Part One
It seemed like he had been sitting in the chair for an eternity. In reality, it had only been a few hours. Still, the tired gunfighter rose from the chair and stiffly walked to the window trying to stretch out the kinks from his neck. When had he gotten so old? Or at least, when did he start feeling so old? Chris Larabee thought to himself. Chris stared out into the street of the now quiet town and closed his eyes. Letting out a long deep sigh, he turned back toward the bed and slowly walked back to the chair. Before he could sit back down, he placed his hand on the forehead of the young boy that lie so chillingly motionless in the old bed.
JD Dunne was a body in motion. If he wasn't on the move, he certainly was thinking about it. He had an endless source of energy. An energy that often tried the patience of the six other men that were as close as family. But, it was also an energy that all the men had grown to admire and even envy. His was not only energy of youth, but also energy of hope for the future.
Together, the seven men protected the small little sleepy town of Four Corners. Together, the seven men watched out for each other and protected one another.
Together, they could only sit and watch as their seventh and youngest member faded away from their lives. Helpless to do anything but silently place their hand on his forehead and pray that some kind of miracle would occur.
It had only been a week since the accident, one very long week. Chris slowly moved his hand from JD's forehead to his chest and resumed his vigil in the chair he had become too familiar with. Chris roughly washed his free hand across his face and stared at his other hand as it rose and fell with JD's breathing. Restless, Chris abruptly stood and walked over to a bookshelf in the corner of Nathan's little clinic.
All these medical books and still they could do nothing, Chris thought to himself. Nathan had solemnly stood in this very room only a few days before and given the grim news. He had set the dislocated shoulder, tightly wrapped the broken ribs, and stitched the numerous deep cuts on JD's tired and wounded body. But, there was nothing he could do for the head injury. The trauma to his brain was too severe. JD would likely never wake up. All they could do now was make him comfortable and let him feel their presence, as they said their goodbyes and watched him slip quietly away.
Buck Wilmington was beyond destroyed when Nathan had delivered the news. It couldn't be, he thought to himself. Buck had been JD's best friend, protector, teacher, mother, father, and older brother from the moment they had met. Buck had refused to leave JD's side after the accident and was dangling by a thread when Nathan and Chris managed to get Buck to leave the oppressive room for some much needed sleep. As hard as it was to watch JD's decline, it was even harder on the five remaining men to watch Buck go down with him.
Chris ran his hand across the medical books that were placed neatly on the shelf. Letting his mind wander back to the week's events. Chris suddenly spied the object that had been the catalyst for the tragic incident that occurred only a week before. The gunfighter picked up the small wooden box and stared at it. It wasn't much to look at. It obviously had been fairly old. The wood was aged from time and weather and the lock that had kept the contents private for so long, had seen better days. Chris placed the box on the top of the shelf and brushed his hand across the lid.
In a grief filled moment the tired gunfighter swung his arm back and knocked the box violently off the shelf. Dammit, he thought. He knew this wouldn't solve anything. But somehow, for a moment, it had made him feel just a little bit better. Chris brushed his hand quickly through his hair and slowly bent down to the objectionable box. Seeing the scattered contents strewn across the floor, Chris gathered them up. The gunfighter picked up the box and placed it back on the shelf. As he opened the lid to the box, his eyes fell on a picture of a little boy. The familiar face sent a chill to Chris that rattled him right to the core. Chris studied the picture closely and suddenly found himself thinking of another young boy, a boy that had been lost to him only four short years before. The eyes of the young boy in the picture melded into the eyes of the son he had lost.
Chris sadly put the picture back into the box, along with the remaining items he had rescued from the floor. Before closing the lid, his eyes fell on a familiar piece of paper. As if drawn to this paper, Chris reached for it and clutched it tightly in his hands. Only days before JD's accident, Chris saw his oldest friend, Buck, read this very document. Chris had noticed the myriad of emotions that played out over the ladies man's face. Buck paled quickly and suddenly leapt from his chair, moving swiftly out of the saloon. Josiah, Nathan, and Ezra started after the tall gunslinger, but had been ordered by Chris to leave him alone. Feeling that it was not his business to pry, Chris never questioned the contents. Chris had always felt a man's business was his own. Since Buck had been unwilling to share, Chris let it be.
Chris walked back to the chair by JD's bedside and sat down slowly. He stared at the hand that clutched the mysterious paper. He wanted to get up and put the paper back in the box. Better yet, even tear the paper up and toss it away. It obviously had been responsible for so much of Buck's torment. I shouldn't read it, he thought. It's none of my business. If Buck had wanted me to read it he would have shown it to me. Chris' mind raced with the dilemma he held so firmly in his hands. Chris rested his elbows on his knees and placed his head in his hands. God, he knew he shouldn't do this, Chris thought. But he needed to know.
Chris sat up in his chair and unfolded the paper. As if in a daze, Chris read the document. Not believing what he read, he read the words again and again until they were forever etched in his brain. His eyes transfixed on the familiar name listed on the document. Time stood still. Chris sat in a stupor. He too had gone as pale as Buck when he read these very words. "Oh my god." Chris whispered. "Oh my god, this can't be." Chris sat in stunned silence and stared down at JD's unconscious form. He closed his eyes and rubbed his neck. If what he was reading was true, why didn't Buck say anything? Chris thought. The words on the paper swirled through his brain as he thought back to the days just before the terrible accident.
Chris stared into the glowing campfire light and lowered his head slowly as he raked his fingers through his short blonde hair. It had been an unusually quiet evening. The only sounds were the occasional popping and crackling from the fire and the soft breathing from the bedroll that lay beside the fire where Chris sat. Chris shook his head as he watched JD sleep beside him. The kid looked so peaceful when he slept. Looks were certainly deceiving. JD was anything but peaceful when he was awake. This fact made the long trip that Chris and JD had embarked on only six days before quickly become a nightmare.
There had been an outbreak of influenza in the small town of Cutter's Creek. The small town was a two-day ride from their own hometown of Four Corners. The Sheriff was down with the sickness and needed a little help until he was back on his feet. Chris and JD were sent in to help out where they could and both were relieved when the sheriff was able to return after only a few days.
It didn't take long for the strain of the long ride to wear on the nerves of both men as they made their way back home. Chris had said little on the ride back and JD had been full of so many questions. Questions that were slowly driving Chris insane. How did Buck do it, Chris thought to himself. It wasn't that the questions were dumb or unnecessary. On the contrary, they were very pertinent and well thought out inquiries. It was just that every little thing JD had done or asked was rubbing Chris the wrong way. Finally, after what seemed to Chris like the hundredth question of the day, he lost it. Chris couldn't even remember what the question was.
Chris stood from the fire and checked on the horses before finally retiring for the evening. As he lay his tired body on his bedroll he quickly looked over to JD's sleeping form and winced as he remembered the confrontation that had taken place only yesterday.
"JD, Dammit. You are driving me crazy! God, I don't know how Buck can take this day in and day out. I just want you to shut up. Can you actually make it five minutes without asking some question? I bet you couldn't even make it through the day without saying anything at all," Chris angrily spat out.
JD stood awestruck at the biting words that had been yelled out by the leader. The young man felt his face flush in a mix of embarrassment, shock, sadness, and to some extent fear. The man he most admired, even idolized, had just venomously yelled at him. Chris had never spoken to him like that before. The words didn't hurt nearly as much as the emotion that had fueled the heated words. Not wanting to show his emotions JD looked down only at his feet and walked to his horse. As he brushed by Chris he whispered out "Sorry Chris," and quickly rode out.
Chris closed his eyes and felt himself nod off. Before he surrendered himself to the sleep that gripped his mind he smiled to himself. The kid had made it the whole day without saying a word. But, Chris would have given anything to take back the words he had spoken in a moment of thoughtlessness.
The remainder of the trip had been uneventful. Chris had tried to bring JD back from the shell he burrowed himself in. JD had yet to say one word to Chris since the confrontation two days before. Four Corners was coming into view and Chris breathed out a sigh of relief. He looked over to JD who looked lost in thought at the moment.
"Home," Chris announced.
JD nodded his head, without saying a word and in a flash had his horse flying. Chris sat and watched in admiration as JD gracefully made his way back into town. The kid could sure ride, he thought to himself and he spurred his horse to a trot and made his way back home.
Buck Wilmington sat outside the saloon and grinned widely as he watched his best friend, JD, ride back into town. He had really missed the kid while he was gone. Buck stood from his chair and watched as JD rode to the livery and disappeared into its confines. He started off the boardwalk to meet up with the kid when it dawned on him that Chris hadn't come in with him. Concerned, Buck started to walk quickly towards the livery. Suddenly, Buck turned and saw Chris ride in behind him.
"Hey Chris, thought ya may have fallen off yer horse." Buck smiled out to his oldest friend.
Chris jumped off his horse and stood in front of the tall gunslinger. "JD and I had a few words on the way home." Chris started. "Actually, amazing as it seems, I guess you could say I had most of the words. I said some things, some pretty harsh things. Kid hasn't said a word to me in two days." Chris finished.
Buck smiled. "Two days? Damn, I wouldn't have thought that possible pard. Well, let me talk to him, I'll take yer horse. Why don't ya go over to the saloon and set a spell. I'll have the kid talkin' a blue streak in no time." Buck took Chris' horse and walked into the livery.
"Hey kid, how was the trip?" Buck inquired.
"Was OK." JD answered quickly as he brushed his horse.
Buck got to work bedding down Chris' horse as he filled JD in on the activities that had occurred during his absence.
The two friends walked out of the livery and JD headed towards the boarding house he lived in.
"JD, thought maybe you would join us at the saloon." Buck asked, anxious to get the boy back with the others.
"No, I'm pretty tired Buck. Didn't get a lot of sleep while I was gone, I'm gonna turn in early."
Buck stood in the middle of the street staring as JD retreated to his room. A cold shiver went down Buck's spine as he watched the young man walk away. Just what exactly did Chris say to JD to get him so rattled, Buck thought.
Buck entered the saloon and sat with the five men sitting at the big table. Chris looked up from his beer and watched as Buck sat at the table without his best friend.
"Where's JD?" Vin Tanner asked. He, along with the others had been filled in about the events on the trail. All the men had come to think of JD as a little brother. Vin had grown a little more than concerned when JD had not come into the saloon with Buck.
"Said he didn't get a lotta sleep while he was gone. Decided to turn in early." Buck stated. "What happened out there Chris?" Buck inquired.
Chris ordered another beer and replayed the story once again. Buck felt bad for the kid. He knew how much JD worshipped Chris Larabee. The words he had spit out were obviously said in a moment of frustration and exhaustion. Buck knew Chris loved JD like a son and would never intentionally hurt him. As much as Buck wanted to lash out at the leader for his cruelty, he also understood how easy it would have been to do the same thing himself. Buck decided to give JD the evening to lick his wounds. Tomorrow he would bring the old JD back.
Morning fell over the sleepy little town. JD eagerly got out of his bed and changed his clothes. He wanted to take his horse for a ride and enjoy the beautiful morning. He walked down the stairs leading out to the street and made his way to the livery. In a few short minutes JD was off like the wind enjoying the morning.
Buck had just reached the bottom step when he saw JD and his horse race out of town. Buck smiled to himself. The tall gunslinger knew how much JD enjoyed his early morning rides. Buck started across the street to the restaurant for breakfast when he heard a familiar voice yell out his name. Buck turned around quickly and saw Mary Travis running towards him.
"Buck, I'm glad I found you. This came in on yesterday's stage for JD." Mary handed Buck a small package and continued, "I know he's out of town, but it looked important. Looks like it came from Boston." She smiled handing the box to the gunslinger.
Buck studied the package and looked up to Mrs. Travis. "He just came back yesterday, I'm sure he‘ll be happy to get this. Thank you Mrs. Travis." Buck tipped his hat and turned back towards the restaurant. This would do it, he thought. This was just the thing Buck needed to bring the kid back. With a smile on his face Buck happily sat down and ordered his breakfast.
Vin Tanner sat lazily outside the town jail. The day had warmed quite a bit and Vin had decided to take advantage of the nice weather. Fall was coming upon them and soon these opportunities would not be available. Vin opened his eyes and stretched for a moment, as he stood he saw JD walking over to the jail.
"Morning, Vin." JD happily greeted.
"How was the ride kid?" Vin inquired.
JD sat down and animatedly described what he had seen and done during his morning run. Vin looked over at JD's smiling face and was glad to see the old JD was back. He had been concerned when Chris and JD had returned. Vin really enjoyed being around the kid and felt almost as protective of him as Buck did.
"Ya hungry kid?" Vin asked as he stood from his chair and started for the restaurant. JD nodded his head and the two walked through the now bustling town. Vin and JD had just sat down and ordered breakfast when Buck snuck up from behind them and swiftly removed JD's bowler hat from his head.
"Where're yer manners kid, dontcha know ya take yer hat off when ya sit down for yer food? When did ya get back from yer ride?" Buck teased.
"Thanks for the lesson Buck, I just got back awhile ago." JD answered a bit annoyed that the tall man had once again stolen his hat. JD glared at Buck and shook his head.
"Is that anyway to look at a man who has brought you a present?" Buck inquired. Buck sat down next to JD and teasingly played with the package Mary had given him.
JD looked to Vin and then back to Buck quizzically.
"What do you have Buck?" JD asked.
"Well, it's not really from me. But I'm deliverin' it special." Buck stated as he handed the package to JD.
JD took the package and studied it. After a moment he opened the box and found a familiar wooden box inside. The waitress brought out Vin and JD's food but JD moved his plate aside as his fingers traced the outlines of the wooden box. As if lost in a memory, JD looked back to the packaging and his eyes met a very familiar address. JD closed his eyes and ran his hand once again over the old wood.
Buck and Vin watched the emotions run rampant across JD's face. Both looked at each other and started to say something when JD quickly stood. Placing the small box back into the packaging JD looked at his friends.
"I just remembered something I forgot to do." JD started. He needed to get out of the restaurant fast. "I'll see you guys later." JD finished and he practically flew out the door, nearly knocking down Chris and Ezra who had just entered.
"I must say, where is our youngest member headed towards in such a heated rush?" Ezra asked as he watched JD disappear from view.
Chris sat down with his friend's and stared at Buck. "He still mad about the trip?" Chris asked.
Buck shook his head and looked at Chris as he rose from his chair. "Not sure what that was all about pard, but I'm aiming to find out." Buck declared as he made his way out the door to find his best friend.
JD ran upstairs to the safety of his room in the boarding house. He clutched the package tightly in his hands and stared down at the box as he closed the door behind him. He placed the package on top of the dresser and walked to his bed and sat down. His mama had been dead for less than a year. He had found a new life out west with friends; no they were more than that. They were brothers who watched out over him, guided and protected him.
When JD had first arrived to Four Corners, alone, his grief for his mama had been at times overwhelming. As time had worn on, with the help of his close friendships, the grief didn't seem quite as unbearable. His mama would have been happy for her son; JD knew this with all his heart.
JD closed his eyes seeing her face in his memories. JD sadly smiled to himself as he remembered her beautiful face. A knock on his door brought JD out of his reverie.
"Come in Buck." JD stated knowingly. He knew that Buck wouldn't be far behind. Though sometimes that could be very annoying, most of the times he found it a great comfort. Today was one of those days.
"Hey kid." Buck stated, as if asking a silent question.
JD looked to the tall gunfighter and smiled. "I'm OK Buck."
Buck took a seat and waited for JD to compose himself.
The two sat for a moment in the quiet room and JD ran his hand over his eyes. "My mama had been sick for an awful long time." JD stopped for a moment as a flood of memories rushed him. "After she died, I didn't have any place to go. I'd always dreamed of going west so I packed up what I had and left to come out here."
Buck watched the pain that played over JD's face. He wanted to comfort the young man who had become so much like a son to him, but knew JD needed to get his story out. Not wanting to interrupt, Buck patiently waited as JD tried to finish his story.
"We didn't have a lot. My mama didn't make a lot of money, whatever money she could save she put away for my college." JD stated as he walked to the dresser and picked up the package from Boston. He pulled the small wooden box out and placed it gently on the bed. "This was mama's most prized possession. Her father gave it to her when she was a little girl. She kept everything that meant anything to her in here." JD laughed a small sad chuckle as he remembered. "She even kept the key to the lock on a chain she wore around her neck." JD ran his fingers over the box and a flood of tears escaped his young, tired hazel eyes.
Buck reached out and grabbed the young man into a gentle, fatherly embrace. He stroked the dark hair of the boy who had become so much apart of his life, and he tried to ease the boy's pain.
JD looked up from Buck's shoulder and looked into the gunslingers dark blue eyes. "I only told one person at the estate where I was headed when I left. She was a good friend to mama. She worked with mama. She probably thought I would want it." JD stared down at the box and closed his eyes. Buck whispered words of comfort into JD's ear as the young man succumbed to the tears and exhaustion of the morning, and fell into a bittersweet sleep.
