloon and went inside to her sitting room. Chris followed her like a small boy about to be punished. When she got inside, Vicky poured two glasses of whiskey and handed one to Chris.

"What happened?"

"What did Ezra tell you?"

"It doesn't matter right now what Ezra told me. I want you to tell me what happened."

"It was busy in the saloon. A lot of people, a lot of money. A couple of fellas in particular were flashing their money around. Ezra got pulled into it. It was like an invisible rope, pulling him in. I watched him. He couldn't help himself. It was too easy for him because they couldn't play poker to save their lives. And they didn't seem to care. They just wanted to spend their money. There was another fella with them, but he started playing poker with someone else, who came into town with a woman. Ezra said they were con artists. The third fella left the saloon with the woman. A while later, she came back in, screaming and crying. Her clothes were torn. She said he attacked her. She was a very beautiful woman, the kind that men are drawn to. She created a big scene, screaming about the man who attacked her, and everybody just got up and left the saloon. It was like everybody was hypnotized. I went too. Nobody noticed the woman was still inside. She was so upset, everybody just wanted to do something to help her.

"We didn't find the man outside, and when we went back inside, the woman was sitting in the same place, still crying. The man she was with took her up to their room and pretty soon they came back down and left right away. I didn't think twice about it. They were mad and upset and they just left. It wasn't until the next morning when the saloon opened and Henry noticed the money was gone. Vin and I went looking for them, but we couldn't find them. They were long gone."

"I asked you to keep an eye on things for me. I knew I might have a problem with Ezra, but I didn't think I'd have to worry about you."

"I don't know what to say. I'm as much at fault as Ezra."

"No, you're not. Ezra has a contract with me that says he will look after the saloon when I'm not here. He broke the contract. He probably cost me $300. I just can't believe you'd get caught up in that."

"I don't know how it happened."

"I'll tell you exactly how it happened. The man and woman are professionals. They spent a couple of days sizing up the town, sizing up the saloon, sizing up the staff and the patrons. They were looking for very specific things. The three men with all the money were part of the scam. They knew they had to distract Ezra. They obviously did a very good job of that. The third man didn't attack the woman. They went outside, she tore her clothes and went back inside and did what she's probably done dozens of times before. And everybody in the saloon fell for it. Every single one of you. They probably laughed all the way out of town and they're probably still laughing, while they spend my money. And I can guarantee that the money Ezra won from them is back in their pockets."

"How do you know all this?"

"I've seen it happen before. It was attempted on me in New York a couple of times, but I didn't fall for the stories and the theatrics. I paid attention to what was going on in the background. Cons don't happen out front. That's where everybody is looking. Cons happen where nobody is looking. And a good con artist can paint such a clear picture in the front that nobody ever thinks to look in the back. I can't believe Ezra of all people would fall for that."

"I'm sorry."

"Everybody's sorry. That doesn't help, does it? Did anybody happen to notice what direction the man and woman left in?"

"West, I think."

"You think."

"I'm sorry."

"Stop saying that."

"What do you want me to say?"

"I don't know. Nothing."

After Chris left, Vicky realized she hadn't even taken off her coat, and she was dirty and dusty from her trip. She decided to have a bath and while she was soaking in the hot, soapy water, she started thinking about how to get her money back. She was initially angry with Ezra but after she thought about it for a while, she realized she shouldn't be. What she'd said to him about his character and all the conditioning he'd received was true. He had told her about his mother, and how she'd used him while he was growing up to run cons all over the country. He'd only been with Vicky for a few of months and she had no right to expect him to suddenly be different, no matter how much he honestly believed he had changed, or how much he wanted to. She knew he was conflicted between his old life and his new life with her. She knew he hadn't been neglectful on purpose. He probably hadn't even realized he was doing it, and if the robbery hadn't taken place, he would have thought he was doing exactly what she wanted him to do. He'd known the man and woman were grifters. He'd watched them when they first arrived. But he wasn't able to tear himself away from what he thought was such an easy score and his greed had blinded him to the fact that he was being involved in the scam. If he'd been on his own, he probably would have seen it right away. But his commitment to Vicky had divided his attention in a way she hadn't realized until now. The commitment to her could potentially cause him trouble, could be dangerous for him if he was unable to focus his attentions appropriately.

Vicky then was mad at herself for feeling sorry for Ezra. He had cost her a lot of money and she had to figure out how to get it back because she knew his guilt wouldn't allow him to think straight. And if she left it up to him, he'd give her all his own money and then go off and probably get himself into trouble trying to make things right with her. Just as Ezra had always avoided getting involved in personal relationships that confined him, Vicky had resolved never to let herself get involved with anybody who could distract her from the challenge she had given herself, to be able to look after herself and make a living. But in spite of her vow, she had allowed herself to care about Ezra and to want him to care about her. He was more important to her than she had ever expected anybody to be after she'd left New York, and in spite of what he'd done - or not done - her feelings for him hadn't changed. She knew she wasn't in love with him, but he had been a very good friend when she desperately needed one and she saw that he was trying to fulfill all the obligations he felt he had to her.

After her bath, Vicky went to the front desk in the hotel and looked through the registration book for the names of the five people involved in stealing her money. They had said they were from San Francisco but she doubted that was true because they were probably travelling all over the country, running their scam. And she was certain the names they had used weren't real either. It would be too easy for a victim to check on them if their true identities were known.

From the hotel, Vicky went to the telegraph office and sent messages to several towns within a few days ride from Four Corners, towns big enough to have saloons and gambling that might interest grifters.

She walked over to the church, and found Josiah sitting on the front step. She sat down beside him.

"Taking a rest from the lord's work?"

"Somethin' like that. You run Ezra out of town yet?"

"I'm not going to run him out of town. He can't help himself. I know that. He didn't do it on purpose and damn it, I care about him. For the life of me, I don't know why, but I do."

"The two of you are cut from the same cloth."

"You're probably right. Just because I'm a woman and I can make people think I've got a little class, doesn't mean I'm not as ruthless as I've seen that Ezra can be. Now I've got to figure out how to get my money back."

"Why? It's only money."

"Only money. Money is important to me, Josiah. I'm not as gaudy about it as Ezra, but it means as much to me as it does to him. Having money means I don't have to depend on anybody else to get by. It means I can make my own way. I'm mad that somebody could waltz in so easily and steal something that belongs to me. And if I don't do something about it myself, I'm afraid Ezra will try to do something and get himself in trouble. Or worse."

She got up and started to walk away, and then remembered why she'd come to the church in the first place.

"Oh, I found some windows, by the way. They should be here in a couple of weeks. I found one stained glass that I think you'll really like."

"If you like them, I know I will. Do you feel better now?"

"I'm not sure that will ever be possible, Josiah. What kind of people try to buy forgiveness?"

"You'd be surprised how many do. I don't know if it's possible, but a lot of people try."

Vicky went back to the saloon and went straight to the back of the casino, where Ezra was trying to stay as inconspicuous as possible.

"Ezra, we need to talk."

"Haven't finished chastising me?"

"Nobody is going to be chastised any more. Not by me."

"Well, just in case, do you mind if we stay out here, to avoid the possibility of bloodshed?"

They sat down at table in a corner away from everyone else. Ezra was uncomfortable and apprehensive. Vicky took a deep breath.

"This morning, when you told me what happened, I was upset and angry. I said some things to you that were unforgivable. I know I hurt you, and saying I'm sorry isn't adequate. The words shouldn't have been said. I can't take them back now, but I want you to know I truly didn't mean any of it.

"I know how hard it is for you to be here, how hard you've worked to change, to be what you think I want you to be. But I want you to be you. You're a liar and a cheat, and you're a charmer, but you also are, at the heart of everything, a good man, even if you don't want people to know about it. That's who I care about, and I do care about you, Ezra. Maybe it's hard for you to believe that right now, but it's true. And I do trust you. I trust you with my life.

"Ezra, I'm worried about you. About how you're losing track of where you should be. You're distracted. You can't do your job because you're worrying about me."

"What are you talking about? Am I not doing the job you're paying me to do?"

"Not recently. You're so worried about how everything you do is going to affect our personal relationship. I'm scared for you. One of these days you're going to get yourself into a situation in the saloon that you don't react to quickly enough because you're also worrying about keeping me happy. I don't want that on my conscience."

"So you're suggesting that I give up my employment with you?"

"No, Ezra. I'm suggesting that you and I have to re-evaluate our personal relationship. The work that you're doing in the saloon has been outstanding. You're responsible for a great deal of our success. We've made a lot of money and we've become more successful and profitable than either of us expected. I know you don't want to give that up and, quite frankly, neither do I.

"You're very important to me, Ezra. You've been the friend I needed when I was in trouble and had to deal with my problems. You've always been there for me, and you've always supported me without question. You will never know how much that has meant to me. But I'm not in love with you, and I know you're not in love with me.

"We're a good team. We work well together. But neither of us can concentrate on the business if we're both worrying about our personal relationship. If we try to do both, we'll end up resenting each other, or hating each other, and then we won't be able to work together either.

"I want to be friends, Ezra. You're my best friend here. I don't think we can be anything else. I don't want to have to worry about you."

"Don't you worry about your friends?"

"Of course I do, but not the way I worry about someone I'm sleeping with."

"We haven't been doing very much of that lately either."

"No, we haven't. And you know why. We can be business partners, or we can be personal partners, but we can't be both. Each one requires complete attention, not just a glance now and then."

"Are you going to be able to put up with me in the saloon if you can't stand me elsewhere?"

"That's not what I mean, Ezra. I'm sorry if I've hurt you, but you know I'm right. We need to decide what each of us wants most, and I know you well enough to know that, even if you picked me over the money right now, before long you'd be sorry and you'd be looking for some way to get out of it. That's the way you are. That's the way I am. We're too much alike to make this work any other way. I don't want you out of my life. I want you to be my partner, to help me run my business. You're a natural at this business. You're better at it than anybody else I know. You can't turn your back on all of that because every now and then you feel like coming to my bed. It's not worth it."

"I cost you a lot of money."

"We'll make it back. Will you forgive me for what I said to you?"

"There's nothing to forgive. I deserved what you said. You were right about running away. I wanted to. That was my first instinct. But I care about you, too, Victoria, and I had to stay, to take responsibility for my mistake. That's a new experience for me and to be honest, I was terrified. Not of you, but of the feelings that I had. It was a very uncomfortable situation, I must admit."

"Please don't tell me I'm turning you into an honest, upright citizen. I don't think I could bear it!"

"I didn't say that. You've just helped me realize that actions have consequences. I never stayed around long enough to see that before. This is all quite new to me, but not entirely unpleasant. I'm surprised to realize that, but it's true. I have to admit that I have been distracted. You've seen that. I just didn't want to admit the cause. I was afraid you'd want me to leave completely if I couldn't honor all my commitments to you. And I couldn't bear the thought of you hating me."

"I could never hate you. I get mad at you because we're so much alike, but I could never hate you."

"I'm happy to hear that. Yes, I would prefer to be your partner and not have to worry about domestic relations. I was afraid to admit it, even to myself, because it would cause me to feel disloyal. I made a commitment to support you in every sense, and I meant to honor that commitment."

"If your friends could hear you talking about commitments!"

"You've been a very big influence on me, Victoria. You've made me look at myself in ways I was never able to before. I always knew what I'd see if I looked, and I knew I wouldn't like what I saw. But I can stand to look at myself now, and that's your doing."

"I need you, Ezra, but not the way we thought. I needed someone to hang on to, physically and emotionally, and you were that person, but it's not right for us. Thank goodness we've seen that before we did something that would be too hard to get out of, because I know you'd try so hard to do what you think is the right thing that you'd end up getting hurt or killed because of me. I couldn't live with that."

"If I do get hurt or killed while I'm your business partner, will you promise to be a little upset?"

"I would be very upset. I expect you to be here for a long time, helping me and guiding me. I need you."

"And I need you, Victoria. I've never had a close friend in my life and that's probably why I tried to turn you into more than just a business partner. I tried to make you everything in my life, and I know that's not right for either of us. And I hope we can continue to be more than just partners."

"I hope so too. Thank you, Ezra."

"For what? You have made me - once again - face reality. I do very little of that, and I'm lucky I have you to help me do it."

"You can do this job, Ezra. You've got the skills for it, and you're as responsible for our success as anybody else. Maybe we need to work a little on priorities, but you can't have everything all at once!"

"Thank you for giving me another chance."

"There's no question of chances. You're not just hired help, Ezra. You're my partner, and my friend and, I hope, more than that. You have as much at stake here as I do."

