	Retaliatory Measures by Rhiannon

Retaliatory Measures

by Rhiannon

Summary: Vin faces a difficult situation.

This is a sequel to my story, Diversionary Tactics. You should probably read that one first!

Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction. I don’t own the rights to the Magnificent Seven and I don’t make any money from this work.

“Hey, Vin?”
“Yeah, Chris.”
“We’re needed down at the school house.”
“Trouble?”
“You could say that.”
~.~.~.~.~.~.~
“Vin, let’s go!”
“Chris, from what I kin see through this li’l window, there ain’t nothin’ more’n a room full’a children in there.”
“Appearances can be deceptive. We need to go in, real quiet like.”
“Just what kinda trouble are we talkin’ about?”
“There’s no time to explain. I’ll fill you in once we’re inside.”
~.~.~.~.~.~.~
“Mr. Tanner! It’s lovely to see you, I’m so glad you could come.”
“Mornin’, Mrs. Patterson. That’s— What?”
“The children have been so looking forward to your talk.”
“My TALK!”
“Of course. Don’t tell me I have the wrong day? Mr. Larabee assured me…”
“Oh, he did? CHRIS! Chris?”
“How strange; he was right behind you a moment ago.”
“Oh, yeah. Real strange.”
“Mr. Tanner, are you all right? You look a little pale.”
“I’m fine, it’s just—”
“Well, good. The children are very excited. If you’re ready, we’ll start straight away.”
“Ready? Mrs. Patterson, you don’t under—”
“Wonderful. Class, this is Mr. Tanner. He has very kindly agreed to talk to us today about his experiences of surviving in the wilderness.”
“Oh, shi—”
“MR. TANNER!”
~.~.~.~.~.~.~
“Buck, where’s that black-dressed, black-hearted, good fer nothing…”
“Hey, Vin. What’s put a burr up your butt?”
“I… Chris, he… I need a drink.”
“Inez, darlin’, a whiskey for Vin.”
”Were ya in on this, Wilmington?”
“In on what?”
“Don’t go givin’ me that innocent look! You were in on it, weren’t ya?”
“Now, Vin, there’s no need to get all riled up. It was just a— hey, Chris! Look, Vin, Chris is here!”
“LARABEE!”
“Something wrong, Vin?”
“You worthless, sneaky, connivin’, son of a—”
“Don’t you think you’re overreacting just a mite?”
“I… I… you…”
“Calm down, Vin, it can’t be good for you, going all purple like that. Do you like my new hat? It’s a gift from Mrs. Patterson – you know, the teacher down at the school.”
“Ya kin just wipe that smirk off of yer face right now, Larabee, ‘cause I’m gonna… just where d’ya think you’re goin’? I ain’t finished! Get yer skinny ass back here! CHRIS!”
~.~.~.~.~.~.~
“What was that all about, Ezra?”
“Retaliatory measures, Mr. Dunne. Retaliatory measures.”
End