Buck stood looking out the window of JD's room. He had sat for a couple hours while JD slept but was growing stiff from being seated for so long. A pair of hazel eyes met him as he walked back towards the bed and sat back down in his chair. Poor kid, Buck thought. Sometimes it was easy to forget that JD had lost so much so young.
"Hey kid. How ya feeling?" Buck asked in a soothing voice.
JD sat up on his bed and wiped the sleep from his eyes. "I feel better, thanks Buck." JD answered as he stood and looked out the window Buck had just abandoned. JD walked back over to the bed and picked up the small wooden box.
"Are ya gonna open the box?" Buck asked, curious to know what the box held.
JD shook his head and walked to the dresser. He bent down and opened the bottom drawer and carefully placed the box inside. "I just can't right now, I'm not sure if I could ever." JD stated. JD shut the drawer and announced "I never did get breakfast, do you think we could get some food?"
Buck smiled and placed his hand on JD's neck and guided him out the door. "Sure kid, I think we can manage that." And they made their way to the restaurant.
With the events of the long week seemingly over, the six men were happy to see the old JD slowly return. He had even gone on patrol with Chris a few times. JD had become a little more talkative, but Chris recognized JD was a lot more cautious and guarded around him than before. This fact was a little unsettling to the leader, but he hoped in time that this too would wear.
JD and Vin had just returned from their morning patrol, when JD heard his name being called. Turning quickly, he saw Mary Travis run towards him down the boardwalk.
"Good morning Mary." JD politely greeted.
"Morning JD, morning Vin." Mary smiled out. "JD, I have a big favor to ask of you, if you wouldn't mind?"
Vin excused himself and walked over to the restaurant, leaving JD standing with Mary on the boardwalk.
"What can I help you with?" JD answered quickly.
"Well, I'm not sure if you've had the opportunity to meet Jessica Matthews. She's the daughter of an old friend of mine, and she came from St. Louis to visit. Anyway, she's going to be taking the stage to Springville tomorrow, and then taking a train back to school. I hate to think of her traveling by herself, and was wondering if you wouldn't mind keeping her company on her way to Springville?"
This was not exactly the type of favor he thought she would ask. JD felt a little trapped. He really liked Mary, and would do anything to help her. But this, this would be like babysitting. It was hard enough proving himself with the men he rode with. They were all hardened and dangerous men. How was he ever going to become one of them if he was babysitting, JD thought to himself. Lost in thought, JD didn't see Mary signal to a young girl who quickly ran to Mrs. Travis' side.
JD looked up to see the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. She had hair like spun gold, and the lightest blue eyes JD had ever seen.
"Jessica this is JD Dunne, he's the Sheriff of Four Corners." Mary announced proudly to the young girl.
Jessica nodded to Mary, held out her hand, and smiled shyly and the young man before her. "It's nice to meet you JD."
JD felt his heart quicken as he looked into her beautiful blue eyes. He wiped his sweaty palm as discreetly as possible on his pants and took her hand gently. "Jessica meeting is good." JD stumbled and closed his eyes in embarrassment. Great JD, he thought to himself. My palms are sweaty and I can't even speak. This was going to be a long trip.
Jessica waited until she returned to Mary's office at the Clarion when she finally gushed. "Thanks Mary for introducing me. I'm glad he agreed to come with me. He's so handsome. I just hope I don't make a fool of myself." Jessica stated.
Mary chuckled to herself as she thought of the two teens stumbling through the long ride to Springville. "I'm sure you'll do OK Jessica."
JD walked into the restaurant and joined Vin at his table.
"What did Mrs. Travis want?" Vin inquired, already knowing what had been asked of JD. Only the day before Mary had asked Chris if JD would be available for the trip. Not seeing any harm in it, but not wanting to answer for him, Chris had given his OK for the trip.
JD looked over to Vin and saw the tracker break into a big grin. JD shook his head and smiled back to Vin. "Guess you already know." JD threw his napkin at Vin and ordered his breakfast.
"So, when are ya goin' ta git back kid?" Buck asked the next morning as he sat with JD outside their boarding house.
"Should be back tomorrow." JD stated.
"So soon? That pretty little thing? Have I taught ya nothin' kid?" Buck asked in mock disgust.
JD's face blushed in embarrassment. "Jessica's not like that, Buck." JD started but was thankfully saved from further humiliation with the arrival of Chris and Vin.
"JD, I want you to keep your eyes out for any trouble while your gone. You know there've been some stage robberies. Just make sure your watching your back." Chris stated, ever the leader, and ever the concerned father figure.
The four men were involved in conversation when Jessica walked up to JD.
"Hi, JD. The stage should be here soon, are you ready?"
JD walked toward the young girl and smiled. "I'm ready to go."
The young couple walked to where the stage had just rolled in. Vin, Chris, and Buck smiling behind them. Jessica said her goodbyes to Mary while the men; having now been joined by Nathan, Ezra, and Josiah gave JD last minute instructions. JD walked toward the stage and offered his hand to help Jessica get in. He looked at his six friends who watched in not so silent amusement as JD ushered his young lady into the stagecoach. Will they ever think of me as something other than a kid, JD thought as he climbed in and sat down next to Jessica.
JD hadn't been on a stagecoach since he first came out west. The trip to Four Corners was his first venture out of his hometown of Boston. When he had traveled out west he felt like a scared kid, but now, he felt like a man.
JD Dunne had definitely met his match with Jessica. The young girl was a bundle of energy. The two teens sat animatedly in the confines of the small stagecoach bubbling over with stories of their pasts and dreams of their futures. Jefferson Stillwell, a visiting businessman from San Francisco, sat in silent awe across from the young couple as they competed to get their words in. Jefferson had boarded the stage in Four Corners for what he had hoped would be a quiet ride to Springville. This was not going to happen.
Mr. Stillwell smiled at the youthful exuberance displayed in front of him. He had two kids of his own back home, probably about the same age as the young couple. God, he thought to himself. I can't remember ever being that age. In an amazing lull in the conversation Jefferson finally managed to get a word in.
"You kids on your honeymoon?"
JD blushed quickly, as did Jessica.
"Uh, no sir, I'm escorting Jessica here to Springville." JD stated.
The three stage riders introduced themselves and were involved in conversation when JD, hearing the thunder of horses behind them, carefully looked out the stagecoach window. Moving his hands unconsciously to his colts, JD turned calmly to Jessica.
"Jessica, I need you to get down on the floor now."
"But JD, I'll ruin.." Jessica started before being interrupted by the young sheriff.
"Jessica, get down. Now!" JD ordered.
In a flash, the stagecoach was suddenly overtaken. A barrage of shots was fired at the stagecoach, and the bodies of the driver and guard fell dead to the moving ground. Dammit, JD thought to himself. If only he had listened to Chris and watched out. Closing his eyes he could see a flash of Chris' disappointment at his failure, sending a quick shiver down his spine. As the stage continued its movement, the door whipped open and a masked man entered.
"Everyone do what I say and nobody's gonna have to git killed."
JD knew he would have to play it cool, if he was going to get himself and the others safely off the stagecoach.
"Alright son, I want ya to slowly put yer guns down on the ground."
Not wanting to risk anyone getting hurt, JD slowly took off his holsters and placed them on the floor.
"You, old man, do ya got any guns on ya?"
"Ahh, no sir." Jefferson shook his head and patted himself down to convince the thief.
The masked man held out his hat and told the three riders to place all their valuables into his hat. His two partners had already gotten a hold of their jackpot that had been nestled safely on top of the coach. But he figured he might as well see what he could get from the passengers. The gang had been tipped that the stage had a special delivery of gold being delivered to Springville, they weren't disappointed.
Jefferson slowly reached into his pocket and grabbed for his pocketwatch. As he calmly extracted it with his left hand he quickly pulled out his derringer with his right and in one blinding moment shot the masked man. Unfortunately, the shot only managed to wing the thief and he quickly lunged for Jefferson. JD grabbed the angry thief and sent him flying out the stagecoach door with one solid punch to his jaw. With time of the essence, JD instructed Jessica and Jefferson to get down on the floor and quickly grabbed his guns as he climbed to the top of the coach.
"JD be careful!" Jessica yelled out as Jefferson Stillwell huddled next to her.
JD took a deep breath and blew it out quickly. As he reached the top of the stagecoach he was met by a solid kick to the face. The young sheriff held on tight, even as he felt his head start swimming. Before the next brutal kick could be delivered, JD managed to get a shot off sending another masked man dead to the ground. He managed to make it on top of the stage when another masked man who had taken over for the driver turned his shotgun on JD. The gunman pulled the trigger of his old gun as JD dove on top of the suitcases. Thankfully, the stage hit a big hole and the shot fired way over JD's head. Seeing his opportunity, JD grabbed the man from behind and managed to disarm the driver.
The stage continued on its journey as JD and the stage's "driver" had it out. As JD struggled with the masked man, his thoughts went back to the previous six months. From JD trying so hard to prove himself at the Seminole Village where he met his "brothers", to all of Buck's lectures, and finally to Chris' frustration and subsequent outburst at JD's numerous questions. All these scenes melded together and as JD unleashed his final punch sending the driver falling off the stagecoach, he again remembered Chris' instructions to watch out for trouble on this very trip. Exhausted but proud of his accomplishments, JD sat his now aching body in the driver seat of the runaway stagecoach. JD managed a slow breath when he realized his new danger.
In all of the activity, JD hadn't seen how close they had gotten to the rocky cliffs. As fast as he could JD reach out for the reins. Unfortunately, they were just barely out of reach. JD made a lunge attempt only to have them slip once again. He knew he only had one more chance to reach the reins. The horses continued their perilous run through the rocky trail and JD could see the rocks fall down the side of the cliffs as the stagecoach wheels brushed the side of treacherous slope.
The stagecoach continued at top speed through the rocky terrain. JD stared down at the reins that were just only barely out of reach. Time was quickly running out. Closing his eyes for a brief moment, JD silently prayed his efforts would be rewarded. He bent over and swiped the reins up quickly pulling them into his hands. Oh, thank god, he thought to himself. Wiping the sweat from his bruised face, he managed to right himself on the driver's seat. Letting out a quick breath JD pulled back on the reins. Suddenly, the stagecoach hit a jarring hole sending the back wheel falling off the side of the cliff. The stagecoach slid quickly sideways on the mountainous cliff.
JD had finally managed to stop the horses but suddenly the stagecoach jerked backward sending JD toppling over the top of the stagecoach. Thankfully, before falling off the back end he was able to grab hold of the railing on top of the coach. JD looked down the rugged and steep terrain. He knew he needed to get Jefferson and Jessica out before the coach slid any further. Taking a deep breath and hoping he could hang on a bit longer, JD yelled out to the two occupants.
The door opened a moment later and the two scared passengers emerged from the beat up coach and quickly crawled their way to safety. As the two managed to stand on the crumbling trail a horrendous sound alerted them that the coach was about to fall. Jefferson spotted JD as he held on for dear life to the rail at the back of the coach.
"Oh dear God." he breathed out in a tight whisper.
The older man silently prayed as he talked to JD, advising him to try and move sideways up the rail. If he could manage that, Jefferson might have a shot at grabbing the sheriff's legs. Jessica rushed to Jefferson's side along the canyon rim, offering JD words of encouragement.
"Come on JD, I know you can do it. Just do what he says and move up the rail." Jessica tried calmly to encourage.
The two watched as JD slowly managed to move up the railing. Jefferson reached out to grab the young man when suddenly the stagecoach gave a jerk causing JD to lose his grip. In a horror filled moment the two watched as JD fell to the earth with bruising force. Immediately losing consciousness and rolling down the steep, rocky embankment. Thankfully there was a small clearing and the young man lay bruised and battered on the base of the clearing. Before they realized what was happening though, the stagecoach followed the young sheriff's path, coming to rest on top of the young man.
Seeing her distress, Jefferson quickly grabbed Jessica into a fatherly embrace to keep the young girl from seeing the violent images below.
Buck burst through the bat wing doors of the saloon. Seeing his five friends sitting lethargically at their table, he made his way over and took a seat. Ezra sat shuffling his cards mindlessly, while the other men talked amongst themselves. The ladies' man signaled the bartender and soon a beer magically appeared before him.
"It's awful quiet in town today," Buck stated, his boredom showing on his face.
"It beats the alternative Buck," Chris plainly pointed out. Truth be told, Chris had even grown a little bored. It's not that he wanted to be involved in any gunplay or bust up any drunken fights. It was just that he too had noticed how dull things were without their youngest around. Sometimes the kid could drive him positively mad with his endless barrage of questions and ability to ramble. But in their six months together, JD had grown to be a valued asset to their team. Somebody they looked to not only as an equal, but someone that most of the men thought of as a brother. In the past couple of months though, Chris had started thinking of him like a son. And, although he would deny it, he was anxious for JD to return.
"Kid's probably talked Jessica's ear off by now." Buck mumbled as he drank his beer. Silence fell over the group and Buck shifted in his chair as he tried to get comfortable.
"I wonder if JD.." Buck started.
"Buck," Josiah interrupted quickly "I'm sure JD is OK out there." Josiah recognized that Buck was worried about the kid. He had to admit he wanted the boy back here with them. He looked around the table at his partners and had to chuckle to himself. These dangerous and hardened men were hopeless. It had been less than a day since JD had been gone and already they wanted him back. It wasn't like this was the first time JD had been out of town. But, one of the other men would go with him when he left. This was a new experience for the men, and they were more than a little concerned.
Ezra continued to shuffle his deck of cards, lost in thought. He had known the young sheriff now for six months. In that brief time, Ezra found himself drawn to the youth. Wanting to protect him from the ravages of the harsh west. But also to guide JD, along with the other men, in becoming a man he and the other men had once wished they could have grown to be.
"Would anyone care to embark in a game of chance?" Ezra inquired as he expertly shuffled his cards.
The gambler was met with groans and mumbles, yet he resumed his tireless shuffling.
Vin played with his beer glass as thoughts of the young sheriff brought a quick smile to his face. Vin and the kid couldn't be more opposite. Vin was a quiet man, comfortable in his solitude. JD was an outgoing, talkative, kid who enjoyed and found comfort with the people around him. Even with their differences, Vin had become almost as close to JD as his "big brother" Buck. Vin continued swirling his beer mug round and round when a dark hand reached across the table and pulled the empty mug away.
"Vin, please." Nathan asked. The black healer had grown weary of watching Vin play with his beer mug. Sometimes, these men could really test a man's nerves, he thought to himself. Nathan marveled as he looked around the table. He couldn't imagine what his life would be like without these men. Each and every one of them relied greatly on Nathan's efforts as not only a protector but also, more importantly, a healer. Nathan rubbed his hand over his face as he thought of their youngest member and all the doctorin' he had invested in that kid. JD could really try a man's patience, but Nathan was eager to have the kid back in their protective fold.
Buck finished up his beer and lazily lounged back in his chair. As he stretched his long legs out, he closed his eyes, and a smile graced his face as he thought back to the past six months. Almost from the time they met, JD and Buck had latched on to each other. JD had become a little brother to Buck. And Buck took his role of big brother very seriously. There was something about JD's trip though that unnerved the tall gunslinger. He couldn't put his finger on it, but he needed the kid to come walking through the bat wing doors of the saloon. Figuring his mind was just playing tricks on him he motioned to the bartender for another round of beers.
"How old do ya think the kid is anyway?" Buck asked trying to make some kind of conversation.
The five men sat in quiet contemplation over the question.
"I'm not sure I ever asked. At least I know he never told me." Vin answered. It seemed like an obvious question to have asked the kid, he thought. For some reason though it had never come up.
Chris stared into his beer not saying anything for awhile. "I'd say he couldn't be more than 18, if he's even that." Chris stated. He too had never asked.
"I would willingly wager that the youth in question has only reached his seventeenth year." Ezra declared.
"Geez Ezra. You'd bet on anything given half a chance." Buck pointed out as he shook his head at the southerner. Buck didn't really know for sure how old the kid was. It just never had come up. He figured the kid must have been old enough or else he would never have made it out west after his mother died.
"Kid don't look more then 16 years old, but I ‘spect he's probably no more than 18." Nathan offered.
"Don't really matter how old he is anyway, he's old enough." Vin defended. "Sides he's not even here to tell us, don't seem right talkin' about him when he ain't even here."
Buck sent Vin an evil glare. He was just curious; it seemed strange that as much as he knew about the kid, he didn't even know how old JD was. It wasn't like it mattered. The kid had certainly proven himself to these men time and time again. But the more he thought about it, the more it bothered the tall gunslinger. He wanted to know. He really needed to know. Buck sat for a moment longer in quiet thought when suddenly it hit him. He knew exactly how to find out how old JD was. The ladies man jumped out of his chair, knocking it to the floor. As he ran out the saloon doors, the five baffled men shook their heads and resumed their conversations.
About a half-hour later Buck strolled back into the saloon. The five men cast curious looks his way as he sat back down in his hastily vacated chair. The tall gunslinger set a small wooden box on the table and gave his friend's the biggest grin he could.