"Well, I appreciate your faith in me. I promise I won't disappoint you again. Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe there's a poker game that requires my attention."

Ezra stood up and Vicky happened to glance across the room to where Chris and Vin were. The way they were seated, they could both see where Vicky and Ezra had been sitting. Vin was watching Ezra as he crossed the room. Chris caught Vicky's eye and held her glance for a few seconds.

Vicky went into her office and looked over the paper work Ezra had done while she was gone. He did have a head for business, even though he didn't like to think so. He kept a good set of books and everything that had happened was very clear and detailed. Vicky didn't know where he'd acquired the skill - she didn't think he'd ever had much opportunity to be in charge of anything - but his work for her business was well done.

She also recognized the value of Ezra's contribution in the saloon. He had done exactly what she had asked him to do in the casino and they were both profiting from his efforts. Four Corners was becoming a destination for people with money to spend at the gaming tables, and as a result, the saloon was booming, and so was the hotel and the restaurant, which was undergoing expansion. Also benefiting were other businesses in town because visitors had to buy supplies and use the other facilities. Mary Travis was unhappy about the expansion of what she called "questionable" business in town, but even she knew the money that was being spent was helping everyone in Four Corners.

Vicky had been working for about half an hour, and was digging through the files for something when the office door opened, and Chris appeared. She looked up at him and neither of them spoke right away. Finally, Chris did.

"Are you alright?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"That looked like a pretty intense conversation out there."

"Ezra and I have agreed that being business partners is more important to both of us than being lovers. It was by mutual agreement. It was the right thing to do. It just took us a while to realize it."

"You wanna talk?"

"Not right now."

"Alright. Whenever you want."

"Thanks, Chris."

He left and Vicky went back to work. Even though she knew she and Ezra would both be better off, she still felt a little sad to admit it. She had not had a relationship with a man since she'd left New York, and she had enjoyed his company. He had always treated her with respect and affection, which was more than she was used to, and it had made her realize that all men were not like the one she had almost married in New York, and the one who had attacked her in Texas.

The next day, Ezra was scheduled to be on duty in the sheriff's office in the evening, so he didn't appear in the saloon at all. After supper, Vicky was in her office when Bert, the night bartender, appeared at the door.

"Vicky, we've got a problem out here. Ezra's not working tonight, and we've got a fella who's been cheatin'. The two he's playin' with are startin' to get agitated and the cheater looks like he's gettin' ready to leave."

Vicky went out into the saloon and Bert pointed out the man in question. She walked over to the table where he was sitting with two other men.

"Gentlemen, how are you all this evening?"

One of the men scowled at her.

"You usually allow cheaters in your establishment?"

"No, I don't."

The cheater gathered up the money in front of him and stood up.

"I don't have to stand here and listen to this hogwash. I ain't cheatin'."

Vicky smiled at him and tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow, to steer him away from the table and over towards the bar.

"Please, sir, I don't like to have disgruntled customers. Why don't you let me buy you a drink? Come over here."

The man started to protest, but realized he would draw more attention to himself if he made a scene. When they got to the bar, Vicky motioned to Bert and he poured two glasses of whiskey.

"Here you go, sir. Drink up. Now, what's this I hear about cheating? Surely you don't need to cheat, do you?"

"I wasn't cheatin'. Those two just ain't very good card players."

"So how much exactly did you win?"

"About a hundred dollars all tolled."

"My, my. That is a lot of money. You must be a very good card player. Not as good as me, though, I bet."

"What are you talkin' about?"

"How about if you and I play for all the money you got from those two tonight? If you win, you can take this money and leave. If I win, you give them their money back and this unfortunate situation will be finished."

"You can go to hell. I ain't playin' you and I ain't givin' anybody any money."

Vicky had casually put her left hand into the pocket of her dress and just as casually, she pulled it out again with her small revolver. She held the muzzle against the man's side and pressed it in, so he would know what it was. She moved closer to him, so only he could hear what she was saying.

"Well, sir, I don't like cheaters and I believe you are exactly that. Your choice is different now. You can give me the money you stole from those two gentleman, or I can shoot you right now. I'm well within my rights, you know, as the proprietor of this establishment. And for your information, there are four men in the saloon right now who are paid to protect this town and the people who live here. If you cause any trouble, they will ensure you do not leave here alive."

"You're bluffin'."

"Am I?"

Vicky pulled back the hammer on her gun and pushed it even further into the man's side. He looked at her for only a couple of seconds and then slammed the money down on the bar.

"You stupid bitch."

"Very wise choice, sir. Now, I believe it would be prudent for you to leave town as soon as possible. How did you get here?"

"I rode. My horse is in the livery. I paid for two nights in the hotel."

Vicky took the equivalent of two room nights out of the money on the bar and handed it to the man. At the same time, she looked down the bar and caught Buck's eye. She raised her eyebrows at him, and he ambled down to where she was standing. She released the hammer on her gun and put it back into her pocket.

"Mr. Wilmington, would you please be so kind as to accompany this gentleman. He has to clear out his room in the hotel, and then he has to get his horse from the livery. He's leaving town."

"My pleasure, Miss Watson. Sir, if you would be so kind as to allow me to escort you to your room."

Buck steered the man out of the saloon and Vicky went back to the table where the other two men were still sitting. She put the money down in the middle of the table.

"Gentlemen, here is your money, minus the cost of two nights in the hotel. That is your contribution to the early departure of your playing partner. I'm sorry about this unfortunate incident, and I hope it won't color your opinion of this establishment and our town."

Nobody else in the saloon appeared to have noticed the incident, and everyone continued their activities. Vin had also been standing at the bar and he straightened up when Vicky went over to him.

"You're smoother than Ezra."

"I've been doing it longer than he has."

"You two had a fallin' out?"

"No. Come over here and sit down."

They sat down at a table nearby.

"Are we the talk of the town?"

"I saw you yesterday. It didn't look like you were talkin' about business."

"Actually, we were, but not the way you think. We have reevaluated our relationship and decided that the best thing we can do for each other is to just be business partners."

"Is he causin' you trouble?"

"Nobody is causing any trouble. He couldn't do his job because he was worrying about me. That's all there is to it."

"So his choice is to keep his job and give you up?"

"It wasn't a question of him giving me up, or me giving him up. It's the right thing for us to do. He's good for my business, and we're too much alike to be able to stay together for very long as more than business partners."

"I'm sorry it didn't work out for you. I got some problems with Ezra sometimes, but you should have somebody to look out for you, instead of you havin' to do it all by yourself."

"That's the nicest thing anybody ever said to me!"

"Yeah, well, I got my moments."

"You do. You know, I really think you should let yourself find a nice woman and let her look after you. You deserve it."

"Well, I told you before, I can't expect somebody to be interested in me when I'm runnin' and hidin' all the time."

"And I told you, if you meet the right person, she'll put up with the running and hiding. I happen to think you're worth it."

"So, you wanna do it? I'd be glad to have you keepin' me company any time."

"You don't want me. I'm too much trouble. You need someone who doesn't mind when you have to go off by yourself for a while. That's not me. I wouldn't give you any peace when you went off by yourself. I know it's hard for you to stay here, Vin. I know you'd rather be out on the plains somewhere, riding and hunting and whatever it is you do out there. There's got to be a woman somewhere who won't mind when you do that, as long as you go home to her."

"You ever meet anybody like that, let me know."

At the end of the night, after all the patrons and staff had left the saloon, Vicky locked the front doors and extinguished the lights around the room. She always walked around and made sure nobody had left anything, and then she went behind the bar to make sure everything was secure. While she was still behind the bar, she took a partial bottle of whiskey off a shelf and picked up a glass.

"Do you intend to sit there all night?"

She took the bottle and glass and walked towards a table in a dark corner, where Chris was sitting in the shadows.

"That wasn't my plan. You handled yourself pretty well tonight."

She sat down at the table and poured them each a drink.

"It's my job, Chris. I didn't have anybody in New York to do the dirty work, so I had to do it myself. And I didn't have a gun in my pocket to back me up. When I left New York, I never imagined myself running a saloon in the wild, untamed west, where life doesn't seem to have any value to anyone. I've turned out to be more resourceful than I ever hoped I could be."

"You've got people to back you up here."

"That's only because you all happen to be here. You aren't always, and one day you might all decide you want to be somewhere else, and I won't be able to rely on anybody but myself. I don't want to forget how to do that."

"Are you sure you're alright? About Ezra, I mean."

"When we started working together, and I was worrying about Nicholas, it seemed like a natural thing for Ezra and I to become involved personally. We didn't plan it, but it happened, and I needed that support at that time. And he was raised to be a gentleman, whatever you might think of him as a person. He saw that I needed help and he gave it to me. And I took more than I should have, but he gave it to me anyway. And he felt honor bound to continue supporting me. I know you don't necessarily believe he has much honor, but I've seen a lot of it. I always knew, in my heart, that we weren't meant to be together personally, but it was easier to just carry on the way we were.

"After the theft, I realized that Ezra has been struggling, trying to do his job here, but also worrying about me, and trying to do what he thought I needed him to do, on a personal level. But the personal commitment distracted him from the job I'm paying him to do, and I got scared that the next time something like that happened, he could end up hurt or killed because he was so worried about me that he wasn't following his instincts.

"His instincts are what keep him alive. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to him because he ignored his instincts to protect me. So I released him from his personal commitment and it turns out he's been thinking the same thing, but he was afraid he would be dishonoring me if he tried to back away.

"We're a good team and I couldn't have done what I've been able to do so far without him, but we were never in love with each other, and we just finally admitted it to each other, and to ourselves. I'm sad because he's treated me better than anyone ever has, but I'm not sorry that it ended up this way. This is the way it should be."

"Well, I never knew what you saw in him, but that's me. I know you've been a positive influence on him, and that is definitely a good thing. I've seen some of that honor you talked about, but only since you've been here."

"He only ever needed the right incentive to show what he can be. He just never had a reason to demonstrate it. He was always too busy going from one scam to the next and trying to stay a step ahead of the angry mobs and the law."

"So, are you going to stay here and turn into a lonely old spinster?"

"The lonely part, I hope not. The rest, well, if that's how it turns out, that's what I'll be. Vin is rubbing off on me. Things will happen the way they happen and I'm not going to worry about it. Just moving from one day to the next is enough of a challenge for me right now."

"Are you going to be happy staying here?"

"For now, I'm happy. I'm used to hard work and I know the business, so it's alright for me. I don't have any grand ambition to go back to New York or some other big city. There's no difference between Four Corners and New York City, except New York is bigger. The people and the problems aren't really different. We might call them something different, but they really are the same."

The next morning, Vicky stopped at the telegraph office and was standing outside, reading her replies, when Vin came by.

"Good news?"

"No. Those cons didn't go west or east. Or at least they didn't turn up in any saloons within a week's ride from here in those directions."

"They probably didn't go south, either. No money to be made in Mexico, at least not the way they make money. So they musta gone north."

"This is very frustrating. I don't understand how they could just disappear."

"They didn't disappear, they just ain't turned up yet."

"Well, it's still frustrating."

A while later, Vicky was eating lunch when Buck and Vin came in and sat down at her table. Buck started talking before she could say anything.

"Vin and I got a plan worked out, and we want you to just listen. We're gonna ride north and see if we can track down those grifters. There's a few towns north of here on the main road."

"You don't have to do this."

"We wanna do it", Vin said. "We can find out if they went that way."

"This is my problem."

"It's not just your problem. You're our friend and we wanna help you."

"I still haven't heard back from the wires I sent."

"Vicky, the longer you wait, the colder the trail gets. By the time you hear back, they could be in Kansas."

"I know what these people are like. It could get dangerous for the two of you. These kind of people are playing a serious game. I've played with people like them before. They run cons on people too stupid to hang onto their own money, but they can be as dangerous as bank robbers or bandits. It's how they make their living, and they don't like anybody threatening that. I don't want you getting hurt because of me."

"We're not plannin' on gettin' hurt", Buck told her. "We're just gonna try and find them and get your money back."

"Well, I don't like this. Have you talked to Chris?"

"He knows what we're gonna do. He doesn't need us around here right now."

"Please be careful."

"You don't have to warn us about bein' careful. We're always careful."

"Don't go too far. If they're more than a few days away, just come back. It's not worth getting in too deep."

Buck and Vin headed out that afternoon. Vicky stood on the boardwalk outside the saloon and watched them ride away. She had a feeling of apprehension that she couldn't reason away by telling herself that both men were experienced trackers and wouldn't do anything to jeopardize their own safety. She was afraid for them and didn't like being responsible for whatever danger she dreaded they might be riding into. Chris stood beside her and watched them leave.

"They'll be alright. They can look after themselves."

"I hope you're right. There are a lot of people out there who are worried enough about their own hides to cause a lot of trouble if Buck and Vin run into them."

"They want to go. I didn't tell them to do it."

"You didn't try to talk them out of it."

"They would have gone anyway."

"I'm starting to think I'm putting you all in danger, just being here."

Chris put his hand tightly around her arm. "Don't you ever think that. You're not putting any of us in danger. We're grown men and we make our own decisions about what we do. Friendship and loyalty are important and that's why we all want to help you. Come inside and stop worrying about them. They'll be back in a couple of days."

Chris was half right. Three days later, Buck rode back into Four Corners alone. He tied his horse up outside the sheriff's office and JD came out to meet him.

"Hey, Buck. Where's Vin?"

"He didn't come back yet? We split up a day out of town and agreed to meet back here today."

"Maybe he just got delayed a bit."

"I hope that's all it is. Where's Chris?"

"I ain't seen him today, but he's probably in the saloon."

Buck headed in that direction and found Chris and Josiah sitting at a table just inside the saloon doors.

"Boys. Looks like Vicky's money is long gone. I didn't find any trace of them grifters anywhere."

"Where's Vin?"

"Don't know. A day out of town, we decided to split up, because the north road branches off. We were s'posed to meet back here today."

"I hope he turns up."

"So do I. I don't wanna be the one to tell Vicky Vin didn't come back. She'll never get over it. She didn't want us to go in the first place."

Just then Vicky came through the doorway from the hotel and when she saw Buck, she headed straight for him.

"Thank God you're back. And I don't even have to ask how you did."

"No trace of 'em, darlin', I'm sorry."

"That's alright. I didn't really expect you to find them. Where's Vin?"

"We split up a day or so ago, to cover more territory. He'll be back soon."

"Do you know where he went?"

"The road forked, so I went northwest and he went northeast."

"There's a lot of open country northeast. And a lot of small towns with no law."

"Don't worry about him. He's been up there before. He can handle himself."

"I hope you're right, Buck."

Vicky spent most of the next three days in the saloon, but hovering by the front windows, or out on the boardwalk, checking every horse and rider who came into town. None of them was Vin. As time passed, she became more agitated and was short with everyone who spoke to her. Her unease rubbed off on everyone else and the saloon in particular became a less than pleasant place to be. Vicky tried to carry on like nothing was wrong, but her fear for Vin's safety grew stronger as time passed. One night, while she was working behind the bar, Chris got up from his table and went over to where she was standing.

"Why don't you come and have a drink with us."

"I don't feel like having a drink. If I sit down I'll start thinking and I'll worry about Vin, and I'll get madder at you than I already am."

"It's not my fault."

"You're supposed to be their leader. Don't make that face at me. That's what you are, whether you want to admit it or not. You should have talked them into staying put. They didn't have to go on this wild goose chase."

"I told you, they wouldn't have listened to me anyway."

"Yes they would. If you had really wanted to make them stay."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"I'm not sure you're really so concerned about what happens to any of them."

He straightened up and squinted at her.

"That's not fair."

"Chris, I'm scared. If something has happened to Vin, I don't know what I'm going to do."

"You know what Vin would say? He'd say, if it's his time, it's his time. That's it. He wouldn't blame you."

"If he's dead, he won't be blaming anybody. But I blame me. Sometimes I'm such a stupid, helpless female, I can't stand myself. I don't know why all of you keep letting me do this to you."

Chris reached across the bar and took hold of Vicky's arm. He guided her down the length of the bar and back to her office.

"You listen to me, and don't talk back. You're not stupid, and you're not helpless. You're not responsible for anything that happens to any of us. We're all adults and we make our own decisions. And stop thinking that because we want to help you that you're doing something evil to us. We're your friends, and friends help friends. That's how it works."

"Chris, I'm scared. We don't even know where Vin is."

"Wherever he is, there's nothing you can do for him, so stop blaming yourself. I know that's easier said than done, but you have to stop driving yourself crazy like this. We aren't letting you do anything to us. We do what we do because we all care about you. You've got yourself all wound up, why don't you turn in early tonight? Ezra can close up."

"You can't send me to my room. I'm not a child."

"Then stop acting like one."

Just then, Josiah appeared in the doorway.

"Chris, why don't you go back out and have a drink."

"This isn't your business, preacher."

"Chris, you two ain't gonna be able to have a rational conversation when you're both like this. Go and have a drink."

Chris had been holding onto Vicky's arm the whole time, and he dropped it in exasperation.

"Maybe you can talk some sense into her."

He left the office and Josiah closed the door behind him.

"Scary proposition, lettin' yourself care about people and havin' 'em care back."

Vicky dropped her head and allowed Josiah to put his arms around her.

"And it's hard keepin' up a front, tryin' to make people think you're strong, when you aren't really. There's nothin' wrong with bein' scared, Vicky."

"Josiah, if something has happened to Vin, I don't know what I'm going to do. He could be dead."

"If he died, it'll be for somethin' he thought was worth dyin' for. And I reckon he thinks you're worth it."

"I don't want him to think that."

"You can't control what people think or how they feel. He's your friend and more than most people I know, Vin is loyal to his friends and he'll do whatever it takes to help 'em out. He's a man of honor, and he cares about you. You can't do anything about that, just accept it as a fact."

"I hate it. And I hate what I just did to Chris. I practically accused him of wanting Vin to be dead."

"He knows you're upset. He's upset too, he just doesn't show it. He doesn't want to be in charge, but everybody thinks he is, and he has to live up to that. All he wants to do is just live his life, and things keep happening to prevent him from doin' that."

"And I don't help the situation."

"You don't hurt it. He cares about you, Vicky. Don't be so hard on yourself, and don't be so hard on him."

"I owe him an apology."

"Maybe you do. He's worried about Vin, too. Why don't you come out and talk to him."

"Will you ask him to come back here? This isn't something that should be done in front of a roomful of people."

Josiah went back into the saloon and sat down with Chris.

"Is she alright?"

"She's scared, Chris. She's been puttin' on a front, makin' everybody think she's strong and in control, but she's not, and she's havin' a hard time keepin' up the front. She thinks if people see she needs help and they try to give it to her, they're gonna get hurt, and she doesn't want that on her conscience. And she doesn't need you yellin' at her."

"I'll go talk to her."

Chris went back and found Vicky exactly where she'd been when he left.

"You alright?"

"I'm sorry."

"You don't have to apologize."

"Yes, I do. I'm scared about Vin and I'm taking it out on you. That's not right. Whatever happened to him isn't your fault."

He put his arms around her and slowly rubbed his hand across her back.

"We can't do anything about what has happened. Hopefully, Vin is alright, but there's nothing we can do now if he isn't."

"I'm so tired and so scared, I can't think straight."

"Ezra said he'll close up. Why don't you just turn in. You'll feel better after a good night's sleep."

The next night, just after supper, Vicky was in the saloon, and was making her way around the room, visiting with the regular customers, when she happened to look outside to the street. She saw Vin's horse tied up outside, but Vin had not come into the saloon. She waited a few minutes in case he had stopped outside for some reason, but when he didn't appear, she went outside and looked around. He was nowhere to be seen. On a hunch, she walked around the side of the building and found him leaning against the wall beside the door into her sitting room. When she got closer to him, he turned towards her. He had a black eye and was holding his side. His saddle bags were over his shoulder.

"What happened to you?"

"I found your grifters."

"Come inside and I'll get Nathan."

"I don't need Nathan. I just need to sit down."

Then went in and Vin sat down on the settee.

"I wouldn't mind some of your fancy liquor."

She poured him a glass of brandy and sat down beside him. He reached into one of the saddle bags and pulled out a handful of bills.

"Here's your money."

"Vin, what did you do? How did you end up like this?"

"I caught up to them in Thomasville. Just the two, the man and woman. They were fixin' to pull their scam at the saloon there, but I warned the sheriff. I told the fella I knew what he'd done here and if he didn't want more trouble, he should just give me back your money. He didn't take kindly to that suggestion and decided to take off. He put up a pretty good fight for a fella you wouldn't think to be good with his fists. But in the end, the sheriff showed up and the fella gave me the money so he wouldn't have to go to jail. I think there's about $400 there."

"I don't believe this. The money wasn't worth you getting beat up."

"I look worse than I am. I think my ribs are just bruised. He managed to get me down and he kicked me a couple of times before I got him."

"I'm going to get Nathan."

"I don't need him."

"Just shut up, Vin. Sit here and shut up. I'm going to get Nathan and you better still be here when we get back."

"I ain't goin' nowhere."

Vicky went through the saloon to make sure Nathan wasn't there, then she went up to his infirmary. They went back through the saloon and while Nathan went back to check Vin, Vicky found JD sitting at a table with Josiah and Buck.

"JD, Vin's horse is tied up outside. Will you take it to the livery and stable it?"

"What happened to Vin?"

"He's in the back. He found the two grifters and got beat up for his trouble. If he's got any personal things with his horse, bring them back here."

"Is he alright?"

"I think so. Just banged up. Nathan's checking him."

Vicky went back to her sitting room and found Vin with his shirt off and Nathan feeling his ribs.

"I think they're just bruised. Don't seem to be worse than that. They'll be alright in a couple of days."

"Is his nose broken?"

"Don't seem like it. Just a black eye. He's lucky."

"I know he is. You could have gotten yourself killed, you know."

"He just caught me by surprise. It was my own fault."

"I don't know what the hell is going on around here anymore. You should never have gone by yourself and you shouldn't have confronted them. You could have gotten yourself killed and we would never have known about it, because nobody knew where you were."

"Well, it didn't happen. And you're welcome, by the way."

"Nathan, is he alright?"

"He will be. Ridin' for two days didn't help his ribs, but if he gets some rest he'll be fine."

"Alright. You're staying here tonight, and don't bother arguing. Thank you, Nathan."

After Nathan left, Vicky poured Vin another drink, and poured herself one as well, and she sat back down beside him.

"I can't believe you did this. You don't know how scared I was, especially after Buck came back and you didn't. I thought you were dead."

"Well, I had to do somethin'."

"It was only money, Vin. It's not worth risking your life for."

"Well, I didn't think I was riskin' my life. It didn't seem like you were goin' to be able to find them waitin' to hear back from your wires."

"I don't know what to say."

"You don't gotta say nothin'. I went because I wanted to. I'm glad you got your money back. I know it's important to you."

"Not as important as your life."

"Well, like I said, I didn't think it was much of a risk. I got my breath back, I'll be goin' to my room now and get some sleep."

"You're staying here. I'm not going to argue with you. You can sleep in the bedroom and I'll sleep out here."

"That's not right. That's your bed."

"You can sleep in my bed for one night."

"This ain't right, Vicky."

"There's nothing wrong with it."

"It don't look right."

"Who's looking? It's nobody's business, Vin. When did you eat last?"

"Yesterday, I think."

"I'll get you something to eat, and then you can get some sleep. You must be exhausted." "I slept a little last night."

"So in addition to bruised ribs and a black eye, you'll probably get sick because you were sleeping outside."

"It was worth it."

"Yes, well, I think we have a difference of opinion about that."

Vicky had already eaten, but she sat with Vin while he ate, and then they had an argument about how much of his clothing he was going to take off before he went to bed. Vicky prevailed and after Vin had taken off his shirt and pants and was already close to sleep, Vicky took a blanket out of the chest at the foot of the bed and put it on the settee. Then she went back to the saloon, where Chris had now appeared.

"Where's Vin? JD told me he was back."

"He's sleeping. He got beat up and he's lucky he didn't get killed. I don't know what has happened to you people. You're all supposed to be so careful about the people you associate with and the situations you get yourselves into and it seems like, in the last three weeks, you've all forgotten everything you ever learned."

"Yeah, well, a woman'll do that to a fella."

"What woman? If you mean me, I refuse to accept responsibility for any of these fiascos. I didn't ask you all to take leave of your senses. You're all acting like idiots. I don't know how any of you has survived this long. And Vin doesn't think of me that way."

"Are you sure?"

"He better not. I told him not to."

"Is he alright?"

"He's got bruised ribs and a black eye. And he probably didn't sleep for two days. Otherwise, he's probably alright. Nathan checked him."

"Where is he?"

"Back in my room."

"Is that a good idea?"

"First of all, I don't intend to get into the bed with him. Secondly, it's not your business in any case. I'm getting tired of you seven getting yourselves into trouble on my account. I'm capable of getting myself into trouble. I don't want you on my conscience because you suddenly decide you have to be my white knight."

"Aren't you the one who told me I have to let people help me sometimes."