"What's in the box Buck?" Josiah asked, not sure if he really wanted to hear the answer.
Buck fingered the small little box and looked to his friends. "This here is the answer to our question?" Buck stated with infinite pride.
"And what question do you hope to acquire answers to?" Ezra asked as he watched Buck's face light up.
Buck rolled his eyes in exasperation, and set the box on his lap as he worked the old dilapidated lock. In seconds the lock clicked open and Buck again smiled as he victoriously opened the little "treasure chest."
"This here is the box that belonged to the kid's mama. He said she kept ‘everything that meant anything to her.' It would stand to reason that somewhere in here would be somethin' that would give us a clue to how old the kid is." Buck stated as he rummaged through the contents.
"I don't think ya should be going through the box Buck." Nathan stated.
"It ain't fittin' ya goin' through the kid's things." Vin announced as he stood from his chair and walked over to where Buck sat looking into the box. Vin could feel his face flush with anger at the tall gunslinger. The kid had told him and Chris about the box shortly after its arrival. He had also told his friend's that he couldn't bring himself to look in the box. What right did they have going through JD's personal belongings, especially this belonging, while he was gone?
Buck ignored Vin's request and shrugged off the tracker in annoyance. Not wanting to participate in this violation of the kid's privacy Vin hastily left the saloon.
"Ya know Buck, Vin's right. It's not right you looking through something so personal. JD himself hasn't even looked inside." Chris started but was interrupted.
"I think I found something." Buck declared as he anxiously read the document in his hand. Chris looked to his old friend trying to stop him from reading, when he noticed Buck's face. The ladies man's face was a palette of many emotions all at once. He had gone suddenly sullen and pale where an ear to ear mischievous grin had been before. Buck leapt from his chair clutching the wooden box tightly in his hands as he moved swiftly out of the saloon.
Josiah, Nathan, and Ezra stood to go after the tall gunslinger, when Chris barked out.
"Leave him alone."
The three men looked at each other and took their seats again. It was probably best to heed the leader's words, Ezra thought to himself. Chris had known Buck a lot longer. Still, it was very curious to see the change in Buck's mood. What did he read that upset him so?
A chilling stillness rose from the depths of the rocky hillside. Jefferson Stillwell stood at the canyon's rim as he focused on any type of trail or pathway that could lead to the clearing below. Jefferson swallowed his biting fear. There was just simply no way the young sheriff could have survived the treacherous fall down the steep and rugged mountainside. As the older man studied any routes down the hill, his eyes fixated on the battered stagecoach that had come to rest on top of JD. Even if the fall didn't kill him the stagecoach lowered any hope completely. But Jefferson needed to know for sure.
Jefferson scrubbed a rough hand across his face as he stared down at the clearing halfway down the canyon. He needed to get down there soon. They would be losing good light soon and he needed to check on the young sheriff and salvage as much as he could from the stagecoach. Jefferson figured when the stagecoach didn't arrive in Springville as scheduled, a search party would be sent. Realizing it would be a day before they were discovered, the older gentleman had found a quiet secluded area off the main road to camp for the night. The spot would be perfect, he had thought to himself. Not only did trees and boulders hide it; there was also a nice patch of grass where Jessica and he could rest for the evening.
He had managed to calm Jessica down enough to convince her to take a much-needed nap. The accident had been hard on the young girl. He was happy to see she had fallen into a peaceful slumber before he left to hike down to the stage.
Four Corners was barely coming into view as Chris and Vin returned from their patrol. The two men rode in silence as they made their way back into town. As they rode to the livery, they spotted Josiah and Nathan sitting in front of the saloon.
"Have ya seen Buck? He was suppose to patrol with me, but he never showed?" Chris inquired.
Nathan shook his head. "Nah, haven't seen him, but his horse is gone. Probably went off by himself fer awhile."
Chris didn't like this at all. He had known Buck forever and never known him to run from anything. Whatever he read in that paper had shaken the tall gunslinger more than Chris had originally been willing to admit. He silently kicked himself for not going after his old friend. The leader always figured a man's business was his own, but remembering the anxiety in Buck's face after he read that paper made Chris doubt himself.
"Ya think we should go after him?" Vin asked. He too was beginning to worry about the ladies' man. He still felt Buck had no right intruding on the kid's privacy, but having seen the tall gunslinger's emotional state after he bolted from the saloon had been unsettling to the tracker.
Chris shook himself from his silent reverie and looked at Vin. "Not really sure. Don't think it's a good idea for him to be alone out there though." Chris stated. He figured he stood a better chance of getting Buck to talk if he was not with the rest of the team. "I think I might just go out and take a look for him by myself."
Vin nodded his quiet understanding, and Chris mounted his horse to look for his old friend.
Jefferson was beginning to doubt his decision to embark on the long hike down the mountainous trail. Not only was the trail a lot more perilous than it had originally appeared, but an overwhelming sense of dread had seeped into his consciousness. The older gentleman stopped for a moment to rest as flashes of memory replayed themselves in his tired brain. The young sheriff had saved them. He barely knew either one of them, yet he gave up his life for theirs. Scared hazel eyes were permanently etched in his memory. But, it was the final look he had given the older gentleman that unnerved him. It amazed him that one so young seemed to have so much wisdom flickering across those expressive eyes. He knew he couldn't hold on any longer and he was also aware that the older man could not get a firm grasp on him to save him. In a flash, those eyes said so much. They went from a look of complete fright, to acceptance, and then the older man swore they went to a look of absolution. This scared young man, after facing all that he had, was able to look to Jefferson and send a sort of comfort to the older man. JD knew that Jefferson had tried to save him and when he couldn't, the young man understood.
Closing his eyes again, Jefferson let out an unsteady breath. After a moment he stood and continued his treacherous descent down the dangerous hillside. I'm too old to be hiking down mountains, Jefferson thought to himself. In truth though, he knew he had to do this. If not for JD's sake, at least his own. He needed to make sure he had done all he could to save this young man. Moment's later Jefferson made it to the base of the clearing. A sudden chill shot through his spine as he spied the ravaged stagecoach that lay on its side. Scattered luggage and supplies were recklessly strewn throughout the small patch of land. Jefferson gave a silent prayer as he ran to the stagecoach.
The older man surveyed the coach and quickly got to work trying to locate the young sheriff's body. He struggled for awhile as he tried to lift the heavy weight of the stagecoach. In a moment of undeniable strength, Jefferson managed to find JD's battered body underneath the wreckage. He moved as quickly as he could to push the heavy coach off the young man. After some work, he was able to get to the young man's side.
Chris was not really sure what he would say to his old friend once he found him. He just knew that he had to try to get through to the ladies' man. Whatever had upset Buck couldn't be that bad, could it? A million thoughts swirled around the leader's brain. What kind of paper would JD's mother have that would cause the tall gunslinger such distress. And, if Buck got so upset reading it, what would JD's reaction be to it once he returned? Chris continued on his search as his mind replayed Buck's emotional battle in the saloon. Chris stopped his horse and looked around an area, where he knew Buck often visited. Not seeing any signs of Buck, Chris turned his horse around and started back towards town. It was getting dark and he knew he should call it quits for the evening. Hopefully, Buck would do the same.
Buck sat slumped against a tall tree. He had heard a rider come his way and he had quickly retreated to the spot he had come to so many times before. JD had discovered this place during one of his infamous morning rides. Anxious to share his private oasis with his "older brother," JD eagerly brought Buck after they had finished a patrol together. It was a spot where the two of them would visit if JD were feeling down or when he needed comfort from Buck. In this protected little spot JD could let down the wall of manhood he so carefully tried to build when he was in the presence of the other men. In this little secluded area, JD could be the true kid he needed to be. In this quiet area Buck listened to JD as he shared secrets from his past to the older man. Buck sat on the ground with his elbows resting on his knees and his head in his hands. Much of the past JD shared with Buck had been memories of his childhood. While the memories of his mama always brought a smile to the kid's face, a lot of the other memories were not as good. Buck winced as he thought to some of the revelations JD had made about his upbringing. If only he had known JD when he was a kid, he thought to himself so many times. Maybe he could have saved him from the bad times he endured.
But as much as those stories had bothered Buck, nothing could have prepared him for what he found in his mama's box. He always treated JD like a little brother, but he loved him truly like a son. Would things be different if JD knew what was on the paper, he thought to himself. Not wanting to face that thought any longer, Buck rose slowly from his spot and made his way back to his horse. He needed time to sort this out in his mind. Then maybe he could talk to Chris. Chris would need to know, but Buck wasn't sure if he could ever get the words out. The tall gunslinger climbed back on to his horse and made his way back to town.
It seemed like he had sat there for hours as Jefferson stared helplessly at JD's lifeless body. He couldn't take his eyes off the young man. The older man closed his eyes and ran his hand over his forehead. He took a long, deep breath and exhaled slowly. Gathering his courage, he reached down to the young man's throat to feel for a pulse. His fingers trembled as he searched for any sign of life. After a moment, he closed his eyes once again and let a single tear fall from his face. He looked up to the heavens and said another prayer.
The cool of the late afternoon was beginning to settle in on the small clearing that rest midway down the dangerous mountainside. Jefferson silently cursed the canyon he now occupied. It had taken away a life so young and hopeful and discarded it like a well used toy on the small patch of land where the older gentleman sat. Jefferson Stillwell had never really been a religious man. Of course he went to church on Sunday's, but that was more an influence of his wife than his fervent devotion to God. But as he sat looking down at the form that lay so still next to him, he prayed for the young soul.
Jefferson slowly rose from the sheriff's side. He would be losing light soon and he needed to gather any supplies he could to get himself and Jessica through the evening. It didn't take long to collect what they needed and what he could manage to carry with him on the long hike back to the canyon rim. Jefferson spied a tattered small blanket that lay on the ground. He walked over and quickly picked it up and found himself again standing over JD's still body. The older man knelt down to cover the young man. As he shook the small blanket out he knelt down and placed his hand on JD's chest.
"I'm so sorry I couldn't help you son." Jefferson managed. He closed his eyes as the flashes of memory returned to him and let his chin rest on his chest. Not removing his hand from the young man's chest he slowly started to cover JD's face. In a stunned moment of realization though, Jefferson stood quickly and removed the blanket. Was his mind playing tricks on him, he thought? It couldn't be. Jefferson knelt back down to the young sheriff and felt around his throat once again. It was. There was a faint beat and he could feel the young man's slow breathing. The older man looked back up to the heavens and gave thanks. He only hoped he could do more than pray.
Jefferson quickly went to work. The young sheriff had numerous deep cuts that continued to bleed. He needed to staunch the flow of blood and set up a makeshift camp on their little perch in the canyon. But there was also a matter of Jessica. She would need the supplies Jefferson had managed to collect. There was simply no way the young girl could make it down the treacherous trail. It had been hard enough for Jefferson. Judging by the dwindling light, the older man could make it to the canyon's rim but would have to rely on mostly moonlight to see himself back to the young man's aid.
This bothered Jefferson even more. JD's breathing was shallow and very labored. His heartbeat had been slow and erratic. Could Jefferson afford to leave the young man's side while he delivered the salvaged items to Jessica? Jefferson ripped some shirts to dress JD's wounds.
It seems strange what one remembers about their life when they have a life and death struggle thrust upon them. Jefferson rubbed a tired hand across his face as he remembered the day he married his wife. She was so beautiful and they were so young. Together the two of them dreamed of building a life and starting a family. They endured many hardships in their lives, many painful struggles and losses. But they also shared many joyous moments. Jefferson rested his weary head against the massive boulder he sat next to. Taking a quick look at his pocketwatch, the older man rubbed his weary eyes and returned his gaze to his young charge. It was three in the morning.
The sheriff looked so young, he thought to himself. He looked too young. His mind raced back to his own two children. They were probably about JD's age, if not even a little older. Jefferson thought back again to his wife and family as he looked at the young man. Aside from the slow rise and fall of his chest, the young man had not moved since Jefferson had discovered his body. Afraid to move the sheriff for fear of causing him even more injury, Jefferson managed to build a small campsite around the two of them.
Earlier, the older man had made the long journey to the rim of the canyon where he related the news to the relieved young girl of JD's survival. Although he left out the fact that even though the young man was alive when he left him, the chances he was still alive when Jefferson returned would be slim. It was hard enough to keep the young girl from following him back down to his young charge. Finally, he managed to convince the young girl that the best thing she could do for her young friend was to stay safely hidden in the campsite he built for her. He started a fire to keep the young girl warm and set up a bed of sorts for her to rest for the evening. Before he left though, he made her promise that she wouldn't try a fool hearty stunt of trying to make the journey down the dangerous mountainside. With an uneasy nod of her head she agreed and Jefferson embarked on his second trip down the rocky trail.
That had been hours ago, though it felt like it had been days. Jefferson was emotionally and physically exhausted. The older man stood slowly and tried to stretch some of the knots out of his body. He closed his eyes and hoped that the stagecoach would send out a search party soon. The young man would certainly be lucky if he made it through until the morning. It would take a miracle if he had to make it through another whole day. Jefferson added some more wood to his small campfire and turned back to the young man and gasped. The young man's face was not only bruised and bloody but he had become completely pale. His skin was almost translucent. Jefferson had done the best he could to wrap the severe head wound, but he wasn't certain if any of it was helping. JD looked worse than when the older man had found him.
Jefferson took a seat, once again, next to his young charge. "I wish I could do something more for you young man." Jefferson whispered.
The silence of the evening was eerie. Only the occasional crackling of the fire could be heard. Jefferson placed a gentle hand on JD's forehead. "You need to fight young man, you're much too young to go now. There are too many things you need to experience." Jefferson continued talking to the young man. He hoped that if JD could hear him, he might try harder to fight. He stared down at the young face and started to check some of the many bandages wrapped around the battered body.
"Dammit, JD no. You need to breathe for me son." Jefferson demanded. He quickly placed his fingers on JD's throat. When he couldn't feel anything, he tried once again. "Come on JD, you've made it this long, come on. Breathe dammit." Jefferson leaned over JD's mouth. Nothing. Jefferson let out a quick breath as tears threatened. "Don't give up JD."
"Hey Buck, what's going on?"
The familiar voice startled Buck out of his short little nap in front of the jail. "Kid, yer back." Buck smiled as he greeted his best friend.
"Yeah, but I can only stay for awhile. Chris and I are going to ride to Eagle Bend." JD stated, a big smile gracing his face.
"You jist got here though, I thought maybe we might take a trip to our little spot. Maybe even do some fishing." Buck asked hopefully.
"Sorry Buck, Chris wants me to go with him and I think it's best that we not spend time together. I mean I had fun hanging around you and all, but I'd rather spend time with Chris. We were all talking and decided it might be best if you didn't ride with us anymore."
Buck's face paled as JD climbed on to his horse and started away.
"Kid, why don't ya…" Buck started.
JD stopped his horse and turned back toward the tall gunslinger. "I'm sorry Buck, but if you only had told me what the paper said, just told me the truth maybe things would be different."
"You ready son?" Chris asked as he rode up to JD.
"Yeah Chris, let's go." JD smiled to his hero.
"Do you want to do it or should I?" Chris asked.
"No. I can do it." JD stated, his voice bursting with pride.
"But, JD. I'm sorry. I only found out while you were gone, I swear it's true." Buck yelled out as he ran after his two friends.
"You've known. You've always known Buck." JD stated evenly. He pulled out his colt and gave a final glance to Chris. Chris nodded his head in approval and smiled.
"You can do it son." Chris stated.
"Sorry Buck." JD added and he fired his gun at Buck.
"JD…..No!" Buck yelled.
"Oh my god." Buck whispered. It was only a dream. Buck wiped the moisture from his forehead and stood from his bed. Walking over to his dresser, he poured some water and quickly gulped it down. Closing his eyes, he wiped a weary hand across his face. God, that dream seemed so real. He fought the urge to check on the kid. It had been only a dream, he thought to himself. The kid ain't even due back until the morning. The tall gunslinger lay back down in his bed. A short time later the ladies' man finally fell back to sleep.
"Hey Buck, what's going on?"
"The familiar voice startled Buck out of his short little nap in front of the jail. "Kid yer back?" Buck smiled as he greeted his best friend.
"Yeah, but I can only stay for awhile. Chris and I are going to ride to Eagle Bend."
"You've known. You've always known Buck" JD stated evenly. He pulled out his colt and gave a final glance to Chris. Chris nodded his head in approval and smiled.
"You can do it son." Chris stated.
"Sorry Buck." JD added and he fired his gun at Buck.
"NOOOOOOOO!" Buck screamed.
"Hey now Buck, easy." Chris stated as he tried to wake the sleeping gunslinger.
"Chris?"
"Yeah Buck. Musta been a helluva nightmare. Thought you were gonna fall off yer chair." Chris stated.
Buck wiped the sleep from his eyes as he stretched in his chair. He hadn't gotten much sleep the night before. The nightmare seemed to plague his every sleeping moment. After giving up anymore attempts to fall back asleep he got dressed and took his horse out for a very early morning ride. Upon his return, he found himself in the saloon, while he waited for the kid's return.