"I know what I said. I didn't expect people to start getting hurt because of me."

"It's not because of you. Vin made the decision to go. Nobody forced him. He did it because he wanted to. Because you're his friend and he wanted to help you. Did he find the cons?"

"He found two of them, and got my money back."

"So, he'd say it was a successful trip."

"He got beat up in the process."

"He'll heal. You gotta let him feel like he helped you and you appreciate what he did. Even if you don't."

"I do appreciate it. It was a lot of money, but it's not worth him getting beat up or killed for."

"You bring that out in people. They want to help you, even if you don't think you need the help. You should just let people help you sometimes."

"I think we've had this conversation already, but it was me giving you the advice."

"It was good advice. You should take it yourself."

"Alright, Doc Larabee, I'll just say thank you and be glad Vin didn't get killed."

JD came in with Vin's bedroll and his rifle, which he turned over to Vicky.

"Is Vin really alright?"

"He's got bruised ribs and a black eye. He'll be alright. He needs some rest."

The next morning, Vicky sent a telegram and was on her way back to her office when Chris intercepted her on the street.

"You wanna take a trip with me? 3 or 4 days. You can dress like a cowboy and ride a horse and sleep under the stars."

"I did that every day for four months. You're not much of a salesman."

"Well, I've got some business and I'd like your company. Just to ride with, nothing else. Unless you don't trust Ezra alone in the saloon."

"I have no worries about leaving Ezra in charge of the saloon. When do you want to leave?"

"First thing tomorrow."

"Alright. I'll be ready."

The next morning, just after dawn, Vicky was just finishing getting dressed when Chris knocked on her door.

"The horses are waiting outside. You just about ready?"

"Just about."

She took a lined wool jacket out of the wardrobe and put it down on top of the side board and then she took her revolver out of the drawer, along with a box of shells. She loaded the revolver, which she had unloaded after Nicholas died, put it into the holster, and put the gunbelt around her waist. Then she tied the holster to her leg.

"If you wear a gun, you better be prepared to use it."

"I know. I assume we're not going to be riding around Four Corners for four days. I know how to use a gun."

"I know you do."

She took her rifle out of the back of the wardrobe and put it down on top of her jacket. She put the shell box into her saddlebag and closed it up. Then she put on her jacket and picked up her bedroll, saddlebags and rifle.

"Alright, I'm ready. We have to stop in the kitchen. Mrs. Eddington packed some supplies for us."

"I knew there was a reason for bringing you. It's gonna be different from riding with Buck or Vin!"

"Just as a point of interest, are we going to end up in a fight with anybody?"

"Not unless you start the fight. We might not even see anybody else."

"I know you, Chris. Even when you don't try, trouble finds you."

"Aren't you going to ask where we're going?"

"I expect you'll tell me when you're ready. Alright, let's go."

Within half an hour they were mounted and on their way. They rode at a steady pace, not hurrying, but making good progress. They made idle conversation along the way, but most of the time they just rode in silence. Vicky always felt at ease with Chris, even when he was worked up about something. She never misunderstood his intensity to mean anything more than just a quiet man who kept his own counsel. They stopped a couple of times during the day to rest the horses and water them, and they finally made camp at sunset. After supper, Vicky pulled a small bottle of whiskey out of her pack.

"I remember how cold it gets sleeping under the stars. And I'm sure you won't object to a drink."

"You are definitely a better travelling companion than Buck!"

"I'll have to take your word for that. Here you go."

"I talked to Mary. After you told me about you and Ezra, I decided I had to do something. I told her I'm not the man she's looking for. She can do better than me."

"How did she take it?"

"She said she didn't know what I was talking about. But she thanked me for thinking about her future. Whatever that means."

"You know what it means. You're a good person, Chris. You've done some things that aren't good, but most of them were probably for a good reason. You've got your own code of honor that you live by, and from what I've seen, you're more honorable than a lot of people in this part of the country. Mary sees that too. Honor and character are important to her. She's scared and she's proud. She's trying to honor her husband's memory the only way she can think of, and it's hard for her."

"I thought you didn't like her."

"To be honest with you, I still don't really know her very well. She doesn't like the business I'm in, and some of the people it attracts, and she's not really sure about my morality. It all kind of runs together in her mind and what she sees is someone she thinks she doesn't like, even though she doesn't know me, either. She's doing the best she can. For somebody who probably had someone else doing things for her most of her life, she's doing alright for herself. If Four Corners does become a thriving town, it will be because of people like Mary. She cares about it, and you need that for anything to succeed."

"What happened in Texas? It seemed pretty important to Nicholas."

"When my father sold his business in New York, he wired most of his money to the bank in Four Corners. He was never much of a planner, which is surprising considering how successful he was. He kept what he thought would be enough for us to get to Arizona. He never considered having to replace the oxen and getting the wagon fixed or anything like that. He figured we'd follow a straight line from New York to Four Corners and it would just happen. We were travelling with six other families and after he died, Nicholas took one of his turns and he scared everybody and they wouldn't let us continue on with them. We had to pay for my father's funeral, and we had to replace the team and get supplies, and we just didn't have enough money to get all the way across the country. But it didn't seem right to turn around, because he'd really wanted us to start over, so we kept going.

"Whenever we ran short of money we'd stop and I'd play poker and then we'd have enough to carry on for a while longer. We stopped one night in a town in Texas and Nicholas sat in the wagon while I went in to play poker. There were four high rollers playing and they let me join them. They had lots of money but they sure didn't know how to play poker. I won a ridiculous amount of money. I couldn't believe how much they were betting. Three of them were good sports about losing, but the other one didn't like losing at all, and especially not to a woman. When I left, he followed me out and pulled a gun on me. I thought Nicholas could see what was happening, but he just sat there. I know he saw us. The man told me he'd kill me if I didn't go with him, so he took me to his hotel room and he kept me there for about two hours. He raped me. Five times. He had an amazing amount of stamina for someone who was so drunk. By the end, I was thinking I should have just let him kill me to start with. Finally, he fell asleep and I got away. And I made sure I took the money I'd won. I found Nicholas asleep in the back of the wagon. First thing the next morning, we got a new team and some supplies and got the hell out of Texas. I had enough money that we didn't have to stop again. I always thought Nicholas had seen what had happened, but he never said anything about it, and I didn't want to, mainly because I just wanted to forget the whole thing. But it obviously was something that bothered him. He really thought I'd abandoned him, and he was so helpless, he didn't have the ability to do anything for himself, so he just waited there and knew I'd show up sometime, because I always came back eventually."

"Was that your first time?"

"With a man? About five years ago, my father met a man who owned a bank in New York. He was rich and powerful, and he had a son a couple of years older than me. He decided his son and I would be a good couple. I think he was just worried that his son was never going to settle down, so he started looking for someone to settle him down with. He and my father became pretty good friends and one day my father told me I should get to know Joe. That was the son. So Joe and I became friends and both our fathers were pushing us so hard and we just finally gave in and agreed to get married. Neither of us wanted to marry the other, but it's hard to fight when your parents are pushing so hard. We didn't have anything in common and I knew he wasn't the man of my dreams. He just liked women. The one thing we did well together was in bed and we did enjoy each other's company that way. He was the first and, not counting the bastard in Texas, the only one until I met Ezra."

"A hell of a life you've had."

"I certainly have an interesting bag of memories."

"What happened to Joe?"

"His father wanted me to stay in New York. My father made me choose, and he knew there really was no choice for me. He knew I'd stay with my family. Joe didn't want to come with us, and his father didn't want him to go, so he stayed in New York. I wasn't really sorry that he didn't come. Except for the one thing we enjoyed together, he was pretty cold and distant. Not very good company, especially for somebody like me, who likes people. He was very possessive. He didn't want me to see my friends or to be friendly with the people in the casino in our hotel. So I was isolated everywhere, by everyone who was important in my life."

Chris didn't say anything else and they sat for a while longer and finished the bottle of whiskey. Finally, Vicky laid out her bedroll and pulled off her boots.

"I don't mean to be rude, but I'm tired and I'm going to sleep."

She lay down on her side, with her back to Chris, and closed her eyes. She tried not to think about Texas, but she couldn't keep the thoughts away, and she felt tears rolling down her cheeks. She tried to pretend she was sleeping but after a few minutes she heard Chris shift his body behind her.

"I'm sorry, Vicky."

When Vicky woke up the next morning, Chris was already up and was making a pot of coffee. Vicky went to the creek nearby and washed her face, and then went back to the camp site and helped Chris make breakfast. Within an hour they had eaten, emptied the coffee pot, and were back on their way. Neither of them said anything about the night before.

After they had been on the trail for a couple of hours, Vicky finally brought up the reason for the trip.

"We're going to your homestead aren't we?"

"Mary isn't the only person I need to settle things with. It's time for me to let go."
by late afternoon, they arrived at Chris's old ranch. A few of the charred wall posts from the house were still standing, as were the windmill and the corral. Not far from the house was a small fenced off area with two grave markers. Vicky waited about a hundred feet away while Chris stood at the grave site for nearly an hour. Vicky saw his chest rise and fall several times, and he kept lowering his head and slumping his shoulders. Finally, he took a deep breath and straightened up. Vicky stepped closer to him and when she was sure he had composed himself, she moved beside him and put her hand on his back. She waited until he spoke.

"Thank you. I knew I had to do it, I just felt like saying goodbye meant I was gonna lose them again."

"You have them in your heart. That's where you want to keep them, because nobody can take them from there."

He sighed and put his arms around her.

"I'm ready to go. I won't need to come back. This isn't my home anymore."

They stopped in Eagle Bend to eat, and then they went into the saloon and drank a bottle of whiskey between them. They spent the night in Eagle Bend and after breakfast the next morning, they headed back to Four Corners. Chris was more relaxed than Vicky had seen him, and they didn't hurry back. They arrived in Four Corners late in the afternoon of the fourth day of their trip. Chris waited while Vicky took her saddlebags and bedroll into her quarters, and then they took their horses to the livery. After their horses had been stabled, they headed back towards the saloon, but only got as far as the sheriff's office, where Buck, Vin and JD were sitting out front. Buck looked at Vicky, wearing a gun and carrying her rifle, and he laughed.

"You been out actin' like a cowboy?"

"No acting involved. I don't know why you always make like it's a big deal to ride all over the countryside and act dangerous. There's nothing to it!"

"Now that hurts! That's not all there is to it, you know."

"No? What else is there? Oh, wait, I forgot who I was talking to. Of course, Buck, forgive me, there are also women!"

"Why Miss Vicky, I do believe you hurt my feelins!"

"Entirely intentional, I promise! Well, if you gentlemen will excuse me, I've got four days worth of dirt to get rid of."

The four men watched Vicky walk away and then Buck looked at Chris and smiled.

"You two have a good trip?"

"As a matter of fact, yes, we did."

"Somethin' goin' on there we should know about?"

"As a matter of fact, that's none of your business."

Buck laughed as Chris walked away.

"I knew it! I knew he'd see the light sooner or later!"

Vicky had a bath and washed her hair. She got something to eat and then she went into the saloon. Ezra was in the middle of a card game with four people Vicky hadn't seen before, but when the game ended, he withdrew and went behind the bar where she was standing.

"How's business?"

"Business, my dear, is excellent."

"Are we making any money, or is it just you?"

"The establishment and I are both doing very well this evening. It never ceases to amaze me how many people there are with large amounts of money and very little sense. They just can't wait to give their money away."

"And aren't we lucky they come to us to give it away! How were things here?"

"Quiet, actually. No robberies, no monumental scams. Just people who want to drink and gamble. I trust your journey was successful?"

"I just went for a ride in the country with a friend. That's all."

"No problems, I hope, because I am still willing to come to your aid if you need me."

"No problems. Would you mind closing up tonight? I've had a long day and I didn't realize how tired I was. I'd like to have an early night and get some sleep."

"I understand. Are you sure everything is alright, my dear?"

"Everything is fine. It was a long trip, and we spent most of the time travelling, so I didn't get much sleep. There's nothing more to it than that. I'll be fine once I get some sleep. I'm glad you're here, Ezra. I don't know anybody else I'd rather have here."

"Not even Chris Larabee?"

"He couldn't do what you do here. He doesn't have the temperament. You were born to this."

"Thank you, I think. And never forget, Victoria, even though I'm not the man you need to make you happy in your personal life, I will always stand ready to protect you in any way you may require. From anything, or anyone."

"Thank you, Ezra. You won't ever have to protect me from Chris. Well, if you're sure you don't mind, I'm going to retire."

"Good night, my dear. Sleep well."