Not wanting to discuss the nightmare Buck quickly changed the subject. "Kid should be arriving at noon on the stage I guess." Buck managed.
Chris nodded his head as he sat next to his old friend.
"You thinkin' on takin' him for a ride when he gets back, Buck?" Chris asked, hoping that since Buck obviously didn't want to talk to him about the document, maybe he would at least talk to the kid.
"Knowin' the kid, probably. He's gone a whole day without ridin'. Figurin' he'll be pretty antsy to git out."
The two men sat in silence for a long moment. Finally, Buck looked to his old friend and let out a quick breath. "Y'know Chris. Wouldn't mind if maybe you wanted to join us. If.." Buck started before being interrupted.
"Either one of ya seen Josiah around?" Nathan asked as he entered the saloon.
Buck shook his head quickly, annoyed at his friend's timing.
"Spect he's at the church Nathan." Chris answered as he looked back to Buck. Maybe he was ready to tell him what had him so riled up.
"Guess, I'll go check." Nathan turned and walked back out of the saloon.
"What were ya saying Buck?" Chris asked.
"Just thinkin' that maybe you, me and the kid could take a ride.." Buck started again.
"Morning Brothers." Josiah announced as he walked into the saloon.
"Mornin' Josiah." Chris shot a glance to the preacher. "Nate's lookin' for ya. Think he went to the church to find ya." Chris added.
Josiah nodded his head and started out of the saloon.
"Sorry, Buck." Chris added.
Buck ran a nervous hand through his hair. God he didn't know how he was going to get this out, he thought to himself. But, there was no way he could keep it hidden. Chris stared at his old friend. He didn't know what to say.
"Y'know Buck, if ya need to talk.." Chris started.
"Mornin' fellas." Vin drawled as he took a seat next to his two friends.
Before Chris could say a word Buck stood from his chair and bolted out of the saloon.
Chris stood to follow his friend but stopped at the bat wing doors. Vin, who had followed close behind the leader, placed a hand on Chris' shoulders. "He still hasn't said anything about that paper?"
"Nah. It's eatin' him up too." Chris answered, as he walked back to his chair.
"Think we should go after him?" Vin asked.
"Let's give him some time. I'll talk to him later."
Mary looked out the window of her office. The town was bustling with activity. Smiling to herself Mary went back to her printing press. As she reached over the press the door to the Clarion opened and Walter Thompson the towns telegraph operator burst through the door.
"Mrs. Travis!! Mrs. Travis!!" Walter gasped out. He had run from the telegraph office and had become quickly winded.
"Mr. Thompson?" Mary started as she walked to the old man. "Take a deep breath." She stated, concern etching her face.
Walter shook his head. "Can't. It's the stage."
Mary turned a puzzled face to her old friend. "What stage?" Mary asked.
"The stage your friend Jessica and the young sheriff rode on."
Mary felt her heart sink. "What happened Mr. Thompson?" she asked as she felt her face heat with fear.
"It done never made it to Springville. The stage is short handed too. Thought they could get some help in the search."
Mary closed her eyes and sat down. Walter handed her the telegram and she read the words again and again. "Thank you Mr. Thompson, I'll take care of this."
Mr. Thompson took off his hat and played with the brim. "Mighty sorry I had to deliver ya bad news."
Mary couldn't say anything. She merely nodded her head as she fought back her tears. She only hoped that Jessica and JD had made it to safety. Wiping her face with the back of her hand she took a deep breath and started out the door.
Vin and Chris stood outside the saloon. "Kid should be gettin' back soon. Maybe he can bring Buck around." Vin stated.
"Don't know. He's got somethin' that's tearin' at him. Thought he came close to tellin' me." Chris added.
The two friends spied Buck walking down the boardwalk. As they turned to greet the tall gunslinger, Mary Travis ran towards them.
"Chris..It's the stage! Jessica and JD's stage never made it to Springville." Mary cried out. Chris grabbed the distraught woman's shoulders.
"Slow down, slow down Mary. What happened?" Chris asked calmly.
Chris and Vin listened as Mary related the news from the telegram. Chris closed his eyes and tried to calm down the hysterical woman when the sound of pounding horse's hooves could be heard coming from the livery.
"Dammit Buck! No!" Chris growled. He knew that Buck, having heard Mary's story, would be running hell-bent to get to his young friend. He had to get to Buck before he got too far.
"Vin, get the others and tell them what's goin' on. Have Nate bring his medical bag. There's no tellin' what condition any of them will be in." Chris instructed. "Mary send a telegram to Springville and let em know we're on our way." Mary nodded her head as fresh tears ran down her face.
"Bring them back safe Chris" Mary stated as she ran to the telegraph office.
Chris saddled up his horse and grabbed some supplies. He only hoped they could reach the missing riders soon. But first he needed to get Buck.
The leader spurred his horse on and managed to track the tall gunslinger easily. Thankfully, Buck had slowed his pace after tearing out of town. He had suddenly realized that going into an unknown situation could get JD and Jessica, and even himself killed. Chris slowed his pace as he saw his old friend watering his horse by a little creek off the main road.
Chris walked his horse over to the little creek beside Buck. No words were said for awhile.
"Chris, the kid's gotta be OK." Buck finally managed.
Chris walked over to his old friend and rest an understanding hand on his shoulder. "We'll bring him back Buck. The kid is resourceful, I'm sure he's drivin' Jessica nuts about now."
Buck smiled to his old friend and ran a hand through his hair. "Probably right," Buck tried to chuckle out, but he was having trouble convincing himself.
"Chris, I need to tell ya somethin'," Buck stated.
Chris looked to his old friend and waited for him to say something. "What's eatin' ya Buck?"
Buck closed his eyes and tried to sort out the words. No matter how much his tired brain tried, he couldn't figure how he could get out what he needed to say. The two sat in silence once again as Buck struggled.
Realizing he couldn't manage the words. Buck walked away and mumbled "never mind, it wasn't important."
Chris stood for a moment wanting to catch up with his friend. He thought for a moment and decided to let it be. Chris figured Buck would get it out in time. Buck got back on to his horse and made it to Chris' side. In the distance, they could hear the others coming.
Buck looked to Chris once again "I need to get my boy," he whispered as he started back to the main road.
It wasn't long before Nathan, Ezra, Josiah and Vin caught up to their two friends. Chris looked to Vin, who had already started tracking the stage's route. Anticipating they may need to haul someone back to town. Chris was thankful that Nathan had the foresight to bring the wagon. He only hoped that this would only be a precautionary measure.
About two hours into their journey Vin started to pick up disturbing signs. "Looks like the stage had some company. I count three separate horse tracks." Vin commented as the team took a quick break to water their horses.
Buck hadn't said a word as the team rode. This silence unnerved his friends. Buck, like his young friend, was never at a loss for words.
The tall gunslinger felt lost. An overwhelming sense of dread had taken over his thoughts. Buck rested against a tree as memories bombarded him. The kid had become his family. As much as he didn't want to admit it, the kid had wormed his way into Buck's heart and soul. He wanted; no he needed the kid to come riding up on that damn horse he loved so much. Buck would give anything to see those smiling hazel eyes look up to him and ask him to go for a ride, or maybe take him fishing. The ladies man shook his head as if to erase the painful thoughts invading his mind. JD simply had to be OK.
The men soon got back underway. Buck walked back to his horse and slowly got on. Not long after starting on the trail again, the team saw something lying in the middle of the road. Closing his eyes, Vin got off his horse and said a silent prayer. Please don't let this be JD, he thought to himself. Chris followed behind the tracker cautiously and they slowly turned the body over. Vin turned away and looked to Chris. "Thank God." Vin managed and he walked back to the team.
"Dammit JD! You need to breathe." Jefferson yelled at the young man that lay deathly still. Yelling wasn't going to bring back the young man, but the older man was at a loss. He didn't know what to do. Deciding to try once again, he felt around JD's neck for a pulse. It seemed like hours, but suddenly a shaky smile returned to the older man's face. Leaning over to JD's mouth he listened closely for a breath. Closing his eyes he waited and finally he heard a ragged breath.
"Boy, you are going to age me. You got to stop doing this to me." Jefferson stated. The older man repositioned himself next to the young sheriff. He placed his hand on JD's chest and left it there. Almost feeling that if he let go of the boy, the boy himself may let go. Jefferson watched the slow rise and fall of the young man's chest. Knowing they had a lot of time to kill before anybody came to help, the older man decided that if he continued talking maybe JD would hold on for a little longer. "Well, guess since we're stuck with each other for awhile maybe we should get to know each other better." Jefferson started. "Of course you know my name is Jefferson Stillwell, I married my lovely bride Elizabeth more than twenty-five years ago. Now, I know that was long before you were even thought of…"
"Looks like our friend here had help off the stagecoach." Vin stated as he looked at the dead man.
"I recognize this guy, he was the stagecoach driver." Nathan announced. He had remembered seeing the man loading the suitcases on top of the stagecoach, as they saw JD and Jessica off.
"Hey Vin, think I found that guy's friend." Chris yelled out. About fifty feet up the road lay another dead body. The other men headed toward the leader. "I've seen this guy before, he usually rode shotgun if the stagecoach was carrying anything valuable." Chris stated. Dammit, he thought to himself. Someone must have been tipped off that the stage was carrying more than just passengers.
The men returned to their horses and started again through the grizzly trail. Not too far ahead up the road was another dead body. As they continued two more bodies were discovered.
"Judging by the looks of these two guys, they didn't go without a fight." Vin noticed.
Buck wiped a tired hand across his face and let out a deep breath. The evidence of the obvious struggle was overwhelming to the tall gunslinger. With every body they came upon, Buck felt more and more helpless.
The team continued on the trail relieved for a moment that no more bodies were being found. Suddenly, Vin jumped off his horse obviously disturbed where the trail was leading him. Seeing the panicked tracker, Chris and the other men quickly followed Vin to the rim of the canyon. Chris looked down to Vin's line of sight and paled at the sight before him. Chris turned around quickly to a fast approaching Buck. Hoping to stop his old friend before he got to the canyon Chris grabbed his arm to drag him away.
"Chris dammit! What is it?" Buck stated, aggravated that Chris wouldn't let him see what lay in the canyon. "Sweet Jesus, don't tell me it's JD!" Buck hoarsely cried out. The emotion had swept over the tall man and he suddenly felt his legs go weak. Not able to hold himself up, he fell to his knees "It can't be Chris. Not my boy. JD's OK. I know it. He wouldn't leave. He wouldn't leave you and me. He wouldn't leave us." Buck shook his head furiously. Chris knelt in front of his old friend and placed a steady hand on Buck's shoulder. "I'm sorry Buck" Chris said softly. He didn't know what to say. He didn't know how to comfort his old friend. He carefully grabbed Buck by the neck and brought him into a sympathetic embrace. "I'm so sorry."
Part Two
An eerie peace settled over the canyon's rim as Ezra, Vin, Josiah, and Nathan formed a protective circle around their two friends. Buck sat on his knees in quiet desperation, while Chris tried to console his oldest friend.
The horrifying images of the destroyed stagecoach coming to rest on the small patch of land halfway down the mountainside lingered in Chris' mind. There was simply no way anyone would have survived the fall down the rocky hillside.
The shaken team tried to console each other as they watch Buck withdraw within himself. With JD gone, there was no telling how long Buck would last. All the men had gotten used to the closeness of the two "brother's." JD had been Buck's shadow. And although Buck often griped about it, he loved that kid more than life itself. And to Buck's way of thinking, there couldn't be any kind of life for him without the kid in it.
As the haggard men looked to each other for comfort, a sudden rustle in the bushes nearby alerted them to company. As if on cue five gun's clicked in unison. Only one gun was left untouched.
"Come out here and show yer face," Chris growled.
Slowly, as the bushes continued to move, a lone figure appeared. "Please..Don't shoot."
"Oh my god, Jessica," Nathan stated as he walked cautiously to the scared girl.
Jessica, having recognized some of the men from Four Corners let out a big smile.
Before anyone could say a word the young girl ran to the men. "Oh thank the heavens someone came..I thought nobody would ever come and I sat here and worried..What if we're stuck here..I prayed and prayed and you finally came..Now everything will be OK.."
The young girl continued rambling as the six men stared in astonishment.
Grabbing the girl gently by her shoulders Chris looked into her blue eyes. "You said we. JD, is he with you?"
Chris glanced around hoping to catch a glimpse of their youngest. The other men listened anxiously as the young girl began to ramble.
"The stage was robbed..JD saved us..These men wanted our valuables..JD made me get down on the floor..I didn't want to because my dress is new and my mother would be upset..She says I ruin all my nice clothes which really isn't true…"
Growing anxious, Chris shook the girl a little harder. "JD…Where's JD?"
Stunned at his roughness the young girl quivered as she tried to answer. Trying to calm the young girl, Josiah quickly embraced the young girl.
"Child, we don't mean to scare you." Josiah stated as he glared at their leader. "You've been through a lot, I know. But, our friend JD? We're worried," Josiah managed. He knew that scaring the young girl wouldn't help any.
Shaking her head she turned trusting eyes to the gentle preacher. "He's in the canyon. He's with Mr. Stillwell. There was an accident JD fell of the stagecoach." She stated pointing down to the canyon.
Before she could finish, the men ran to the rim of the canyon. Buck, having seen the disastrous scene for the first time closed his eyes and mumbled "Oh Sweet Jesus." Knowing that Buck would think nothing of tearing off down the dangerous slope, Chris held Buck back once again.
Trying to strong arm his way out of Chris' forceful grip Buck yelled out "Dammit Chris. Lemme go."
Vin joined his two friends' and grabbed Buck by his shoulder. "Yer gonna git yerself killed if you race down this here mountain, Buck. JD needs ya, but he needs ya in one piece."
Nodding his head in understanding Buck eased himself out of Vin and Chris' protective hold. JD did need him, Vin was right, he thought to himself and they quickly surveyed the best trail down to the clearing.
Figuring that someone needed to watch over Jessica, Ezra and Josiah stayed with the young girl. Chris, Vin, Nathan, and Buck quickly grabbed some supplies and the buckboard and started down the rocky slope.
"…I finished up my business in Eagle Bend and arrived in Four Corners. I decided to stop in Springville to buy that cameo necklace my wife had talked about." Jefferson rambled, his voice growing hoarse from use. He had talked non-stop to the young man about anything and everything. For a moment Jefferson chuckled to himself. Having heard all the details of his life, even he was bored to tears. Maybe JD was lucky to be unconscious, he thought to himself. Hating himself for even thinking that Jefferson continued his long story when he heard footsteps.
As long as Jefferson lived he knew he would never feel more relieved as the moment he saw those four men hiking down the canyon. Though he knew he should be cautious, something in his mind told him that help had truly arrived. Unwilling to leave JD's side, Jefferson continued talking to the young man, his hand never leaving JD's chest. "Well young man, looks like we've gotten some aid." Jefferson beamed as the four men got closer.
Buck had managed to control his urge to run down the dangerous slope. But neither Chris, Vin, nor Nathan was surprised when Buck, having caught a glimpse of the two men ahead of them, dashed down the remaining part of the trail.
"JD!" Buck yelled as he slid to a stop next to his best friend. Buck's heart froze in his chest. The kid looked like death. Not able to control the tears that fell, Buck placed a gentle hand on JD's face. The tall gunslinger whispered words of comfort in the young man's ear, hoping something, anything would get through to him. Jefferson, recognizing that this wasn't just a search party that the stage had sent, stood back as Nathan began his examination of their fallen friend. Chris and Vin approached Jefferson and introduced themselves as they intently watched Nathan.
Nathan stood stiffly and nodded for Buck to join him. Warily, Buck joined Nathan as he went to talk to Chris and Vin.
"How is he Nate?" Chris asked as fear clutched his heart.
Nathan looked somberly into the leader's face. "Don't look good Chris. Got about a years worth of stitchin' to do, he's lost a lot of blood, his shoulder separated, and he's broken at least four maybe five ribs at least." Nathan tried to continue but stopped himself.
"That's not what's eatin' at ya is it Nathan?" Vin asked, noticing Nathan's apprehensive demeanor.
Silence fell over the group as they waited for the healer's words. "Nathan, ya gotta tell me." Buck started. "He's gotta make it." The ladies' man tried to get the words out but his chest felt so tight with fear that breathing seemed to get harder and harder for the emotional man.
"Buck ya gotta calm down. Yer not helpin' JD at all when ya git like this." Nathan stated. He knew that Buck was on an emotional pendulum. First he thought the kid was dead, only to get some hope back, and now. Well, now was goin' to be hard to explain, but Nathan gathered his words and continued.
"It's his head I'm worried about. I won't know more till we can get him back home. He took a real bad blow." Nathan looked to the older man "Has he woken up at all since the accident?" Nathan asked, fearing the worst.