Vicky had taken off her shoes and stockings and was starting to unbutton her dress when there was a knock on the door. She went out to the sitting room and saw Chris through the window.

She opened the door and he said, "We have to get a couple of things straight."

She stepped back and opened the door wide enough for him to enter. She closed the door behind him and locked it. While she poured two drinks, Chris put his hat, jacket and gun belt on the table. She handed him a glass and they both sat down.

"First of all, I'm too old for you."

"Whose rule is that?"

"If you get involved with me, people will talk about you."

"I'm a twenty-five year old woman running a saloon by myself. I killed my brother in front of the whole town. I don't think they could talk about me more than they already are."

"I don't want you to get hurt."

"They can't hurt me if I don't let them. I can't stop them talking about me, and as long as they bring me their business, they can say anything they want."

"That's easy for you to say now. You might not feel the same way when it starts."

"I'll deal with that when it happens."

"I'm not ready to get married again."

"I don't want to marry you."

"And I don't want to live here with you."

"I don't want you to live here."

"And if I feel like leaving, I'll leave."

"That's fine with me. I don't want you to stay anywhere you don't want to be. Are you trying to talk me out of this, or yourself?"

"I'm just trying to give you a chance to change your mind."

"I'm not going to change my mind."

"And what if you decide we're not right together? Like you did with Ezra?"

"It won't be just me who decides. We both will."

"But what if that happens?"

"Then maybe my brother's assessment of my moral character was right after all. I'm not afraid of living by myself, Chris. I don't need a man to survive. If this is going to happen between us, it's because we both want it to."

"I'm afraid I've been lonely for so long, I'm just looking for somebody to be with."

"You could have done that with Mary if that was true."

"No, that was never right. I'm ready to be involved with somebody again now."

"We're two battered souls, Chris. We might as well be together, instead of inflicting ourselves on other people."

"That doesn't say much for either of us, does it?"

"Well, I guess you take what you can get!"

"Are you really sure you want this, Vicky?"

"I'm sure. But you sound like you're not."

"I know I want to be with you. I'm afraid that being associated with me is going to cause trouble for you. Trouble follows me around, and I don't know how to stop that. I don't want you to get hurt because of me."

"I don't know how to stop it either, but I know that dealing with problems is easier if you have someone to help you do it. If I didn't know that before, I've certainly learned it since I've been here."

"I want you to promise me something. If you ever feel like you don't want to be involved with me anymore, please tell me. Don't let me stay around because you feel sorry for me or you're afraid to tell me."

"I think you know me well enough, Chris, to know I won't do that to you. One thing you and I have always had going for us is that we're honest with each other. That's because we respect each other. You can't have a good relationship without honesty and respect."

"You could do better than me."

"That's for me to decide, and I don't happen to agree with you. I know I could do a lot worse. Don't sell yourself short, Chris."

"I just hope you understand who I am."

"You're a hired gunfighter. You drink too much. You don't trust people. You have a mean streak that is not pleasant to experience. You've probably whored around more than you should have. Your past keeps catching up with you, no matter how hard you try to out run it. Anything else?"

"You know me better than I know myself."

"No I don't. You know what you are and who you are. One of the things I've liked about you since I got here is you know yourself better than most people do, and you've accepted who you are. Maybe you're not everybody's idea of the model citizen, but you're not driving yourself crazy trying to be what other people want you to be. I don't want to go on anymore with the two of us circling each other, wondering if we should step in or not. I don't like the uncertainty. If we're not meant to be together, we'll find out soon enough. But I want to know, one way or the other. Anything else is just dishonest."

"How did you get to be so wise?"

"It's not wisdom. It's spending my whole life with nobody to rely on but myself. I've learned to make decisions quickly, and I don't like us not making a decision, one way or the other, to be involved with each other. I care about you Chris, and I want to share as much of my life with you as you want to get involved in. But I also know that neither of us wants to make a permanent lifelong commitment. Not now. But we need to start to find out."

"You're an amazing woman, Vicky Watson."

"Well, that's not for me to say!"

"I'm saying it."

Vicky knelt down in front of Chris and pulled off his boots and socks. They stood up together, and he put a hand on either side of her face.

"Please don't let me hurt you."

"I promise."

He kissed her once, very lightly, and then he put his arms around her, pulled her tightly against him, and kissed her deeply and passionately. Then she moved slightly away from him and took his hand. He followed her into the bedroom and kissed her again. He started undoing the buttons on her dress but his hands were trembling slightly.

"Are you nervous?"

"This is the first time since Sarah died that I didn't have to pay a woman to be with me."

"You can pay me if it'll make you feel better!"

"I'll get over it!"

It was still dark when Vicky woke up. Chris was sitting on the side of the bed. She reached over and put her hand on the small of his back.

"Are you trying to sneak out before I wake up?"

"No, I just gotta go outside for a minute. I'll be right back."

While Chris was outside, Vicky moved over to where he had been sleeping. The pillow had his scent on it. It was a mixture of many smells that, individually, wouldn't invoke any particular feeling in her, but together, at that time and place, they were a combination that Vicky found very sensual. When he came back in, she moved over enough to make room for him, but she lay on her side, against his body, and ran her fingers over his chest.

"Do you have any idea what time it is?"

"Just before sun up."

"Did you lock the door when you came back in?"

"Don't worry. Nobody's gettin' in here. They can get their coffee somewhere else this morning."

He made love to her again, and it was several hours later before they finally got out of bed. While Chris got dressed, Vicky went to the outhouse, and then checked in front of the saloon, to see if anyone was there to see him when he left. Then she went back inside.

"Do you want me to create a diversion when you leave. I'm pretty good at that!"

"I'm not gonna do this if I have to sneak around."

"In that case, why don't we just go and get something to eat. If people are going to talk about us, we might as well be the ones to get the ball rolling."

"This isn't a joke, Vicky. Gossip can hurt people."

"I know. I'm sorry. You're so worried about my reputation and I really don't think there's much there to worry about."

"You're a lady, even if you don't always act like one. I don't want to be the reason people start thinking about you as something else."

"Well, since sneaking around is out of the question, people are going to find out about us sooner or later."

"Oh, what the hell. Let's just get something to eat."

Later that day, while Vicky was behind the bar, Buck came in, leaned on the bar and smiled at her.

"Sleep in this mornin'?"

"Why?"

"Well, we came by for coffee and you didn't answer the door. So I figured you musta been sleepin' in."

"My business is not your business."

"I'm not criticizin'. I'm just sayin'. Chris slept in too."

"If you're trying to get some kind of a reaction out of me, forget it."

"Come on! I think you two'll be great together."

"What did he say to you?"

"Nothin'. But I've known him a long time and he's changed the past few weeks. That's 'cause of you. You helped him do somethin' he shoulda done a long time ago. You're good for him, because you deal straight with him. He needs that. And you need somebody that isn't like you, the way Ezra is. You balance each other."

"You're quite a philosopher, Buck. I didn't know you had it in you! Now, will you stop leaning on my bar. You're gonna scare customers away!"

The next morning, before the saloon opened, Vicky went to the Clarion office. Mary Travis was busy on her printing press. Vicky wasn't sure what kind of reception she would get, but she had to make some kind of peace with Mary.

"Good morning, Mrs. Travis. Do you have a few minutes? I'd like to discuss something with you."

"What is it, Miss Watson?"

Mary was always very businesslike with her, but Vicky could also detect a formality that hadn't been present before.

"I want to tell you something, so you can hear it directly from me and not through the gossip in town. Chris Larabee and I have decided to try and make a go of things together. We're not going to be getting married and we're not going to be living together. But we are going to be closer."

"Your business and Mr. Larabee's business are no concern of mine. I'm sure you're both capable of making your own decisions."

"I just wanted you to know."

"I can't imagine why. I have no interest in your personal affairs."

"I have a lot of respect for you, Mrs. Travis. You probably don't really care, but I know how hard you work here, and I know how difficult it is for you. Even though we aren't in the same kind of business, I know how hard it is for a woman to try to make it on her own."

"Really, Miss Watson, my life is none of your business."

Vicky sighed. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Travis."

She turned to leave the office, but Mary spoke again.

"Miss Watson, wait. Miss Watson... Vicky, I'm sorry. Since my husband died, I've felt like I'm fighting a battle by myself. I don't have any real friends here, so I don't have anyone to talk to about... things. I didn't think anyone knew that I was... well, interested in Chris. I expect he told you that he came to see me. I was embarrassed that he knew how I felt. But afterwards, I thought about it and realized he was right. He's a very strong man, and that makes him attractive to women. Especially a woman on her own. He's really the first strong man I've met here, since my husband died. I was very impressed by him, but he was correct when he said we wouldn't be right for each other. I'm glad that he's found someone he thinks can make him happy. I know he's had a very unhappy time during the past few years and if you can help him deal with that, well, everybody deserves some happiness."

"Including you, Mary. I know you're scared. Hell, I'm scared every single day, wondering if I'm doing the right thing, if I'm going to be able to make my business work, if I'm going to be able to survive. I do understand how hard it is for you, and I admire you for staying here to carry on your husband's dream. That's why Nicholas and I came west after my father died. It was his dream, and I felt we had to honor that."

"Well, perhaps you and I have more in common that people might think."

"I think you're right, Mary. I don't have any women friends either, and it would be nice to have one, because no matter how good a friend a man is, there are some things you can't discuss with a man."

"Thank you for coming, Vicky. I'm sorry I misjudged you before. It was wrong. Perhaps we could be friends."

"I'd really like that, Mary. Thank you. And if you're looking for friends, Chris is a good one to have."

Vicky went back to the saloon and she was behind the bar while Henry took a break when a man she had never seen before came in. He stopped inside the doorway for a few seconds and looked around, and then walked over to the bar.

"Excuse me, Miss, I'm looking for Victoria Watson."

"I'm Victoria Watson."

"Ma'am, my name is Dexter Harrison. I'm with the Pinkerton office in Ft. Worth."

"I expected a wire back. I didn't actually expect someone to come, Mr. Harrison."

"Well, ma'am, I was fairly close and I got a wire from the office to come and meet with you."

"My barman will be back in about fifteen minutes, Mr Harrison, would you like a drink?"

"Actually, I'd like something to eat."

"Well, why don't you go next door. The restaurant is part of my business. Get something to eat and I'll join you as soon as my barman gets back."

As soon as Henry returned, Vicky went to the kitchen and found Harrison in the middle of his lunch. She ordered a meal for herself and sat down at the table.

"Thank you for coming, Mr Harrison. I hope you're going to be able to help me."

"There wasn't a lot of information in your wire, apparently, Miss Watson. Exactly what is it that you want the Pinkertons to do for you?"

"I have a friend who was framed for murder. The man who framed him is also wanted for a number of robberies and other things in Texas. My friend was a bounty hunter who located the man in question - actually, a body he believed to be the man - and took him in for the reward. But it turned out not to be who my friend thought it was, and the man arranged it to look like my friend had killed whoever it was that he took in. He fled and a bounty was put on him, for murder. But I believe my friend when he says he was framed, and I'm hoping the Pinkerton Agency will be able to track down the man who framed my friend, so my friend's name can be cleared."

"Why are you doing this? Why doesn't your friend do it?"

"Well, Mr. Harrison, first of all, if he shows up in Texas, he's liable to be hung before anybody gets around to asking any questions. Secondly, he doesn't have the money to pay a detective. Thirdly, my friend is a man who is as honorable as anyone I have ever met, and he won't fight if he doesn't have to. He wants to settle this and clear his name, because his name is very important to him. But the odds are stacked against him right now, and he can't get out of the mess by himself."

"Well, Miss Watson, why don't you give me the details, and I'll see what I can do for you."

"I have just one condition, Mr. Harrison. If you are unable to locate this outlaw, I don't want you to come back looking for my friend."

"Is he wanted in Arizona?"

"No, just in Texas."

"Well, as long as he stays out of Texas, and since you haven't told me his name, there's no reason for me to be looking for him, is there?"

"I hope not, Mr. Harrison."

Vicky told the detective about Eli Joe, and about his history with Vin. She made sure she never mentioned Vin's name, although she knew the detective would be able to get it quite easily. She knew Vin would not approve of what she was doing, and might even be angry with her, but she felt she owed him something, and she couldn't think of any other way to thank him for his support during her time in Four Corners. When they were finished eating and discussing Vicky's case, Harrison went to the telegraph office and sent several wires. He told Vicky he'd wait for the replies and then, depending on the answers he got, he'd be on his way to look for Eli Joe. Vicky went to the bank and withdrew $500 and took it to the hotel room where Harrison had checked in while he waited for his return telegrams, and where he would be spending the night.