Jefferson shook his head and explained the events that had taken place. Shaking their heads, the four men looked in amazement at how far JD had fallen. The fact he survived the fall was a testament to the kid's tenacity, they thought. The fact that he was still alive after the stagecoach landed on him was truly a miracle.
"We need to get him out of here as quickly and carefully as possible. I know this is gonna be hard but we hafta move as gentle as possible, or else we could make him worse," Nathan advised. With help from Chris and Vin, Nathan quickly re-set JD's dislocated shoulder and wrapped his ribs. To Nathan's disappointment the kid never woke up. Not even a muscle twitched during the painful ministrations.
The men quickly got to work preparing JD for the long haul up the mountain. Buck returned to his best friend's side continuing his comforting words and reassuring touch. "JD. Kid ya gotta hold on fer a little longer, we're gonna haul ya up outta here. Ya don't hafta do anything but enjoy the ride." Buck stated with tears washing down his tired face, as Vin and Chris lifted JD easily onto the buckboard. Hauling their precious cargo up the perilous incline would be tough not only physically but also emotionally for this close group. But the kid had made it this far. They only hoped he could make it a little longer.
The rocky mountain and winding trail made the perilous trip up the hillside even more torturous. The men took turns, two at a time, hauling their precious cargo. The silence that fell over the devastated men was unsettling. But there were no words that could be said to take away the silent fear that rest between all the men. The fear of losing someone that had so quickly taken hold of their hearts. Buck's hand never left JD's chest nor did the words of comfort cease as they continued their long journey to the rim of the canyon.
Ezra and Josiah waited anxiously for their friends to return. Upon seeing them, both men raced to the start of the trail and took in the devastating sight in front of them.
"Good Lord." Ezra whispered as he took over for Chris, who along with Vin had a hold of the buckboard.
Josiah looked to the heavens and said a prayer, quickly taking Vin's place.
No other words were exchanged as the men placed JD in the awaiting wagon. No words were needed. They were written clearly on all the men's faces.
Jessica, who had been watching from afar, slowly walked to the wagon as she felt tears spring to her eyes. Jefferson, sensing her distress immediately moved to her side to comfort her. But there was nothing he could say.
"We gotta take this trip slow. Can't afford to have JD bumpin' all over the place." Nathan advised as he and Buck climbed into the wagon. Nathan got to work cleaning up JD's cuts as Buck continued watching over the boy who clung to life.
"Jessica, why don't you ride with me." Jefferson offered, taking Buck's horse back to town. With a nod of her head, the young girl mounted up in front of the older man and started their trip back to Four Corners.
The wagon ride, like the climb up the mountain, was long and arduous. With many stops made along the way, the team managed to make it back to town shortly after nightfall.
Mary, who had been glued to the window of the Clarion, kept a fearful eye for the peacekeepers. In the distance she saw the wagon slowly move into town. Chris and Vin who had led the way on their horses, rode ahead to prepare Nathan's clinic for it's newest patient.
Mary ran to greet the first of the returning men.
"Jessica? JD?" she started as she glanced to the wagon. Catching a glimpse of the young girl riding into town, Mary took off running towards her young friend. The two women reunited in a tearful hug as the wagon holding JD's battered body rolled past them.
"Oh, JD. No." Mary whispered as she held on to the young girl.
The men quickly got to work bringing JD carefully up to the healer's awaiting clinic. Nathan managed to get everyone but Buck out of the oppressive room as he treated the young man.
Mary, Jessica, and Jefferson sat with the remaining men as they waited apprehensively for news. As they waited they filled each other in about the events that had taken place.
Hours passed slowly as the restless men waited. None of them was willing to leave their post outside the small clinic. It wasn't even an option. Jessica and Jefferson retired for the evening on Mary's urging, and soon she joined her young friend. Before leaving, she left strict instructions for them to keep her updated on the young man's progress.
Finally, an exhausted Nathan opened the door to his clinic and joined the waiting men.
"Well?" Chris waited, not happy at the look on the healer's face.
Nathan shook his head as he felt tears sting his eyes. "I don't know. I stopped the bleeding to some of the bigger cuts and stitched and clean them up." Nathan hesitated as he looked to his friends. "I think some of them might have infection, but I'm just gonna have to wait and see. I re-wrapped his ribs and his shoulder. They should heal fairly quickly"
"What about his head Nathan?" Chris asked.
"Chris, I don't know. It's real bad. Probably won't know fer a few days but, I think he may have fractured.." Nathan started, but he couldn't get the words out.
Josiah approached the shaken healer and embraced him. "You did what you could Nathan. Can't ask for anything more than that."
"Can we see him?" Vin asked quietly.
Nathan shook his head. "Buck is still in there. Doubt he'll budge from the kid's side. Try to make sure he gits somethin to eat." Nathan stated as Josiah and Ezra guided the exhausted healer to the restaurant for a bite to eat.
Chris and Vin entered the silent room and watched as Buck tearfully sat before his best friend, with one hand on JD's chest and the other to his bandaged head. The two men sat next to their friend as he willed the younger man to continue living. This was going to be a long night, Chris thought.
Not disappointing the tired leader, the evening was incredibly long. Chris managed to get Buck to eat a little of what Ezra and Josiah had brought to the men holding a silent vigil for the unconscious boy.
With coaxing, Chris managed to get Vin, Ezra, Josiah, and Nathan to leave the young man's side for an exhausted sleep. Knowing that getting Buck to leave would be a hopeless cause.
That had been a little less than a week ago and Chris sat still reeling from the paper he just read. This just didn't seem real. Chris stared at the document, his mind not willing to accept what he was reading; though he knew the words to be true. Chris rested his head in his hands as he tried to process the many thoughts rushing around.
Chris stood from his chair and paced restlessly around the small room like a caged animal. It was almost morning and soon Nathan would relieve him for some much-needed sleep. But, it wasn't sleep that Chris sought. He needed answers. Answers to questions the leader was sure he wasn't looking forward to asking.
Returning to his chair, Chris sat back down and placed his hand on JD's chest. Tears ran freely down his face as he stared again at the battered young face. As he felt the young man breathe with his right hand, he clutched the paper tightly with his left. "You've got to come back to us JD."
The sound of footsteps climbing up the wooden staircase alerted Chris. Nathan's early, he thought to himself. The door to the clinic opened and Buck walked to Chris' side.
"Hey pard…" Buck started.
Seeing the menacing glare Chris threw him made Buck stop in his tracks. Buck stood back looking quickly to the bed where the young man lay. Thankful that JD was still alive and with them, Buck stared at his old friend. With lightning speed, Chris moved quickly to shove Buck out of the clinic, careful to make sure they were out of earshot from the kid. Chris fiercely shoved a confused Buck to the wall.
"You sonofabitch!" Chris growled menacingly, and he swung quickly punching Buck in the mouth sending him slamming into the wall.
Stunned, Buck managed to barely compose himself when Chris struck with another right hook.
The cold morning air did little to cool down the blazing anger Chris Larabee felt. As he stared fiery eyes to his old friend, visions of a young man flashed in his mind. Chris reached down and grabbed Buck up by his collar.
"You sonofabitch! You knew."
Buck stared back at his old friend in a sudden and silent understanding. Chris had found out and Buck knew he deserved the full wrath of Chris' anger. Lowering his head in shame, Buck put up no struggle as the leader shoved him up against the wall.
Sensing Buck's surrender only made Chris even angrier. Placing his right arm up to Buck's throat he managed to growl out.
"You bastard! You can give me better than that! I deserve more than that… JD deserves better than that."
Buck tensed once he heard Chris utter JD's name. As if saying it out loud gave the ladies' man great pain. Shutting his eyes, Buck shook his head unable to say anything.
Chris took a hold of Buck's collar and swung his old friend around. Nathan stepped outside of his room at that moment and quickly tried to break up the fight.
"What the hell are you two doin'?" He yelled out.
Chris had a tight hold of Buck and wasn't letting go.
"Nathan, this don't concern ya. Get out." Chris spit out.
Nathan took a step back. He had never seen that venomous of a look in Chris' eyes before. As long as the team had been together, he had been witness to many of Chris' "moods" but this one sent a shiver down Nathan's spine.
Knowing he alone couldn't break up the fight, the confused healer ran to the railing yelling out for Josiah, whom he knew would be working on the old church. In a flash footsteps could be heard running up the stairs and suddenly, Vin and Josiah were at Nathan's side. Stunned at the intense moment taking place before them, it took a moment for the three men to jump into action.
Chris managed a few more shots before Vin and Josiah was able to subdue the upset leader. Even with their strong grips, they could feel Chris' tense muscles as he tried to escape from the strong hands holding him back.
What surprised the men was that Buck wasn't tense at all. In fact he put up no fight when Nathan dragged him away from their explosive leader. This had unnerved the men the most.
Chris stood off to the side, trying to catch his breath from the intense struggle. He still had to be held back by Vin and Josiah. In between ragged breaths, Chris tried once again to break free from his friend's as he glared menacingly at the suddenly submissive ladies' man.
In a moment of clarity Vin looked to the healer.
"Ohmygod. JD?" he asked, not really sure he wanted the answer.
Nathan looked back at the tracker and shook his head. "No Vin, he's alive." Understanding what Vin might have assumed by this unusual outburst.
"He's not any better, but not gettin' any worse." Nathan added.
Vin let out an audible sigh of relief as he watched his two friends. Chris was still fighting to free himself and was viciously staring over at Buck who had slid down the wall to the floor, not looking at anyone even as Nathan looked at the various cuts and bruises he gained from the leader's hands.
Finally Chris calmed down enough for Josiah and Vin to loosen their strong holds, as they sat the angry man on the bench next to the door of the clinic. Chris sat for a moment and then placed his head in his hands. With neither one of the old friend's saying anything. The puzzled men were reluctant to speak. Suddenly footsteps could be heard coming up the stairs where Vin and Josiah had run up only minutes before.
"I must say, what sordid activities are occurring at this most unpleasant hour of the morning?" Ezra asked as he climbed the last stair. He had heard all the commotion from his room. Fearing the worst the gambler had quickly managed to climb out of bed to make sure their youngest was still OK. The sight he took in did not alleviate his fears. Ezra started to ask about the young sheriff when a gravelly voice could be heard.
"Why Buck? Why didn't you say anything?" Chris whispered out. The anger that the men had seen only minutes before had been replaced and the others were uncertain what emotion the leader had replaced it with.
Buck looked over to Chris, who was still seated with his head in his hands, and shook his head. "I don't know. I just. I couldn't. I didn't know how to say.." Buck tried to get the words out but he didn't know what to say or how to say them.
"You've known for a week. A whole week, Buck. You knew for that long and you didn't say anything, nothing at all. I can't believe you. I can't believe you would keep this from me." Chris raised his head as tears streamed down his tired face.
The confused four men looked to Buck then to Chris and then looked at each other. Hoping that someone had answers to what had taken place. The perplexed men stood in silence as Buck and Chris stared at each other.
The haggard leader placed his head back into his hands as he fought to maintain control over his emotions. The tension throughout the men was thick and uneasy. None of the men knew what to do or what to say. Unwilling to leave the drama that had unfolded before them, nobody budged as Buck looked to his oldest friend.
"It's true then, huh?" Buck managed to whisper out.
Without saying a word Chris looked to Buck and shook his head yes.
Buck took in a deep breath and very slowly released it. "I'm sorry Chris, so sorry."
Chris stood from his bench and slowly walked to the tall gunslinger. Worried that Chris was about to attack again, Josiah stood quickly. Feeling a quick hand rest on his shoulder he turned to see Vin shaking his head.
"S'ok Josiah." Vin stated in a lower voice.
Chris walked over to Buck and handed him the document.
Buck took the paper and opened it again, like he had a week ago in the saloon. Hoping against hope the words would say something different. But realizing once again, that they would stay the same. And as much as that hurt the tall gunslinger, it was reality.
"You watched me lose one family, saw me suffer and struggle. You've known for a week now and you let me stand by and watch as he slips away. You were willing to let him…" Chris stumbled out his words as thoughts of finding JD's battered body in the canyon ravaged his mind.
Chris took an uneven breath as he stared into the sad blue eyes of the person he had called friend for so long. In his wildest imagination he never thought Buck would hold back important information like this. Running a hand through his hair Chris emotionally continued.
"You were willing to let him die and not tell me. If I hadn't found this….Would you, would you have ever told me? Or would you just..." Chris tried to finish but was unable to say the words. It was unthinkable. Not Buck. Not the person he had trusted for so long. Not the person who had helped bring him back to life after it had all but been destroyed.
Buck stared at the words on the paper once again and looked up into the eyes of his disappointed and saddened friend. Swallowing the huge lump in his throat Buck wiped away a stray tear.
"I don't know what to say Chris. Ya know how I feel about that kid. Love him like a son. I read the words and I didn't want…I couldn't bring myself to believe that they were true. I tried to tell ya, but I just couldn't."
The others stood dumbfounded. None of them able to grasp what these two old friends were talking about. But none of them were willing to interrupt this moment that Chris and Buck obviously needed.
Buck held the paper up once again to Chris. "So…What this says is true?"
Chris shook his head and took the paper back. "Yeah. Yeah it is."
As he stared down at the paper, memories rushed over him. This time though, he saw the same eyes and smile on another face. Rubbing a quick hand over his eyes as if to erase the painful memory, Chris continued.
"I was a couple years older than JD. Wasn't really sure what I wanted to do with my life. Guess I just decided one day to see what else there was around. I had saved some money and I had my horse, so I left home."
Chris took a seat next to Buck as he continued.
"When money was low I would take odd jobs. I mostly worked on cattle drives and such. Once I made my way east, jobs were more scarce. I signed on for a time riding shotgun as security on the stagecoach. That's how I ended up in Virginia." A sad smile flickered on Chris' face as he remembered back to those innocent days.
"Anyway, I was riding shotgun one day back to town. This really beautiful girl gets on. She looked so lost and alone. She got off the stage, but nobody was waiting for her when she got off. I asked her if she had family in town and she started to cry. Turned out that her mother had just died and her father had sent her to live with her aunt. She was only about seventeen. I kept her company until her aunt finally had one of her people pick her up. I would see her in town on occasion, but her family was quite wealthy, so it didn't look respectable for someone like me to talkin' to her. I had my first day off in weeks, so I took my horse out for a ride. I made it to this small creek and I saw that beautiful girl sitting alone by the water. She was just staring off. I rode up to her and we started talkin'. I knew after I first met her that I was in love. She just had this way about her that sorta drew you into her." Chris wiped a stray tear and fought back his rush of emotions.
"From then on we met each other at our little secluded creek every chance we could get. This went on for months. Her aunt would have killed the both of us if she had found out. I guess her aunt was preparin' her to marry some well to do man she hadn't even met. I couldn't let her do it. I loved her too much. I also knew there was no way her aunt would let me marry her. I asked her to run away with me so we could get married. I didn't know if she'd think I was crazy for suggestin' it, but she said yes. We were supposed to meet at the creek a few days later. I waited for her for hours and she never showed. I knew that it wasn't like her to do somethin' like that so I went to her house and talked to one of the maids that she had been kinda close to. She didn't know much, but she said her aunt had suddenly decided to send her back to her father. She didn't know why. I quit my job with the stage and tried to find her. I knew she had lived in New York so I went up there to find her. I managed to find her father. He wouldn't even talk to me. I came back later and one of his stable boys told me that the rumor was that her father had thrown her out of his house. But, he had no idea where she went."
Chris took a few breaths and rubbed his face. In the softest voice the men had ever heard Chris use, he managed to finish. "I looked all over for her. But everywhere I went there was a dead end. I never found her."
Buck looked into his oldest friend's sad eyes as Chris lost himself in old memories. "She must have found out she was pregnant and her father probably kicked her out of the house. And even if she tried to find me to tell me, she couldn't have. I was trying to find her." Chris leaned his head against the wall and closed his eyes.
No words were said as Chris sat against the wall. In a whisper Chris finally looked to Buck and whispered. "I can't lose another son Buck. I already buried Adam. I can't bury JD too."
An intense and uncomfortable silence fell over the suddenly awestruck men. They had heard the words but couldn't quite make sense of their meaning. It couldn't be, Vin thought to himself. Chris was JD's father? Vin shook his head as if by that very action, he could take away his friend's pain. A pain he knew had to be intense. From what they knew of the kid's childhood, it had not been a happy one. Chris would certainly feel pangs of guilt that he wasn't there for his oldest son. Now, JD lay so close to death; his every breath more fragile then the next. Could Chris endure losing another son? Vin rubbed an unsure hand across his face and let out a sigh. They would need to pull together as the family they had become and see Chris through this tough struggle.
Josiah closed his stunned eyes and lowered his head in quiet prayer. A prayer for their distraught leader and a young man who probably would never know the truth that the men were now trying to comprehend.