"If this is not enough money, Mr. Harrison, please let me know and I'll send you whatever you need. And any expenses you have, I will cover as well."

"I think you received the terms of our employment, Miss Watson?"

"Yes, I did. I agree completely with the contract. But if there are any other expenses that you incur please let me know."

"This must be a pretty good friend, if you're willing to spend so much money to clear his name."

"He is, Mr. Harrison. He's a very good friend."

Harrison received his replies and was on his way the next morning. Nobody said anything to Vicky about the stranger and she hoped no-one had noticed him. Harrison had only said he was headed to Texas, but he didn't give Vicky any other details. He promised to keep in touch with her as he got any new information.

Josiah's windows arrived a few days later and Vicky was happy to see that they all fit properly. The stained glass window she'd found looked exactly the way she'd hoped it would, in the wall above the pulpit. When the sun shone through it, the church took on an appropriately spiritual air. Vicky even went to church on Sunday morning to enjoy the new additions with the rest of the congregation. She and Josiah walked from the church after the service, and got as far as the hotel, where Buck and Chris were sitting out front. Buck squinted up into the sun when he looked at Vicky.

"Don't tell me Josiah's turnin' ya into a church goer!"

"Why is that so hard to believe?"

"Well, I don't wanna overstep my bounds here, but church is not one of the places I'd ever think to look for you at!"

"You mean, you think I'm headed straight to hell?"

"I didn't say that!"

"Where else is there for me to go, if I don't belong in church?"

"Well..."

Chris laughed. "I think you'd better quit while you're ahead, Buck! This is a conversation you're never gonna win!"

"I think you're right!"

Vicky and Josiah sat down on the bench and Vicky closed her eyes and held her face up into the sun. She sighed and opened her eyes.

"I think you're right, Josiah. Money can't buy forgiveness, but at least you can open your church on a cold day now and keep the weather out. I guess spending my money isn't going to make me feel better about what happened to Nicholas."

"Nobody and nothin' can make you feel better about that except you."

"Well, maybe some day I'll be able to do that. I guess I'll just have to keep trying."

"Doin' a good deed is its own reward."

"I guess. But that stained glass sure does look nice in there."

"It does, indeed."

A report had come in from a neighboring town about cattle rustlers in the area and Chris and the other six were taking turns scouting the area for a few days. They went out in twos or threes and spent most of each day travelling around the area.

Jess Masters from the telegraph office knocked on Vicky's door one morning just after she'd gotten up and was only just dressed.

"Sorry to bother you so early, Vicky, but this wire just came in and it says it's important."

"Don't worry about it, Jess. Thanks for bringing it over."

Vicky looked at the wire and her heart started beating faster as soon as she read the first line:

"ELI JOE FOUND - IN CUSTODY"

Her breathing became shallow and she had to sit down while she read the remainder of the message:

"WITNESSES LOCATED. CIRCUIT JUDGE NOTIFIED. TRIAL IN TASCOSA SCHEDULED FEBRUARY 20. BRING YOUR FRIEND. CHARACTER REFERENCES WOULD HELP. CONFIRM TO FT. WORTH OFFICE. D. HARRISON"

She read it again, twice, and then she got up and went outside. She wasn't sure where she was going, but she needed to talk to somebody. She finally headed to the sheriff's office. Inside, Buck and Nathan were having a lively conversation about something when Vicky went in. "Vicky! Good mornin'. What are you doin' up so early."

"I'm up this early every morning, Buck. When are Chris and Vin supposed to be back?"

"You missin' him?"

"Buck, this is important."

"I think they're back," Nathan said. "I'm sure their horses are in the livery."

"So they're probably sleeping."

"I don't think you wanna be wakin' Chris up this early. He's liable to be a little cranky."

"I don't want Chris. I have to talk to Vin."

"He ain't gonna be any happier about gettin' woke up so early if they got back late last night."

Nathan was talking but Vicky had already left, heading towards the boarding house. She had to use all her will power not to run. Halfway up the stairs, she stopped. Vin still didn't know she'd hired the detective and she suddenly wasn't sure how he would react. She stood outside his door for a few seconds and then finally she knocked. There was no response and she knocked again and called his name.

"Vin! Vin, it's Vicky. I have to talk to you."

She waited a few seconds and was about to knock again when she heard movement inside.

"Hold on. I'll be right there."

Vicky could hear Vin getting dressed and finally he opened the door.

"Vicky, what's wrong?"

"I'm sorry, Vin, but this can't wait."

"Come in here. What's goin' on?"

"A few weeks ago, after you came back from Thomasville, I sent a wire to Ft. Worth, to the Pinkerton office. I hired a detective to find Eli Joe."

"What'd you do that for?"

"I didn't know what else I could do to thank you for everything you've done for me."

"I didn't do it 'cause I expected anything in return."

"I know, but I had to do something."

"So I can guess what happened. Nobody can find Eli and you lost your money."

"No."

She handed him the telegram and watched him as he read it. He read it twice and then he looked at Vicky.

"I don't believe this."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I was scared they wouldn't find him."

"I can't believe you did this for me."

"Well, it was pretty obvious you were never going to find him on your own."

"So it looks like I gotta go back to Tascosa. Finally."

"You don't have to go alone. I'll go with you. And Chris will go too."

"He know about this?"

"Nobody knows. Just you and me. But I know Chris'll go."

"We only got a week to get there."

"We've got time, if we leave right away."

"I don't know what to say, Vicky. I never expected nothin' like this."

"I hope you're not mad at me."

"I got no reason to be mad. I know why you did what you did."

"Well, you know the best way to Tascosa. I guess we better wake Chris up and make a plan."

"If you don't mind, you can wake Chris up. We got in pretty late."

"Alright. I'll take my chances with Chris. We'll meet you downstairs in my sitting room."

Vicky left and Vin finished getting dressed. She went down the hall to Chris's room. She knocked on the door and wasn't surprised when there was no answer. She waited a few seconds and then pulled a ring of keys out of her pocket. Chris had given her a key for his room a couple of weeks earlier but she had never used it because she didn't want to go into his room when he wasn't there, even though he'd told her he didn't mind. She opened the door, slipped inside and closed the door behind her. Chris was on his stomach, with the blanked pulled over his head. His clothes were lying in a pile on the floor beside the bed. Vicky sat down on the side of the bed and leaned over close to Chris's ear.

"Chris. Chris, wake up."

Chris stirred slightly and then jerked awake so suddenly that Vicky almost fell off the bed.

"What is it? What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry, Chris. I know you haven't had much sleep, but you have to get up. We have to make some plans."

"For what?"

"We're going to Tascosa."

"What?"

"Get dressed and come down to my sitting room."

Chris moaned.

"Did you hear me?"

"I heard. I'm awake."

"Downstairs."

"Alright. Give me a couple of minutes."

Vicky went downstairs to her sitting room and found Vin making coffee.

"That was fast."

"Well, he didn't take my head off, but he could well have just rolled over and gone back to sleep. We can give him a few minutes."

They actually didn't have to wait long before Chris arrived. Vicky poured him a cup of coffee and he sat down. She handed him the telegram. He squinted the way he always did when he was figuring something out and he looked at Vicky.

"Who's this Harrison?"

"A Pinkerton detective I hired."

"To find Eli Joe?"

"Yes."

He looked at Vin. "Did you know about this?"

"Not till today."

"That was kind of dangerous, wasn't it? He could have just come after Vin."

"We made a deal."

"And you just trusted him?"

"He's lived up to his end of our bargain."

"What happens when Vin gets to Tascosa? Why wouldn't this Harrison just turn Vin over to the sheriff and collect the bounty?"

"He said he wouldn't."

"You're pretty trusting with someone else's life at stake. What did you give him?"

"Money."

"How much?"

"That's not your business. I signed a contract with the Pinkertons to find Eli Joe. Mr. Harrison has done that. He doesn't care about Vin."

"Are you sure about that?"

"I believe him."

"Are you sure you only gave him money?"

"What are you implying?"

"Nothing, I'm sorry. I'm just having a hard time believing a detective would just pass up a chance to turn in somebody with a $500 bounty on his head."

"You shouldn't be so mistrusting. Not everyone is like the people you've apparently been associating with."

"What about you, Vin? How do you feel about this?"

"How long have I been talkin' about goin' back and clearin' my name? Now I got no reason not to go."

"Well, if you're sure, we can head out tomorrow."

Vicky made arrangements with Mrs. Eddington for provisions for the trip and she sent a wire to Judge Travis. Then she went to see Mary Travis.

"Mary, I have a favor to ask you. You know about the bounty on Vin Tanner?"

"Chris told me he was framed."

"He was. The man who is actually guilty of the murder Vin was framed for has been taken into custody and Vin, Chris and I are going toTexas for the trial, to get Vin cleared."

"What can I do?"

"Well, to be on the safe side, I would like to take some character references for Vin."

"You really should have one from the judge."

"I've already wired him. But it would help if he had someone from the town to speak for him."

"I don't really know him all that well, but I can write something for you."

"Thank you, Mary. We're leaving first thing tomorrow."

"I'll have it ready for you this afternoon."

At dawn the next day, the trio headed east out of Four Corners. Vin set the pace and he kept them moving at a steady rate. He had figured out how far they would have to travel every day to get them to Tascosa by the 20th. The weather was cool enough that the horses wanted to keep moving and they only stopped to water and rest the horses, and to make camp at night.

Late in the afternoon of February 19th, they reached the outskirts of Tascosa. They stopped outside of town. After a brief discussion, it was agreed that Vicky would go into town to find Harrison and make sure everything was in order for the trial, and Vin and Chris would spend the night outside of town and arrive just in time for the trial, to limit the risk of Vin being spotted by anyone who might still remember him. Vicky rode to the hotel and went inside to get a room. When she signed the registry, the clerk looked at her name as if he'd been waiting for her.

"Miss Watson, there's a fella named Harrison here, waiting for you. I believe he's in the saloon."

Vicky went into the saloon and spotted Harrison near the front door. She ignored the comments from some of the men she had to pass and sat down at Harrison's table.

"Miss Watson. Glad to see you made it. Is your friend with you."

"He'll be here in time for the trial, Mr. Harrison. I'm sure you can appreciate that he doesn't want to spend any more time in this town than he absolutely has to."

"Yes, I do understand."

"Is everything alright here?"

"Well, that depends what you mean by alright. Eli Joe is in the jail. You won't be surprised to know he won't be cooperating tomorrow."

"You said you had some witnesses."

"We managed to locate two fellas who were with Eli when he killed the man your friend brought in. We found them in two different jails and they both agreed to testify if they could cut a deal on their sentences. I've already spoken to the judge about that. He said, if their testimony sounds reasonable, there should be no problem clearing your friend."

"What if their testimony isn't reasonable?"

"Then it'll be tougher."

"Well, then, I guess I'll hope for the best. There should have been a wire from Judge Travis."

"It arrived today. I gave it to Judge Kiley. That's the judge for your friend."

"I've got a couple more references to give him. How do you think this is going to turn out, Mr. Harrison?"

"Well, I think it's going to go alright for your friend, but you have to understand that nothing is guaranteed."

"I understand, but I hope you understant how I'm going to feel if the judge decides he doesn't believe my friend. He's only here because of me."

"If you're thinking you might try breaking him out of jail, Miss Watson, I don't want to hear about it. I don't want to be party to any illegal activity."

"Alright, Mr. Harrison, I won't tell you anything. Do you happen to know where the bath house is in this town?"

"I saw the sign partway down the street. It should be easy to find; this isn't much of a town."

"I noticed that when I came in. After I get cleaned up, will you have supper with me, Mr. Harrison? I'm interested in hearing as much about your search for Eli Joe as you're able to tell me."

After her bath, Vicky went back to the hotel and found Harrison waiting for her in the lobby. They went back into the saloon and ordered a meal. While they ate, the detective told her about his search for Eli Joe.

"He figured your friend was long dead, so he wasn't too worried about hidin' himself. He turned up in a little border town, drunk and braggin' about the last stage he robbed. I bought him a couple of drinks and got him talkin' about the bounty on his head. He told me about the dumb bounty hunter he'd tricked, to get the law off his tail. I bought him drinks till he passed out, and I dragged him off to the jail."

"How did you find him in the first place?"

"Well, now, I'd rather not reveal any professional secrets! I'll just say there's a few fellas between here and the Mexican border who enjoyed some of the money you gave me. The saying is true, there really is no honor among thieves."

"What about the two witnesses?"