Nathan stood and walked to the door of his clinic. He turned towards the silent group before slowly opening the door. He needed to check on JD. The fact was Nathan needed to see the kid for himself. After hearing Chris' words, he needed to do something else but just wait. Nathan made his way to JD's side and quickly got to work checking on the kid's wounds. Thankfully JD, although still not moving, was holding his own. He had made it through another night. Staring down at the motionless teen, Nathan thought back to when he first met the kid. He was so full of life. Nathan couldn't remember ever meeting anyone with as much energy and enthusiasm as JD had. He only wished that a sparkle of that youthful vigor would return. They all needed JD back with them. Nathan stood and busied himself with useless errands as he thought back to Chris' admission. He glanced once again at the unconscious boy and looked to the heavens. "I know there's gotta be some meanin' to this all. It couldn't be that you would give him the gift of another son only to have him takin' away too? That would just be too cruel." Nathan prayed. As he finished a solitary tear ran down his dark face, but he didn't bother to even brush it away.
"Hello?" a voice half whispered. Nathan looked to the door and quickly regrouped.
"Mr. Stillwell? How ya doin' this mornin'?" Nathan asked softly.
"I'm OK. I just wanted to stop by one last time and sit with the young man, if you don't mind. I'm off on the noon stage today and just wanted to say goodbye." Jefferson stated looking at JD's still form.
Nathan nodded his head in understanding. The men were extremely grateful to the older gentleman for his care of their youngest member. Without his help, they knew undoubtedly, JD would not have survived this long. Nathan reached out a hand to the man and again thanked him.
"I just wanted to thank ya again for all ya did to help JD. I…We really appreciate." Nathan started before being interrupted.
"Mr. Jackson, it was my pleasure. He is a fine young man. Have faith though. This.." Jefferson pointed his hand in a circle through the air, "this is not over by a long shot. I think that young man over there has more fight in him. He really showed that on the ledge. I thought I had lost him many times, and yet…He still is with us. I know I don't know him as well as all of you. But I have a feeling that he'll come back to you." Jefferson stared into the healer's dark eyes with a certainty that even Nathan couldn't help but believe, at least for a moment.
Nathan rubbed a hand over his face and turned to look at the young man again. "Ya might be right Mr. Stillwell. I do hope yer right." Nathan said solemnly. "Please take a seat, I understand Mrs. Travis finally got Jessica to leave yesterday?"
Jefferson smiled at the loyalty the young girl showed. She really wanted to stay and wait for JD to wake up. Nobody really told her how bad off JD really was. Although, looking at his battered body it was fairly easy to surmise. "Yes she was escorted back on the stage yesterday by Mrs. Travis herself. Jessica really didn't want to leave, but I think it was best for her to return to her studies." Jefferson stated. Jefferson stared at the young man. What a long week it had been. He felt bad for having to leave, with JD still unconscious, but his wife and family were anxiously awaiting his arrival. He had not yet told them of the reason for his delay. It would be better to recount the tragic story when he could be with his family. He was very anxious to return home and be surrounded by the warmth and love of his family.
"Mr. Jackson you look like you could use some breakfast. Why don't you get yourself something to eat? I will gladly watch over JD while you are away."
"I appreciate that Mr. Stillwell. I am a bit hungry. I'll hurry on back when I'm done, thank ya." Nathan stated.
"Take your time Mr. Jackson."
Nathan nodded his head in thanks and made his way out the door. Jefferson turned back to JD and smiled. "Well young man, I don't believe I ever got the chance to finish my story I started on the ledge…"Jefferson started. "Where were we? Oh yes I believe I was telling you about the lovely cameo I bought for my wife. Anyway, she had seen this cameo in a store window at home…"
Nathan made his way quickly to the restaurant for a quick breakfast. "Hey, Nathan." A voice stated from behind him. Nathan turned around with a startled look.
"Jesus, Vin! Mind not scaring a man?"
Vin smiled slowly. "Sorry."
"Mind if I join ya fer breakfast?" Vin inquired.
"No, not at all. To tell ya the truth I really could use some company long about now."
Vin nodded his head in sad understanding "Know whatcha mean Nate. It's been a rough mornin so far." Vin stated as thoughts once again turned to the revelations they all were present for.
As Nathan and Vin sat at their table, Nathan told the tracker about Jefferson's visit and vigil with JD.
"Kid is sure good at findin' protectors." Vin stated. Vin liked the older gentleman. He found it incredible how much the man seemed to care about JD. Though he had barely even known the kid.
Nathan nodded. "Hard not to want to protect him."
"Mornin Brothers." Josiah announced as he sat down in an open chair.
"Good Morning Gentleman." Ezra declared, as he too sat down with his friends.
The four men busily ordered their breakfasts, none of them willing or able to discuss the events that had unfolded before them that very morning.
"Anybody seen Chris or Buck?" Josiah finally had to ask.
The men mumbled incoherently to one another and Vin looked out the window sadly.
"Hopefully Chris will try to get some sleep. He's wore out."
"Yeah him and Buck both could use a month's worth of sleep. Though I don't ‘spect neither one of them will listen to me." Nathan added.
Another silence fell over the group as their food was delivered. Ezra looked at the faces of the men he had called friends for almost six month's. Would things ever be the same again? Ezra continued with his breakfast as his thoughts raced away with him.
Vin stared out at the vast beauty before him. Needing some time away from the saddened atmosphere back in town, the tracker had offered to take the afternoon patrol from Ezra. Vin dismounted from his horse and took in the beautiful day that sat before him. Vin's thoughts turned to the kid he had thought of as a little brother for the past six months. He would have been itchin' to ride his horse out on patrol on a day like this. A smile passed across the tracker's handsome face as he thought back to the many rides the two had shared out on this very trail.
The two youngest members of the Seven would ride out on patrol and share their pasts with each other. Vin ran a hand through his hair as he thought back to the life JD had described to the tracker. It had been a tough upbringing, yet JD wanted no sympathy or pity. Him and his mama had made due with what they had and the kid knew throughout all his hardships, he was loved. A sad smile crossed Vin's face as he thought about the kid. There was just something about him you had to admire. For all that he had been through; his was a resilient spirit. Then there was their leader. Vin knew that if they lost JD, they would most certainly lose Chris. The man simply could not endure losing someone he once only thought of as a son, and now come to realize shared his blood. Feeling an overwhelming ache in his heart for the boy who would never know his father; and for the father who most likely would have to bury his newly found son, Vin wiped the tear that appeared on his face and continued his patrol.
Chris lay sleeplessly on his bed staring at the ceiling above. His tired mind would not surrender to the sleep it so desperately needed. A million thoughts raced through his mind; a million memories etched into his consciousness were surfacing again after many long years. The tired leader rose and put on his boots. He needed to get something to eat and check on his son. Son, that seemed so strange to think. He thought that word had died for him with Adam. A sad smile crossed the gunslinger's face as he remembered the day he met JD. So stubborn, headstrong, and cocky; all the things Chris had been at that age. Chris stood for a moment and let the revelations of the day sink in. With a heavy heart, the leader headed towards Nathan's clinic.
As Chris made his way down the boardwalk he heard his name called out through the crowd of people walking through the small town. Turning around he saw Mary Travis waving to him.
"Chris!" she called out once again.
Not really wanting to face anyone else Chris wanted to pretend like he hadn't heard the young woman, but decided it would be best just to stop. Knowing her, she would eventually catch up to him anyway.
"Yeah, Mary." He stated as she swiftly walked to his side.
"Good evening, Chris. How's JD?" she asked, concern written all over her face.
"Nathan says he hasn't gotten any worse, but not any better." Chris announced, unwilling to let his feelings show. The leader was just not willing to let any other people know of the news that he had been presented with. Not now, and if JD did not get better, maybe not ever.
"I'm sorry Chris," Mary whispered out as she looked into his tired eyes. "Is Buck getting a doctor for JD?" Mary continued.
Not happy to hear his old friend's name, Chris blanched as Mary asked about Buck. His anger had subsided a bit toward his oldest friend, but he was still upset about Buck's duplicity. "I'm not sure I know what your talkin' about Mary? We have Nathan, he's doin' what he can. I'm sure that's all a doctor could do for him."
"That's what I thought too. I just returned on the noon stage. I escorted Jessica back to Springville. When I got off the stagecoach I saw Buck leaving town, and by the look of things it seemed like he was leaving on a trip. I figured he must be bringing back a real doctor for JD." Mary inquired.
Chris silently cursed the ladies' man. Buck's pride was getting in the way of any hope JD might have for recovering. He would certainly need all the men by his side if there were any chance he might get better. In the back of his mind, Chris talked himself into believing, as long as JD was breathing he might come back to them, despite the grim outlook Nathan had painted for them all.
The leader shook himself out of his thoughts and mumbled. "I think he went to get some supplies for Nathan." Chris stated. He hated having to lie to the woman, but there would be too many questions to answer if he didn't.
"If you need anything, please let me know." Mary stated as the two parted.
Happy that Mary seemed to be placated by his answer, Chris took the steps up to Nathan's clinic.
"Evening, Nate," Chris stated as he walked through the door. Nathan who was busily examining his young patient looked up at the tired leader's face.
"You look like you could sleep on yer feet Chris, ya need to git some sleep. Ain't gonna do JD no good if ya git sick."
"I know Nate, just couldn't fall asleep. How's he doin'?" Chris asked hopefully.
"His ribs and shoulder are doin' real good. The cuts are healin' nicely too. But he's still unconscious. I jist don't want ya gittin yer hopes up. I told ya, he might never wake up. That blow he took, it was just.." Nathan tried to finish.
"I know Nathan, but the kid is strong. He's made it through so much. He can make it through this, too," Chris stated, trying to show some confidence for the kid who lay motionless on the bed.
Nathan placed a sympathetic hand on Chris' shoulder. "You know I'll do anythin' I can to bring yer son back to ya."
Hearing the words come from the healer's mouth made everything seem so much more real. Chris sat in the chair next to his son and placed his elbows on his knees quickly covering his face in his hands. "God, Nathan. My son. I swear I never thought I would hear those words again." Tears washed down the tired gunslinger's face and he gave into the emotions he held in for so long.
Vin walked into the clinic and quickly moved to the bed. Unconsciously he held his breath as he watch the youth take a breath. Relieved that he was still with them, Vin let out a breath slowly and glanced over at Nathan then to the distraught leader.
"Hey pard, how ya doin'?" Vin asked.
A long moment passed and Chris moved his hands from his face. "God Vin, I don't know. I just don't know."
Nathan excused himself for a moment to give Vin and Chris some time. He slipped out the door and closed his eyes.
Josiah and Ezra walked over to the clinic to check on their youngest. Seeing Nathan outside his clinic took them by surprise.
"Is everything OK Brother Nate?" Josiah asked.
"Huh? Oh yeah." Nathan looked up at the two men, a bit startled. "Vin's in there with Chris. I figured Chris needed to talk to Vin. He looks like he could sleep fer a month."
Understanding their leader's state of mind the three men sat outside the clinic for awhile longer.
"I best be checkin' on JD. Need to git some broth in him." Nathan stood and knocked on the door before entering. Vin and Chris looked up to the healer and nodded their heads.
"Come in Nathan. We should have got ya awhile ago. Sorry." Chris stated.
"It's OK. Just need to check on the kid." Nathan answered.
Ezra and Josiah followed behind the healer as they made their way into the clinic.
"I hope it would not be much of an inconvenience if we joined you gentleman?" Ezra asked.
Chris stood, his back to the men, and stated "No please, I need to talk to you guys anyway."
Ezra, Nathan, and Josiah looked to each other as they noticed one very important member missing from the meeting. Not wanting to interrupt the leader, they waited for Chris to speak.
A peaceful calm fell over Nathan's crowded clinic. The four men sat patiently waiting for their leader to start. Chris ran a hand through his hair and stood slowly from his chair. Collecting his thoughts, he glanced at JD peacefully at rest. The tired leader stared out the window and quietly spoke.
"I saw Mary outside. She said she saw Buck leavin' town, said it looked like he had packed enough for a trip." Chris took a breath and released it in a quick sigh. "Don't suppose y'all know where he headed to?"
The men looked around the room at each other. This was the first any of them had heard of Buck's departure. To say they were shocked would have been an understatement. The fact that Buck would willingly leave the kid stunned them all. In the short time the seven had been together, Buck hardly ever let the kid out of his sight. When JD was hurt or sick, he practically took up residence at the kid's side. Considering the prognosis Nathan gave at JD's recovery, the men were more than a little concerned at Buck's state of mind.
The room once again fell silent as Chris returned to his chair and sat back down. "You guys know I'm not…Well, I'm still not happy with Buck for not telling me bout…" Chris took another deep breath and continued "not telling me about JD when he read that paper."
The men nodded their heads in understanding.
Chris placed a gentle hand on JD's forehead, brushing a stray hair from his eyes. "If there's any chance JD'll get better, it would be with Buck by his side. I need your help bringin' Buck back."
The words were barely out of the tired leader's mouth before the men had all volunteered. After a few minutes, it was decided that Chris and Nathan would stay behind while Ezra, Josiah, and Vin would head out the next morning and bring their missing member back.
Chris smiled sadly to his friends; he knew how all of them felt about the kid. Little did he know that they were also doing it for him and Buck. In all reality, it was for all of them. If bringing Buck back home helped JD even in the slightest; the men would go to the ends of the earth to find the kids best friend.
Vin stood from his chair and walked over to where Chris sat next to JD. "We'll bring him back pard. You just keep a watch over the kid and try and git some rest." Vin squeezed Chris'shoulder and followed Ezra and Josiah out the clinic door.
Early the next morning the three men saddled their horses and started on their search for their missing teammate. Vin led the men, tracking Buck's trail out of town. Before the men had left on their trip, each had stopped in to see how their youngest was doing. Not surprisingly, Nathan stated what he had said for the last few days. He wasn't any worse, his body was mending, but he still was unconscious.
Vin had easily spotted Buck's quick tracks out of town. The tracker felt certain that finding the gunslinger would be fairly easy. He certainly hadn't been concerned with hiding his trail. The ladies' man had predictably gone to the secluded spot JD had often spoken of. Vin knew that Buck and JD would often go off together when the kid had something on his mind or just needed to get out of their small town.
Vin, Ezra, and Josiah slowly rode into the quiet little meadow. Vin quickly dismounted and took a look around the beautiful setting. It was no wonder the kid liked this place. With a small babbling brook winding through the lush green landscape, the tracker could practically feel JD's presence. Josiah and Ezra walked over to where the tracker took in the beautiful countryside. All the men took in the lush foliage and didn't speak a word as they thought of a young dark haired boy wandering through the peaceful hideaway. A bittersweet smile crossed their faces simultaneously as they looked around to find the much-loved boy's big brother.
Chris wearily made his way up the stairs to the healer's clinic. The leader never remembered feeling more emotionally or physically exhausted. When he had lost his son and wife only four years before, he thought he would not be able to continue on. His spark and enthusiasm had gone up in the flames that had taken the lives of his family. After the fire, he buried his emotions in whiskey and kept people at an arm's length. Feeling if he opened himself to new relationships, he would only get hurt. He never wanted to hurt that way again. But with the friendships he had forged with the six other peacekeepers, he had slowly let down that guard and opened himself up again.
Chris stood at the top of the staircase and tried to process all the events of the last few weeks. The leader leaned against the railing and smiled to himself as he thought of JD's infectious smile. A smile that had been so much like his mother's. Why had he never seen it before? How different would all of their lives been if only he had known about his son? Thoughts swirled around his tired brain as he let what ifs and what could have beens rush around. Closing his eyes against the mad rush of endless questions, the leader ran a quick hand across his face, trying to wipe away the all-consuming thoughts. He was only going to drive himself mad if he kept on thinking this way. Taking a deep breath he walked to the door of Nathan's small clinic and entered.
Nathan felt like he hadn't left the confines of his small makeshift clinic in days. The oppressive clinic was beginning to feel like a jail. As the healer looked up from one of many medical books, he chuckled to himself as he looked at all the books that seemingly littered the floor surrounding JD's bed. With all these books, surely there had to be something he could do for the young man. Giving up just wasn't an option. As long as JD drew a breath, Nathan knew there had to be something he could do for the young sheriff.
"Hey Nathan." Chris stated as he made his way to the other side of the bed.
Nathan blanched as he looked into the tired face of his leader. "Geez Chris, I thought you was gonna take a nap or somethin. Swear ya look even more tired than when I last saw ya? Didja git any sleep?"
Chris stared at JD's sleeping face and never looked up at the healer as he answered the question. "Got a little sleep Nate. I'm doin OK. Just be much better once the kid finally wakes up."
Nathan closed his eyes as he heard the tired voice. He knew Chris understood JD's medical outlook. But it seemed as though since he found out JD was his son he was living in a small world of denial; that by hoping JD would wake up it would surely happen. The healer's heart ached for the boy and his father. Nathan looked back to one of the many books he studied. A new determination burning in his soul to find answers and solutions to JD's prognosis. There just had to be something he could do.