"One of my colleagues made a trip here to Tascosa and made some enquiries. There are still some people here who remember your friend, and they remembered a couple of drifters who hung around for a while after your friend took his leave. The two of them were bragging about helping someone fool a bounty hunter. Folks remembered them, even remembered their names. Considering the type of fellas they were, my colleague checked the jails and prisons in the state and tracked them down."

"How could it all hve been so easy? My friend could have cleared his name a long time ago."

"Maybe, maybe not. We got lucky this time because things just kind of fell into place. Your friend probably wouldn't have been able to find Eli and the witnesses by himself and, as you said, he might have been caught and hanged without any questions being asked. Timing is very important and this time, your friend got lucky. It doesn't always work that way."

"Well, I am very impressed with the Pinkertons, Mr. Harrison, and I can't tell you how grateful I am for what you've done."

"You better wait until tomorrow before you thank me. Like I said, it's not guaranteed. This friend of yours, is he your sweetheart?"

"No, he's a very good friend, that's all."

"You got a sweetheart?"

"As a matter of fact, Mr. Harrison, I do. Why?"

"He's a lucky man. Anyone who'd go to so much trouble for a friend is a pretty special person, and I reckon you are pretty special, Miss Watson."

The next morning, about an hour before Vin's trial was scheduled to start, he and Chris arrived at Vicky's hotel room. Vicky had brought her black funeral dress with her and she had changed into it before the two men arrived. Chris felt compelled to comment.

"You expect to be going to a funeral?"

"I'm in mourning. My brother died only a few months ago."

"That's a little excessive, isn't it?"

"It creates an impression, Chris. I want the judge to understand how troubled I am by all of this activity, especially in my current distressed state."

"You really are a lot like Ezra, aren't you? I'm glad you're on my side!"

"Don't always make that assumption!"

All three of them were tense and Vin fidgeted while they waited. About ten minutes before the start of the trial, Dexter Harrison knocked on Vicky's door. Vicky introduced him to Vin and Chris.

"I hope you realize how lucky you are, Mr. Tanner, to have someone like Miss Watson looking out for your interests."

"I know it. I'm here 'cause of her."

"I know you won't like this, Mr. Tanner, but you should leave your gun here. You don't want the judge to think you're posing any kind of threat."

Vin looked at Chris and Vicky, clearly unhappy about being unarmed in such a potentially dangerous situation. Vicky put her hand on his arm.

"Your hat and jacket too. Physical impressions are very important, Vin. We want the judge to be on your side as soon as he sees you. Or at least not against you. Chris, you should leave your gun here too."

"I'm not on trial."

"But you're here to support Vin, and it won't look good if you're sitting there the way you always do, ready to shoot the first person you decide you don't like. Don't look at me like that. You do it all the time, even if you don't do it on purpose. Intimidation is what you do, and you can't do it here."

Chris scowled at her as he unbuckled his gun belt and handed it to her. She put it and Vin's into her pack and then put the pack on the floor beside the bed. Then she sighed deeply. "Well, I guess it's time. I've got a couple of things to give the judge, Mr. Harrison. Should I give them to you, or directly to the judge?"

"Give them to me, and I'll pass them on. Are these the references you told me about?"

"Yes, there's one from Mrs. Travis and one from me."

Vin looked startled.

"References?"

"To tell the judge what a fine, upstanding individual you are. It would have helped more if you'd ever been to church!"

"I'll give these to the judge. He's already got the wire from Judge Travis. Is this his wife?"

"No, his daughter-in-law. She owns the newspaper in Four Corners."

Vin still looked surprised.

"Judge Travis sent a reference?"

"Why are you so surprised?"

"Never thought he'd do anything like that."

"Well, lots of people are doing things for you that you didn't expect. Although I'm not really sure why you'd be so surprised. You've done a pretty good job in Four Corners."

"Not everybody thinks so."

"Well, I'd say that's their problem. We should be going, shouldn't we, Mr. Harrison? We don't want to keep Judge Kiley waiting."

They went downstairs and into the saloon which, because of the lack of facilities in Tascosa, had been set up as a court room. Vin sat at the front, directly in front of the judge's table, and Dexter Harrison sat beside him. Chris sat behind him, and Vicky sat at the back of the room. A couple of curious towns people had wandered in to watch the proceedings. Judge Kiley entered and sat at the table; he had several pieces of paper which he arranged in front of him, and then he looked up.

"Mr. Harrison, is everything ready?"

"Yes, sir. We're ready to go."

"Alright. Court is now in session, Judge William Kiley presiding. We're here today to deal with a matter regarding Vin Tanner and Eli Joe. Mr. Tanner? Would you take a seat here, please."

Vin got up and moved to the chair beside the judge's table.

"Now, Mr. Tanner, I have some information about this matter, but I would like you to tell your side of the story, in as much detail as possible."

Vin related the story of his discovery of the body he believed to be Eli Joe, and how, when he arrived inTascosa with the body, he found out it was someone else. He spoke for about twenty minutes, longer than Vicky had ever heard him talk at one time. He ended with his flight from Tascosa and out of Texas. While he talked, the judge made notes, and occasionally he asked a question to clarify a specific point. Vin spoke very quietly and calmly, and only Chris and Vicky would have noticed how hard he was working to keep himself under control. Vicky suddenly understood how angry Vin was about the circumstances he had fallen into. He hadn't spoken about it much to her, and he had always seemed fatalistic about the situation, but she saw now that he really wasn't as accepting of the situation as she had always believed him to be. When he was finished his testimony, he returned to his chair beside Harrison. The judge continued writing for a couple of minutes, then spoke to Harrison.

"Can we have Eli Joe, now?"

"Yes, sir. I'll get him right now."

Harrison went outside and across the street to the jail. A few minutes later he returned with a man Vicky assumed was another Pinkerton detective, and Eli Joe. She was surprised at how small and unassuming he was. He was obviously a man who had lived a hard life, with a lot of drink and a lot of physical abuse to his body. He was older than she had expected, and he was obviously very angry. The detectives took him to the chair beside the judge's table and Harrison's colleague stood behind him, while Harrison went back to his seat beside Vin. The judge looked at Eli for a few seconds, and then spoke to him.

"You seem to have caused some folks a lot of trouble, sir. What do you have to say for yourself?"

"Ain't got nothin' to say."

"Are you aware there is a rather hefty bounty on your head?"

"Don't know nothin'."

"Are you familiar with Mr. Tanner, sitting in front of you here?"

"Never seen him before in my life."

"You're not aware that your actions caused him to be charged with murder?"

"That's his problem."

"Did you frame him for murder?"

"Don't know nothin'"

"Did you kill a man and make it look like you, so bounty hunters would think you were dead?"

"I got nothin' to say about that."

"Well, sir, since you don't deny the allegation against you, I have to assume it's true. This is your last chance to speak on your own behalf."

"I ain't got nothin' to say, and you can all go to hell."

"Well, sir, I expect you'll beat us all there. Please take this prisoner back to the jail and bring your next witness."

The detective took Eli back to the jail and returned with one of the witnesses, another man who looked like he'd lived the same sort of life as Eli. He told a story of meeting up with Eli Joe and another man in a town even smaller than Tascosa, and planning to kill someone, to set up a bounty hunter who was after Eli. The three men consumed a lot of alcohol and were drunk when they came across yet another man, in even worse shape that they were. Eli shot the man and he and his two companions took the body out of the town and left it, with enough of Eli's possessions to make it look like the body was in fact Eli. The three men parted company the next day and didn't see each other again. The witness indicated he was currently incarcerated for robbing a general store in central Texas.

The second witness told basically the same story as the first. He said Eli formulated the plan to kill someone and make the body look like Eli, and he said Eli did the actual shooting. The second man was in jail for stealing horses.

After the second witness was returned to the jail, the judge sat for a few minutes reviewing his notes, and the other documents he had in front of him. Finally, he look up at the people in the room, and at Vin specifically.

"There seems to be conclusive evidence of what occurred in this case. Mr. Tanner, it seems you may just have been unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and unfortunately for you, you were the recipient of Eli Joe's scheme. I have received some character references, Mr. Tanner. Judge Travis speaks very highly of you and the service you have performed for the town of Four Corners. I also have a letter from Mrs. Mary Travis, the owner of the newspaper in Four Corners, in which she also indicates you have served the town well. And a reference from Miss Watson, who I understand is here today. She speaks of your character and in particular, about your honor. It's a lucky man who has someone to speak so highly about him. Now, is there anyone else who would like to speak at this time?"

Before she could stop herself, Vicky stood up.

"Your honor, I've already given you a written statement but, if I may, I would like to say something."

"Miss Watson?"

"Yes, sir."

"Just to clarify, Miss Watson, is there some personal relationship here which might affect your reference for Mr. Tanner?"

"He's my friend, sir. He's been a very good friend since I arrived in Four Corners. He's helped me with some trouble I've had, and he supported me when my brother died a few months ago."

"Alright, Miss Watson. Please proceed."

"Your honor, Vin Tanner is the most honorable man I've ever met, and the best friend anyone could ever have. He supports his friends without condition and doesn't judge them, regardless of his personal views. I trust him with my life, and I know many other people do as well. He has had an injustice done to him, not because of something he did, but because he was the victim of someone else's malicious actions. He fled to save his life, but I know for a fact that he has always intended to return to this town, to set the record straight. He only needed a fair, impartial opportunity to do so."

She wanted to say more, but instead she sat down. Vin looked over his shoulder at her and held her gaze for a couple of seconds, then he looked back at the judge. Chris also turned around and looked at her. The judge made some more notes and spent a few minutes organizing his thoughts and the papers on his table. Finally, he looked up.

"Mr. Tanner."

Vin stood up.

"Mr. Tanner, I am satisfied you have been the victim of a scheme to frame you for someone else's misdeeds. I am removing the bounty on you, and I will ensure the proper authorities are notified, so you will be able to move about freely. There is one matter that has not been addressed, but which we can deal with right now. You admit to fleeing the Texas authorities, and I must deal with that now."

Vicky's stomach started to flutter. She hadn't considered that Vin would be charged with escaping from the Tascosa sheriff.

"In order to completely clear this case, Mr. Tanner, I find you guilty of escaping lawful custody, and I believe the appropriate sentence in this case is a fine of $5.00. If you are unable to pay the fine, you will be required to spend one day in jail. Are you able to pay the fine?"

Vin looked back at Chris and then at Vicky. She nodded at him and he turned back to the judge.

"Yes, sir, I'll pay the fine."

"Very well, then. I have to deal with the three prisoners, but as far as you are concerned, Mr. Tanner, you can go. You are a free man."

Vicky stood up again and moved up to where Vin was still sitting. When he realized she was there, he stood up and put his arms around her. He held her for a long time, so tightly that she almost couldn't breath. Finally, he eased his grip on her, just enough to look into her eyes a whisper to her, "Thank you."

Dexter Harrison held out his hand and Vin shook it.

"Congratulations, Mr. Tanner. A couple of words of advice. First, if I were you, I'd leave this town as soon as possible. Even though the judge has removed the bounty, the word won't get around for a while, and there are some people here who still remember you. Secondly, if you ever have any trouble in the future, make sure you have Miss Watson in your corner. This wouldn't have happened without her."

"I know that. Thanks for your help."

"I was just doing the job I was hired to do."

"Well, I appreciate it. I didn't think anybody would ever find ole Eli."

"He's not a very smart man, Mr. Tanner. With the proper resources, he was actually pretty easy to find. But they were resources you didn't have."

"I know that. I know what Vicky did for me."

Harrison left to help his colleague with the prisoners in the jail. Vicky, Vin and Chris went across the road to the hotel and went up to Vicky's room. Chris still had not spoken, but he was the first to speak once they were inside the hotel room.

"We probably should get going right away. We don't want to have trouble now, after we've come this far."

Vin went to get the horses ready and Chris stayed behind while Vicky changed out of her dress and back into her travelling clothes.

"That was a hell of a thing you did for Vin. Are you sure about him just being a friend?"

"Are you trying to get rid of me?"

"I just don't want you to feel like you owe me anything, if you really think you'd rather be with him."

"I'm where I want to be. Maybe you don't want to hear this Chris, but I'm in love with you. If you don't feel the same about me, that's alright. I understand. I've never had a friend like the kind of friend I consider Vin is to me. I think you know what I'm talking about. I've never known anybody who would willingly give up his life for me, without hesitation, because he felt it was the right thing to do. That's a kind of honor I've never seen before. He has more honor and more character than anybody else I've ever met, including you. Even with what happened here this morning, I feel like I owe him a debt I will never be able to repay. He's given me his support just because he's my friend, for no other reason. He's never questioned anything I've done, he's just been there for me, to give me whatever I need. Even Ezra, as good a friend as he's been to me, has never been able to do what Vin has done for me.