The three men walked through the quiet forest, keeping close to the small brook winding between the trees. It had only been ten minutes since they happened upon the little sanctuary. Not too far down the little stream, Vin finally spotted Buck. The image before him broke all three men's hearts. Buck sat on the edge of the passing creek; he hadn't moved a muscle, even with the three men coming upon him. The gunslinger sat up against a tree, his back sagging as his tired body begged for sleep that wouldn't come. He couldn't rest. It was all his fault JD was dying. Buck had convinced himself. The kid was his whole world, and in a horrific moment all of that had been taken away from the ladies' man. And now the words of his oldest friend came back to haunt him. The scene played out over and over in his brain. Buck closed his eyes and squeezed them tightly, as if by doing so it would erase the events that had occurred. Slowly the gunslinger lowered his head into his hands and released the flood of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him.
Seeing Buck ahead of them Ezra, Vin and Josiah hung back to give the gunslinger his moment. They stood for awhile in silence before making their entrance known. Not wanting to startle Buck, Vin called out.
"Hey Buck, it's Vin, Josiah, and Ezra."
Never looking away from the creek, Buck ran a hand through his hair and yelled back.
"Just go home Vin. I'm not comin' back with ya." Buck stated. In a much softer voice he continued. "Ya don't need me around there no more."
The three men continued through the trail and were soon standing next to their distraught friend.
"Way I see it Buck, we need ya more than ever." Vin answered as he took a seat next to his tired friend.
"You made a mistake Buck, can't fault ya for lovin' the kid. In time Chris will understand. But right now you are needed more than ever back home." Josiah quickly added.
"How do you see that Josiah? If it weren't fer me we'd never be in this mess. My fault JD's dyin', and Chris aint never goin' to speak to me again." Buck started before Ezra interrupted.
"Mr. Wilmington, am I to understand that you are single handedly responsible for the robbery and subsequent accident that sent the stagecoach plummeting over that cliff? I fail to see how you could be responsible. And in regards to our leader, while I do believe he is in shock over the recent turn of events and even a bit irritated by your silence regarding Mr. Dunne's parentage. I do believe that Mr. Larabee will in time see clear to forgive and possibly understand your actions in that matter." Ezra stated knowingly as he brushed the dirt from a neighboring rock and took a seat.
Buck took a deep breath and let it out forcefully. Shaking his head furiously he looked wildly to his friends.
"You don't get it. I should have never let JD go and escort that little lady to Springville. I should have gone myself or at least gone with the kid. We've never sent him out by himself. Somebody always goes with him. Buck took another deep breath and let it out slowly; he wiped his hand across his face and continued. "He's only sixteen years old. Dammit, he's only a kid. I shoulda been able to protect him, if I hadn't let him go everything would be all right…JD would be all right. This was all my fault." Buck let out mournfully.
Vin closed his eyes as Buck choked out his last few words. God, sixteen years old. Vin thought to himself. He knew JD was young. He really had no idea just how young though. Vin took a quick look to Josiah and Ezra and that look told him they were just as stunned as he was. An awkward silence fell over the stunned group as they let Buck's words sink in.
Josiah finally stood from the log he had been seated on and walked to Buck. Placing an understanding hand on the gunslinger's shoulder Josiah looked to his friend.
"Buck, I think you know as well as the rest of us that JD would have gone with or without us. That's just the kind of kid no that's the kind of man he is. That's one of the things I think we all admire so much about him. The accident wasn't your fault. Just think what might have happened if JD hadn't been there." Josiah explained.
"Mr. Sanchez is quite correct in his observations. I do believe that despite his physical age, our young friend would have embarked on his endeavor even had he known the inherent risks that he would face." Ezra finished.
Vin stared at the tired ladies man as he listened to the men. Feeling that they weren't getting through to the stubborn man, Vin tried to get through to his friend.
"Ya know Buck. We all know how much the kid means to ya. Practically since the day the kid set foot in town it's been the two of ya against the world. You took it upon yerself to take JD under yer wings and teach him how to survive out here. Findin' out JD is Chris' kin I know wasn't easy fer ya. Chris may not be happy with ya now cause ya didn't tell him right off. I think, in time, you know he'll understand. But right now the boy needs ya there with him. Ain't nothin you did wrong ‘cept leave town when he needs ya, hell when even Chris needs ya most." Vin stated.
The men turned stunned eyes to the normally quiet tracker. The words seemed to hit their mark a bit. Buck looked up into Vin's eyes and let out a heavy sigh.
"I guess I just can't imagine my life without JD. I don't want to lose him." Buck answered.
"But you see Buck, you haven't really lost him. JD is still alive; he's still with us. And everyday he lives is a testament to the strength and tenacity that he has. But part of that strength is because of you my friend. Without you there by his side, he may not keep on fighting."
Josiah knew that would be a low blow to the emotional man, but he needed to get his point across. Josiah watched, as Buck seemed to flinch at the words he spoke.
"It seems really dark right now, and you're feeling low right now. But we need you at home Buck. JD needs you." Josiah finished.
Vin and Ezra shook their heads in agreement. They needed to get their family back together. The only way for them to help JD fight would be if all the men were there if ever, no…whenever JD woke up.
Buck slowly released a sad smile to his friends and shook his head in agreement. He knew what he had to do. He needed to get back to his boy.
"Is anybody around? Chris? Where are you guys? Come on you guys, please. Chris, where are you?"
Chris awoke with a start from his seat next to JD's bed. A quick look at the sleeping teen brought a slight relief to the leader. He had just had another dream with JD. Chris stood from his chair and once again stretched the endless kinks from his body, as he had done so many times since JD was injured. Wiping the sleep from his eyes, Chris tried to remember the dream. For some reason though it wouldn't come to him completely. It wasn't really a nightmare. But what he remembered troubled him. It was if JD was lost and trying to find someone. Calling out Chris' name, Chris knew JD sounded scared and confused. Well, at least I got some sleep, he thought to himself. He had only been asleep for about an hour but it felt good nonetheless.
Chris took his all too familiar seat next to his son and watched the steady rhythm of JD's breathing. The leader carefully reached over and brushed the hair out of JD's eyes. He looked so fragile lying there. He also looked younger than his sixteen years. That fact brought a grimace to the gunslinger's face. Damn, he thought. The kid is sixteen years old and a sheriff. Chris closed his eyes remembering back to when JD volunteered to be the town's new sheriff. The kid had grown up so much since that day. A mix of pride and sadness washed across Chris' face. Chris thought back to the day at the Seminole Village when he tried to get the kid to leave. The leader closed his eyes and sent out a quick thank you to whoever must have been listening. Ever thankful the kid had stayed. JD had done a lot of growing up since he had joined up with the six men. His thirst for knowledge and desire to learn and experience the ways of the west was fascinating and made him the valued member of the peacekeepers that he had become.
Staring at his hands, Chris once again glanced over at the sleeping teen and noticed JD's hands. He smiled to himself as he realized that JD's hands, although obviously smaller, were the same as his own were. Chris studied JD's handsome young face and marveled at the striking similarities between the young man and his mother.
"You know you remind me a lot of your ma. I mean you both have the same dark hair and hazel eyes. But it's that spark, you both have that same spark. That same passion for life."
Chris paused for a moment remembering back to what seemed like a lifetime ago. Remembering JD's ma. How beautiful she was. How her eyes almost danced when she smiled. Just like her sons. Their son.
"I swear JD if I had known about you. I would have gone to the ends of the earth to try and find ya. I hope you know that. I guess I think you know that. I loved her so much, when she left, it hurt so much. I tried to find her, your ma. I tried everything I could think of. I just never found her."
The room grew silent once again as Chris lost himself in his memories. The leader sat back in his chair and remembered the beautiful girl that stole his heart, the beautiful girl he knew he would one day marry, the beautiful girl that was taken away from him abruptly. Closing his tired eyes, Chris drifted off to a peaceful slumber.
"Help! Is anybody here? Buck? Chris? Anybody? Please…"
The sad familiar voice sang out in his mind. The voice was familiar. The voice also sounded scared and alone. Chris called out recognizing the mournful call.
"JD? Where are you? JD?"
"Chris? Chris, I'm over here."
Chris looked over and saw JD riding towards him on his horse. A big smile graced his face.
"Hey Chris! I've been looking all over for you guys. Where've you been? Have you seen Buck anywhere?"
Chris walked over to where JD rode up and greeted the smiling kid.
"JD? It's good to see you up and around. Nathan say it was OK for you to be riding? Chris looked around for the other men. But the street was completely empty.
"Chris, I'm fine. Good as new. But I need Buck. You haven't seen him have you? He promised we'd go riding, just me and him." JD beamed.
Chris closed his eyes trying to summon the words. How was he supposed to tell the kid that his best friend left him? The leader looked into the curious hazel eyes of the anxious kid and started to explain when he heard the familiar sound of Buck's voice coming out of nowhere behind him.
"Kid! You ready for that ride I promised ya?" Buck asked as he mounted his horse.
"You bet Buck," JD answered back quickly, anxious for their adventure.
"JD. I need to have a talk with you. Can the ride wait a bit? I have something I need to talk to you about," Chris started.
"Can't it wait Chris? I mean I really want to ride with Buck. It's been so long. Besides, I already know what you want to tell me. I mean I already know you're my father. Buck told me. Was that all you needed to tell me? I really want to ride." JD stated as he anxiously looked to Buck.
"I know you want to ride JD, but I'd like to talk to you now…" Chris started as he looked up to see Buck and JD happily riding off together. The sound of their laughter hung in the air as they disappeared from view.
"JD…Come back! JD?" Chris yelled out. "Come back JD."
"Chris…Chris? Wake up. It's Nathan."
The leader opened his eyes and stared back into the concerned brown eyes of the healer.
"You OK Chris? I could hear ya yellin' all the way downstairs. Thought there was somethin' wrong with JD?" Nathan stated as he turned to check on the kid.
Chris stood and walked to the window. A long moment passed and finally Chris answered.
"No Nate, everything is OK. Just had a dream I guess." Chris offered.
"Musta been one helluva dream." Nate answered; sounding a little irritated as he once again turned to stare at the leader. At least he had fallen asleep. The healer was thankful for that. Sensing the leader wasn't in the mood to discuss whatever was bothering him Nathan turned his attention back to the sleeping kid.
Chris stared out into the street and closed his eyes. The dream seemed so real. It seemed like JD was all right. But something more bothered the tired gunslinger. If JD ever woke up, would he have the same reaction? Taking a deep breath, Chris looked over to Nathan and mumbled out.
"I need to get some fresh air. I'll be right back."
Nathan nodded his head and Chris hastily closed the door behind him.
The healer busied himself inspecting his handiwork. JD's body was definitely mending. Nathan reached for some new bandages to wrap the dislocated shoulder. Busying himself with his patient, Nathan finished up his ministrations and walked to the shelf to grab a towel to wipe his hands on. As he walked back to JD to cover him up with the quilt, he was shocked at what he saw before him. Staring back at him was a pair of hazel eyes. Catching his breath, Nathan quickly sat down at the edge of the teen's bed. The eye's stared at the healer and blinked. As the eyes opened again, the healer noticed tears gathering in both eyes.
"JD? Son? It's OK. You're OK." Nathan breathed out quickly. Of all the times for everyone, including Chris, to be gone. Nathan stared at the scared and battered face. It was unnerving to see JD awake but not saying anything. The tears continued and still no words came. The eyes just held the healer's face. Pain and confusion marred his features.
"JD? Can you talk to me? How are you feelin'?" Nathan asked. Nathan stared at the kid and noticed that the same tear filled eyes had once again closed. Thankfully, the pain filled creases that had moments before etched the young face, disappeared altogether and was replaced with a peaceful sleep. Nathan once again placed the quilt over JD's body, and brushed away the tears that had been shed in what seemed like an intense moment of pain. The healer let out a sigh and sat down in the chair that Chris had vacated only minutes before.
Not wanting to leave the young man's side, Nathan waited patiently for Chris to return. A million thoughts jumbled around the healer's mind. It was a miracle, an incredible miracle. He thought he would never see those hazel eyes again. But what he saw brought him a great deal of heartache. He would have done anything to erase the incredible amount of pain JD seemed to be suffering. Nathan shifted in his chair and said a silent prayer. He only hoped that the next time the kid woke up, and that seemed incredible to even think, that he wouldn't have to endure the pain he had just gone through.
Needing a moment to clear his foggy brain and gather himself, Chris anxiously bolted downstairs from the clinic that had fast become his second home. The calm of the late afternoon left the normally busy street in the small town very quiet. Chris walked slowly to the empty jail and took a seat to survey the town and get some needed fresh air.
Chris ran his hand through his hair as he thought back to the dream. So much had happened in the last week. If the kid ever woke up, how would he deal with the news? What Chris knew of JD's past he picked up from bits and pieces of conversation with the kid. The kid's memories would usually bring a smile to his young face as he described his mama and the estate he grew up on.
It wasn't until a few months after Chris met JD he learned from Buck the realities of growing up not only a chambermaid's son, but also a very young stable boy. His life had been more difficult than he had originally let on; a lot of the details had been left out. Chris fought off his overwhelming feelings of guilt. He hadn't been there for his son. He never had the opportunity to be there for JD, like he was for Adam. Could he ever hope to have any kind of father-son relationship with JD? Would JD even want any part of Chris? Or would this news drive JD away?
Then there was Buck, his oldest friend. Chris knew Buck loved JD like a son. Even when Adam was alive, Chris had never seen the ladies' man so protective of someone. JD was his responsibility, as far as Buck was concerned. Nothing else seemed to matter; nobody else seemed to matter when JD was in the room. As much as Chris was still upset with Buck for having lied to him, Chris knew that it was done out of love and probably more out of fear. Fear of losing the one thing that he loved more than life itself. Pushing back the endless flow of questions and nagging doubts, the leader let out a big sigh and slowly rose from his chair. The leader once again scanned the small town and walked over to the restaurant for an early dinner.
The four tired men made their way to the edge of town. Ezra, Josiah, Vin and Buck had wearily rode back into town. It had been a long emotional day and all the men were anxious to get something to eat and check on the kid. Before making it to the livery Buck suddenly stopped his horse pushed back his hat and stared up at Nathan's clinic. Vin rode up behind the tall gunslinger and stopped alongside him. Gesturing to the other men to go on Vin and Buck sat in silence for a moment.
"Y'ok Buck? Vin asked as he too stared up at the small clinic.
Buck was quiet for a moment and then turned to the tracker.
"Yeah Vin I'm OK." Buck lied. "Just thinkin' how different everythin' is than it was before. It's feels like the end of somethin'."
Vin nodded his head and glanced over at Buck. "A lot has happened in a short bit. ‘Spect it will take some time to git used to. But I reckon it ain't like it's gonna be the end of somethin'. Like to think it jist might be the beginnin'."
Buck let out a snort and a small smile as he rode on to the livery. "Wish I had yer optimism Vin. I don't think we're ever gonna be the same again."
Buck rode on leaving Vin behind to think of the sad words. Letting out a sigh, the tracker followed behind to bed his horse for the evening.
Nathan sat perched on the chair next to the kid's bed. He really didn't want to dare to venture away from JD's side. He looked to be in such pain that the healer was afraid to leave the teen alone in case he awoke again. I suppose I should be happy he woke at all, Nathan thought. God, he had prayed for a miracle like this to happen but never really let himself believe the possibility of it actually happening. But the pain that shone bright in those normally joyous hazel eyes tore through the healer's soul like a sword. "Where did Chris go?" Nathan mumbled to himself as he watched JD once again sleep.
"Nathan? Is everything alright?" a soft voice asked from behind him.
"Oh..Mrs. Travis. I didn't hear ya come in." Nathan stated as he quickly stood from his chair. "Yeah, everythin' is OK. JD…he just woke up." Nathan turned to look once again at the teen and was happy to see he was still peacefully asleep.
"Nathan. That's wonderful, a true miracle." Mary stated as she quickly stepped to JD's side. Softly placing her hand on his young face she looked at the young man and turned her blue eyes back to the healer. "He's going to be alright then Nathan?" she asked as she tucked JD's quilt under his chin.
"Still not really sure Mrs. Travis. He only woke fer a moment and then fell back asleep. He never said anythin', I'll probably know more when he wakes again I ‘spose." Nathan didn't detail the sheer agony that JD seemed to endure during his moment of consciousness. No sense worrying someone until JD woke again.
"Nathan, I'm so happy for you all. Speaking of which, where is everybody?" Mary thought it strange that all the peacekeepers, obviously with the exception of Nathan, were not in hovering around their surrogate doctor and his beloved patient.
"Oh Chris!" Nathan blurted out. "Mrs. Travis could ya do me a favor and get Chris for me. He stepped out fer some fresh air before JD woke up. I don't want to leave JD alone and I was waitin' for him to git back. The others should be along soon. They had somethin' needed to be done." Nathan finished happy that Mary seemed happy with his answer.
"I'd be happy to Nathan. You keep on getting better for us JD." Mary stated as she gave JD a little peck on the cheek and made her way out of the clinic.