"He deserves somebody better than I could ever hope to be. I know I couldn't give him what he should have. What he deserves to have. You know what I'm like. I'd be worried about him every time he left, and I'd drive myself crazy waiting for him to come back. It wouldn't be long before he got tired of that."

"The way you describe him, I don't know if there is anybody good enough for him."

"There has to be, somewhere. He deserves better than having to spend his life with nobody to support him and love him. I'm ready to go. Let's get the hell out of this town."

She wrapped up her dress and boots and put them into the pack she had brought them in. When she and Chris got down to the street, Vin was waiting for them.

"We need to get some supplies. Bring the horses over to the general store and I'll get what we need."

She walked down the street to the general store. Inside, she waited while the clerk finished waiting on a customer, and then she held out the pack with her dress and shoes.

"I've got some clothes in here that have only been worn three times. It's a very nice dress and some expensive boots. I have no need for them anymore."

"I don't usually buy other folk's clothing."

"I don't want to sell them to you. I just want to give them to you. You can sell them or do whatever you want. I have a long trip to make and I don't want to carry these with me. I don't need them."

"Well, how about a trade. You need some supplies?"

"I do need a few things."

"Well, pick out what you want and we'll call it even."

Vin and Chris waited outside the general store on their horses. Vin had been silent since they'd left the saloon, and Chris finally had to say something.

"You alright?"

"Don't think I've quite took it all in yet. I'm not sure I know what it all means."

"It means you're free to go anywhere you want. You don't have to worry about people chasing you any more."

"Could take a while for the judge's order to get sent out. I still have to worry for a while."

Vin sat for a few seconds and then continued.

"She's pretty special."

"Yes, she is. You interested?"

"Naw, she don't want me. She wants you."

"What do you want?"

"Never really gave it much thought. Never had time."

"You've got time now. You could settle down if you want."

"Not sure I want to do that. I'm used to roamin'. Don't know if I could stay in one place for too long."

"What about Four Corners?"

"Well, I guess if I had to settle some place, that would do for a while. You gonna be able to settle down now, with Vicky?"

"I got a reason to now. I didn't want to get involved with her, but I couldn't help myself."

"Woman'll do that to a fella."

"You should give it a chance."

"Gotta find somebody first. Maybe a little like her, but somebody who don't worry so much. It's nice to have friends to worry about a fella, but I don't know if I could put up with livin' with someone who worried all the time. I reckon if I ever find somebody I might change my mind about that, but I get nervous when women start worryin' about me."

Chris laughed.

"She'll worry about you whether you want her to or not."

"I reckon. I know she does it 'cause she cares, but I'm not used to havin' somebody care about me like that."

"You're a good friend Vin. Good friends are worth a little worrying now and then."

The trip back took one more day than the trip to Tascosa, because they weren't in as much of a hurry. But when they got to the outskirts of Four Corners, they stopped and looked down at the town. They sat for a few minutes and Vicky finally spoke.

"I never thought I'd be happy to call a little back water place like this home, but I sure am glad to be here."

Vin chuckled.

"I never thought I'd wanna call any place home, but I guess this is about as close as I'll ever get."

Vicky looked at Chris and smiled.

"What about you, cowboy?"

He scowled at her, and then shrugged.

"Well, it looks like, if this is where you're gonna be, this is where I'm gonna be. I could think of worse things."

"Thanks a lot!"

"Three months ago, I couldn't wait to be somewhere else. Now I don't know where else I would want to go. That's your fault."

"I'm not forcing you to do anything you don't want to do."

"Don't worry. I do what I want to do. And I'm doing what I want to do right now. Let's go home."

As the train pulled into the station, the butterflies in Vicky's stomach started again. She was always excited to see David, even though this time was not a happy occasion. She saw him as soon as he stepped off the train and she waved at him. As he walked towards her, she caught her breath. Every time she saw him, he looked more like Chris. He had Chris's smile and his eyes, and his walk. And every time he came home, he looked so much taller than the last time she'd seen him. When they got close enough, he put his arms around her and picked her up. "Hello, mama. I'm sorry I wasn't here."

"Don't you start. Your sister has been moaning all week. Neither one of you could have done anything. It happened so fast, and he was gone. Just be glad he didn't suffer."

"But you shouldn't have had to deal with everything yourself."

"Caroline's here. I didn't have to do it all by myself."

"Where is Caroline?"

"She stayed with the wagon. She's been feeling pretty bad, so you make sure you spend some time with her."

"I'll stay here as long as you need me."

Just then, Vicky heard a familiar voice. "Vicky, darlin'!"

Buck embraced her and then held her at arms' length.

"You're still the most beautiful woman I've ever known."

"And you're still full of piss and vinegar!"

"I'm so sorry, darlin'. I always figured Chris'd go in a gun fight. I never figured he go this way."

"His heart just finally gave out on him and he was gone before anybody could do anything."

"Still, this isn't how I figured it'd happen."

"Where's JD?"

"He's gettin' his family organized. They'll be along. Where's your beautiful daughter?"

"She stayed with the wagon. She's in a pretty bad way."

"Well, she sure did love her daddy. Her Uncle Buck'll cheer her up. Come on, David, let's get these things to the wagon."

While Buck and David took the luggage to the wagon, Vicky waited on the platform and within a few minutes, JD stepped off the train with his three teenaged daughters and his wife. When he saw Vicky, he smiled and ran towards her.

"Vicky, I'm so sorry."

"JD, it's so good to see you. Thank you for coming. And look at your family. Everyone has grown up so much! Hello, Bonnie."

She embraced JD's wife and then pointed towards the wagon at the end of the platform, where Buck and David were loading the luggage.

"The wagon's here. Let's get you all settled."

The Dunnes checked into the hotel and Buck rode out to the ranch with Vicky and her children. When they got home, Buck and David unpacked their cases while Vicky and Caroline started supper. Within an hour, the Dunnes arrived from town, and shortly after that, everyone sat down at the long table to eat. It was a quiet meal and it wasn't until after they'd eaten, and were sitting around the table, drinking brandy and coffee that JD finally asked what had happened to Chris.

"He was going out to move the horses to another pasture. He only got as far as the front door and he grabbed his chest and fell over. He hadn't even been sick, it just happened. He was gone before I could do anything for him. Even if we'd been living in town, he wouldn't have lasted long. It was quick and he didn't suffer."

Caroline got up from the table and went outside. Vicky looked at David and he got up and went out after his sister.

"Poor Caroline, she went to town to get the doctor and she thinks if she'd stayed with me, Chris would still be alive. But it wouldn't have mattered. He went so fast."

"She just loved her daddy so much," said Buck. "It's hard for kids to think their folks ain't gonna be around forever."

"Well, they're both a lot like him, so I hope they'll be alright."

The next morning, everyone met at the cemetery in town. Chris had been buried the week before, but today, they were erecting his headstone. Vicky had thought for a long time before she'd finally settled on what she wanted on the memorial: "Chris Larabee, husband and father. Man of Honor." It was simple and ordinary, but she felt it suited his memory, much more so than any of the flowery phrases the undertaker had suggested.

After the short ceremony, Buck herded everyone towards the restaurant for lunch. Vicky stood by the grave for a while, and after only a few seconds, she became aware that JD was standing beside her.

"It's hard to believe", he said. "Hard to believe you two were together for twenty-five years. It seems like yesterday that I first arrived in Four Corners."

"Twenty-five years ago, I wouldn't have believed it if someone had told me things would turn out this way. Chris and I together at all, never mind for twenty-five years. And look at you and Buck! It really is amazing."

"But they've been good years."

"Yes, they have. I wouldn't trade a minute of the time for anything."

After lunch, David and Caroline volunteered to take Bonnie Dunne and her children out to the ranch. Vicky, Buck and JD went into the saloon and ordered a bottle of whiskey. Buck poured each of them a glass and then made a toast

"To Chris Larabee, the finest friend a man could have."

They drank the toast and then sat silently for a few minutes. Then Buck leaned forward and put his hands around Vicky's.

"When do you get a chance to cry, darlin'?"

"I already did that, Buck. You know, the way Chris lived before I met him, and even after, I really thought the same as you, that he'd die when some young kid came to town and challenged him so he could say he killed the great Chris Larabee. So every day we had together was like a gift to me. I never took any of it for granted, and I never left anything unsaid. Neither did he. We never talked about it much, but we both always knew that things could end in an instant, so we made sure we always told each other how we felt. It was a shock when he died, and I did cry. I'm gonna miss him. But I have no regrets. The time we had together was more than I ever had the right to expect."

"Too bad everyone wasn't here."

"Well, I heard from Ezra," Vicky said. "He's still in New Orleans, but he's too busy becoming a millionaire."

"I woulda thought he'd come out, for you if nothin' else."

"He moved on a long time ago, Buck. When he sold his share of the saloon back to me, he left and never looked back. I hear from him now and then, but he just writes to tell me how successful he is. He's the same now as he was back then."

"What about Vin? You ever hear from him?"

"We hear from him about once a year. He's still living with the school teacher in Kansas. They never did get married, but I think she understands him well enough to know how important his freedom is to him, but also that he cares about her and he always comes home to her. She's been good for him, and she's made him happy."

"It would have been nice to have Josiah here today. He would have had something real nice to say."

"I miss Josiah. I hated to see him leave, but he did what he had to do. I was sorry we couldn't get to his funeral. I hope he was able to make peace with whoever it was he struggled with all those years."

"And ole Nathan. Who ever would have thought he'd end up being such a politician!"

"He wouldn't appreciate you calling him a politician. I think they're called social workers. But he likes what he's doing, and he's good at it, from what I hear. He writes to me quite often and tells me about the work he's doing, especially with the coloreds and Indians who haven't any way to look after themselves."

"He always had a way with words," said JD. "He could settle anybody down, no matter how mad they were."

Buck sat back and stretched out his long legs, just as he had so many times before, all those years ago.

"We were sure some kinda group, weren't we? I can't believe how much has happened since then. The ones who settled down are the ones you'd figure to be still roamin' around. Like me and ole Chris. Who'd ever have figured he'd be so happy just settlin' down on a little ranch with you, and raisin' those kids. He really loved those kids."

"And you, staying in Denver all this time and working for the railroad. Even if you never did find one lady to settle down with."

"Well, some things are just too set to change! But I never figured I'd be a city fella."

"David has really enjoyed the time he's spent with you. He always liked to hear the stories you told him about you and Chris. I really appreciate how much you both have helped him."

"Well, in a way, it's been like havin' Chris there. He's sure a lot like his daddy."

JD asked, "What are you going to do now, Vicky? You gonna stay here, or what?"

"I haven't really thought about it, to tell you the truth. Now that Chris is gone, I don't really have any reason to stay here, especially since I finally sold the business. I need to talk to David, to find out what he wants to do with his life when he finishes school. If he decides he wants to stay in Denver, I think Caroline and I will probably move there too. He likes school, and he's doing well. He's interested in medicine, but I don't know if that's what he wants to do for the rest of his life. I still think of him as a little boy, but he's a man now, old enough to make his own decisions. I can't believe he's twenty years old. That's older that you were, JD, when you first came West."

"I know he'd be happy if you moved up there. It'd be nice to have you around us, too. Maybe you could do some travelling. You're not too old to do that."

"You know, there isn't anywhere in the world I'm dying to see. Caroline might want to do some travelling, but I just want to settle down somewhere. I never cared much about my relatives back east, but I'd like my children to know them, to know where they come from. There's nobody on Chris's side for them to get to know, but I'd like them to at least meet what's left of my family."

"Well, Buck and me are your family too, don't forget. And we'd both love it if you moved to Denver. Then at least the three of us'd be together again."

"I was thinking about you last night, JD. I'm so proud of you. You've got a wonderful family, you're the Postmaster in Denver. You've done so well for yourself."

"I always say, whatever I was able to accomplish, I learned how in Four Corners. I was pretty green when I first got here, and I learned a lot real quick. Had to, to survive. I learned a lot from Chris. He acted like he didn't have time for me, but I knew he was just puttin' on a show."

"He was proud of you too, JD. He always kind of thought of you as his son, too."

"You know the most important thing I learned from Chris? I learned how important it is to have honor. He was the most honorable man I ever met, and that always stayed with me. That's what I'll always remember when I think about Chris. Honor. His head stone is exactly right."

Vicky smiled. "Well, I think of a lot of other things first, but if Chris could have picked one, that would be it, and he'd be very happy to hear you say that, JD. He was a lot of things, but Chris Larabee was an honorable man."

The End