Nathan sat back down in the chair and kept a close vigil on JD. Closing his eyes he said a silent prayer and waited for JD to stir again.
Ezra, Josiah, Vin and Buck finished bedding their horses for the evening and left the livery to get a quick bite to eat. They needed to see the kid, but it had been a long day and they needed a moment to regroup. Ezra, Vin, and Josiah entered the restaurant and immediately noticed Chris sitting alone at the table.
"Hey Chris, how's the kid." Vin asked as he took a seat next to his friend and ordered his dinner.
Chris hadn't noticed the entrance of his friends and he quickly looked up noticing that Buck was not with the men.
"Nate says he's still the same." Chris responded sadly. Vin stared into the eyes of his friend and knew there was more, but decided to let it go until he and Chris were alone.
Taking a seat next to their tired leader Josiah and Ezra ordered from their waitress and waited in an uncomfortable silence. Chris looked to his trail weary men and finally asked.
"Didja find him?" Chris inquired.
Josiah and Ezra looked away from the leader as Vin nodded his reply.
"Was on his way to Nate's when I saw him last." Vin softly answered.
Chris nodded his head; relieved that JD's "older brother" had come back. He still was not happy with his old friend, but bringing Buck back was what JD would need most of all if there was any chance he would wake up.
Thankfully, the food was served quickly to the somber group. Even the eloquent Ezra was at a loss for words. There was nothing he could think of to say at a time like this so he ate his dinner in silence.
Chris pushed away his dinner plate and sat back in his chair. He needed to get back to JD, but was really dreading having to come face to face with Buck. The leader took a deep breath and slowly released it as he stood from his chair.
"Better get back to Nate's. See ya guys up there?" Chris asked in a whisper. He knew he didn't even have to ask. He knew there would be no other place the men would be.
The men nodded their heads and watched as Chris walked almost in defeat out of the restaurant.
"His heart seems even heavier than before we left. Hopefully JD has not gotten worse than before." Josiah stated.
"I would suspect that our leader has much to deal with." Ezra drawled.
The table grew silent as once again the men returned to their own thoughts and finished up their meal.
Chris stood outside the restaurant and thought back to the dreams he had been having. Not able to shake the nagging feelings of uncertainty towards his newly discovered son Chris let his mind reel with his overwhelming fears. The leader leaned against the railing and stared out into the dusk of the small settling town. The town seemed much smaller than it had before. Somehow, the leader felt trapped in the small town. Closing his eyes, Chris thought about the kid and his "older brother". The two were closer than any brother's Chris had ever known. Closer than even Buck and Chris had ever been. If there were any chance of a recovery for JD, would there be room enough for Chris in their tight little family?
Drowning in a river of his own thoughts, Chris hadn't heard his name being yelled out over the boardwalk. Slowly Chris stood from the railing and walked toward the exuberant voice.
"Chris! Chris!" Mary yelled out as she dodged people walking on the boardwalk.
Chris walked up quickly to the excited blonde and looked into her happy blue eyes.
"What in god's name are you yelling about Mary?" Chris asked a bit quickly.
"Oh Chris! Chris, it is truly a miracle. A miracle indeed. He has angels watching over him." Mary almost sung out.
"What? Who?" Chris asked, becoming slightly annoyed at this little game.
"Chris. It's JD. JD woke up!" Mary smiled out as she stared into Chris' stunned face.
Hearing all the commotion, Ezra, Vin, and Josiah walked quickly out of the restaurant.
"What in heaven's name is all the excitement about?" Ezra asked as he looked at Mary who seemed to beam from ear to ear.
"It's JD..I just came from Nathan's. JD has woken up." Mary blurted out once again.
Vin stared at the excited woman and then turn towards a speechless Chris. Patting him on the shoulder the tracker couldn't express in words his happiness for their leader.
Ezra rested against the building as he gathered himself together. His normally unreadable facade was replaced with a smile and relief that he didn't bother to hide. He was just too happy for the boy and his friend's.
Josiah took in the moment in a happy silence when suddenly he moved forward and picked Mary up and swung her around.
"The Lord has certainly smiled down on us today. A miracle, a true miracle!" Josiah shouted out as he continued to swing Mary around in a happy embrace. He placed the woman gently to her feet and wiped away the tears of joy that had welled up in his eyes.
JD was coming back to them all, he thought.
Chris watched his friend's revel in the joyous news and looked up to the sky and said a silent prayer and thanks for bringing his son back to him. In a flash, the strain of the past week seemed to almost lift from the leader's tired features. The worry and grief were slowly being erased with an overwhelming feeling of warmth and happiness.
"Chris, Nathan asked me to come and get you. He would like you to come back to the clinic." Mary tried to explain.
Before she could even finish the men had started making their way to the clinic. They needed to see for themselves. They needed to be there for their boy. The men quickly made their way to the steps of the small clinic and climbed the staircase.
The happy footsteps vibrated as the four men ascended the small stairs. They made their way to the top of their stairs and saw Buck who was seated in front of the clinic.
"Didja see him? Didja git to talk to him?" Vin asked, anxious to hear any and all news about JD.
"What are you talking about? Talk to who?" Buck asked as he looked into the faces of his happy friends.
"JD, Buck. It's JD!" Vin stated.
"I think what our excited friend is trying to relate Mr. Wilmington is the grand news we were just delivered. Our young friend Mr. Dunne has apparently woken from his long slumber." Ezra announced.
"What?" Buck tried to ask, but just couldn't find the words. Buck looked at the faces of his friends once again at ran a shaky hand through his hair. He looked at his oldest friend for the confirmation. After a moment Chris nodded his head as a smile washed across his handsome features.
"He woke up Buck." Chris whispered as he looked into Buck's blue eyes. Buck smiled and walked quickly to Chris and embraced him.
"Oh…Thank you Jesus. He's come back. He's really come back to us." Buck whispered in Chris' ear.
The men started for the healer's door all anxious to share their joy with the boy. Vin, Ezra and Josiah were the first to walk into the small clinic. Buck turned to follow behind his friends when he felt a hand rest on his shoulder.
"Buck, before we go in we need to talk." Chris stated.
Buck stopped quickly and shut the door for some privacy. Walking away from the door Chris turned to his old friend.
"Buck, thanks for comin' back. I know it couldn't have been easy for you. But you did it anyway." Chris ran his hand through his hair and tried to gather his thoughts.
"You're too important to JD. He really needs you right now Buck. As much as I wanna be the one he turns to, I can't change the fact that he trusts you the most. I guess what I just wanna say is. I want to wait to tell JD what we found out until he gets better. I mean I want to tell him, but I think it would be best to wait."
Buck nodded his head in understanding. He knew how hard this had to be on the leader, but he also knew Chris' main concern was for JD's health. Buck smiled as a tear ran down his cheek.
"I'm awful sorry for all this Chris. Wish I could somehow take it all back. But that kid, your son, he's the luckiest boy ever. In time, he's gonna realize it too."
Chris smiled and draped his arm over Buck's shoulder as they walked side by side into Nathan's clinic. He really hoped Buck was right.
Nathan stared out the window of his small clinic and watched as the sun disappeared from view behind the small peaceful town. It was the time of day the kid enjoyed the most, Nathan thought to himself. He watched the beautiful rich oranges, fiery reds, and dynamic yellows mix with the dark blue of the sky. Nathan had never paid much attention to sunsets; he sort of took them for granted. But not the kid, he would always drop whatever it was he was doing and enjoy the last few moments of his day in awe of nature's true beauty. None of the men really understood JD's fascination with those peaceful moments before he said goodbye to another day. But as Nathan stood and looked out the window, it occurred to him what the kid found so enjoyable. It was almost a ceremony that nature held for a select audience of interested people. A celebration of colors and artistry painted across the early evening sky. Nathan finally understood why JD loved this time of day; it was Nature's gift. The healer smiled to himself as he thought of the many lesson's him and the other peacekeepers had learned from the kid.
Walking away from the window Nathan once again turned his attentions toward the sleeping boy. He hoped Chris or someone else, for that matter, would return soon. Studying JD's face, Nathan felt relief wash over him as he noticed that not so much as a hint of pain creased the young features that only moments ago the healer tried to soothe. Letting out a steady breath of relief Nathan walked over to the boy and re-tucked the blankets he had minutes before nervously tucked.
"JD, you are gonna age me boy. Musta lived five years in one day today." Nathan mumbled out as he once again took a seat next to the bed.
As if on cue, Vin, Ezra, and Josiah made their way into the clinic. Their voices exuberant with the exciting news they all celebrated. Nathan stood from his chair and swiftly met up with his friend's.
"Shh." Nathan hushed out as he placed his index finger over his lips. "Y'all are gonna wake the dead. The kid's asleep again. Like to keep it that way fer a bit. Where's Chris?" Nathan asked as he tried to herd the group towards the door.
"Aw Nate, we're jist happy is all," Vin drawled as he stared around Nathan to catch a look at their kid. "We heard he woke up, thought we might git to talk to him." Vin stated.
"Brother Nate, is he OK? JD? Like Vin said Mary came and told us that a miracle occurred and brought our youngest back to the flock." Looking anxiously at Nathan, Josiah also cautioned a quick look at the sleeping teen.
Ezra shook his head in acknowledgment to his cohort's anxious statements. Truth be known though, the usually wordy gambler was having trouble piecing his overwhelming feelings into words. He shocked even himself with the powerful emotions he felt from the joyous news he had just learned.
The mood in the usually somber room was electric. Everyone in the room felt it. For the first time in a week, the peacekeepers had reason to celebrate. They could celebrate friendship, family, hope, and most of all they could celebrate the gift that was returned to them. They were getting their kid back.
Nathan tried to calm the anxious men. But even he could see it would be like trying to put out a raging wildfire with a glass of water. Nothing was going to dampen their spirits right now. Before the frustrated healer could ask again, Buck and Chris entered through the clinic door. A smile graced the healer's dark face as he saw the smiling Wilmington pounce through the doors. The seven were together again.
"Nate, we just heard. Is it true? The kid woke up?" Buck asked as he tried to make his way to JD's side.
Placing a gentle hand on Wilmington's shoulder, Nathan tried to draw the ecstatic gunslinger's attention back to him. He needed a moment with his men.
The men surrounded the tired healer as he took turns looking into the happy faces of his friends. An unusual silence surrounded the men as they hung in anticipation of the healer's words.
"I need y'all to listen to me. JD did wake up awhile ago. Not for long, but he did wake up. He didn't say nothin', but I spect he will next time he wakes up." Nathan stated.
The men shifted their gazes to JD and then back to Nathan. "I don't think I need to tell y'all, because of the blow he got he's gonna be in a lot of pain. We need to keep our voices down and keep the lanterns low, I'm sure his eyes are gonna be extra sensitive too. I guess what I'm tryin' to say is go easy on him. He still has a lot of recovery ahead of him; I don't want y'all rushin' him. Bad enough he'll be wantin' to free himself from the clinic before I'm ready for him to leave." Nathan smiled knowingly to his friend's as he finished. He knew the men all knew the kid's stubborn streak. They would have to fight the kid every inch of the way to keep him resting and recovering.
"Nathan, is everything OK? I mean JD is going to completely recover isn't he?" Chris asked feeling the healer was leaving something out.
Nathan rubbed his hand across his face as he stared into the anxious blue eyes of the boy's father. "I don't rightly know Chris. Don't think I have to tell you that him wakin' is definitely a good sign. Didn't think I'd ever see those eyes open again." Nathan took a deep breath and returned his gaze to the worried leader. "His ribs and shoulder are healin' mighty well, so are the stitches. But head wounds are tricky, don't want to git yer hopes up. He was in a lot of pain when he woke. But then again, what do I know, I never thought he woulda woke in the first place." Nathan finished as he patted the Chris on the shoulder.
Buck smiled at his friends and gripped Chris' shoulder. "I'm not surprised at all. Kid's got a stubborn streak on him five miles long." Buck chuckled out, bringing smiles to the other knowing faces. Buck looked at Chris' tired face and half-whispered, "guess he's just like his pa in that sense."
The room went quiet as the others watched and waited for the leader's reaction; it was as if all the air in the room had suddenly been sucked out. The men studied the scene playing out before them with an incredible intensity. None of them dare to move or even bat an eye. Chris' head darted to meet his old friend's smiling face. The ice-cold glare was thunderously threatening. The leader's eyes squinted into small venomous slits as he took a half step closer to the ladies man. But, in a sudden and startling flash the look faded from the man's face and was replaced with a relieved…semi-smile. This was Chris Larabee, and for him it was a start.
Buck smiled back at Chris and their very stunned friends who were still gathered by the door; all the men finally able to release the collective breath they held during the confrontation. Slowly the gunslinger made his way to the chair by the kid's bed. The kid seemed so at peace. Resting a tender hand on the kid's forehead, he brushed JD's long bangs off his face and said a silent prayer of thanks.
Watching the caring actions of the boy's "big brother," the men listened as Chris asked for their silence in the news of JD's parentage. The men all silently nodded their understanding to the leader. They all knew how much Chris wanted even needed to tell JD the truth. But they admired the father's determination to make sure JD was both physically and emotionally healed before telling him. They knew Chris' first concern was for the health and well being of his son.
Chris walked over to JD's bedside and smiled at Buck who had so quickly planted himself next to the kid. It was amazing to watch the love and devotion that the ladies' man displayed for the boy. With Buck by his side he knew JD had every chance at a full recovery. As much as he was happy that the kid had someone like that in his life, he silently ached to be the one the kid would turn to. Closing his eyes to try and block out those ugly thoughts from his mind he re-opened his tired eyes quickly when he heard a soft movement coming from the bed.
The slow movement continued on the small bed as the anxious peacekeepers watched. The room fell silent once again, but this time it was in anticipation. Not wanting to crowd the healer, the men respectfully stood back and took in the moment. Buck, feeling the movement studied the sleeping face and could see the pain creases beginning on the kid's face. The gunslinger felt his heart ache as he watched the kid break free from the pain-free oblivion he had been in to an overwhelming painful consciousness. Taking the boy's small hand in his own he whispered words of comfort in the kid's ear. He needed to get through the fog and pain and let the kid know how much his return would mean to them all.
Buck stroked JD's forehead softly as he continued talking to the kid.
"Hey kid, it's about time. We've been waiting an awful long time to see those eyes of yours. Come on let me see those eye's open." Buck begged.
JD Dunne hurt, and he hurt badly. He would have given anything to slip back into that pain-free spot he had only moments before been enjoying. It was as if a thousand hot knives were being stabbed into his skull. And as if that wasn't bad enough, the intensity of it all was making him feel nauseous. He heard the soft voice beckoning him to open his eyes. But didn't they understand? If he opened his eyes there was no telling how much more he would hurt. He could already feel the searing pain from the soft light emanating from the lantern close by his bed. JD decided to ignore the voice, maybe if he kept his eyes closed the voice would go away and let him sleep. Surely the voice would let him ease back into his oblivion once again. Feeling happy with his choice, JD tried to ignore the words that begged him to come back. He wanted to ignore it, pretend he didn't hear it. But, the familiarity of the voice and the words of comfort being spoken dragged the kid back once again to his stressful and pained world.
"Buck?" the voice softly breathed. The name could be barely heard in the silent room. But to Buck, it was if the kid had sung it out. He never heard a sweeter voice say his name before. Tears of joy washed down his happy face as he continued to rub the kid's temple.
"Hey kid. Come on, you can do it. Just a little bit more, please. I wanna see those eyes." He whispered into the kid's ear.
The pain that flashed across the youthful face made the men cringe. They wanted so bad to take the pain away from the kid. It ate at them that their youngest member had to endure such obvious agony. The men once again waited and watched as the kid struggled to open his eyes.
"No…Buck? Hurts. Hurts. Please, no." JD managed to softly slur out.
"I know kid. I know it hurts somethin' awful. But I promise ya, we're all here. Nathan, Ezra, Josiah, Vin, and Chris. We've all waited a long time to see those hazel eyes of yours. Please…Just for a moment." Buck managed to get out, his voice not concealing the emotion he felt as he watch the young boy suffer. "Y'know I wouldn't ask ya if it wasn't important kid."
The men all wiped their eyes as they stared in dazed fascination as Buck continued encouraging the kid. Chris felt his chest tighten and he never took his eyes off the waking boy. He quickly wiped the tears he had shed and tried valiantly to hold back the ones that threatened, to no avail.
The dark lashes had been sealed tightly, and looked for the world like they wouldn't open. Buck continued talking to the kid, keeping up the steady stream of supportive words, when finally he was rewarded. With a great deal of effort, and an even more increased volume of pain the black lashes gave way to tear-filled, blinking, dazed, pained, and very much missed hazel eyes.
Nathan watched in awe of the affect Buck had over JD. It was amazing to witness and even more incredible to be a part of the bond that existed between the two best friends. The healer felt the warmth of friendship as he smiled to himself and brought himself back out of his reverie. He needed to tend to the kid, though it looked as though Buck already had that handled.
"Buck…Oh God Buck! It hurts." JD closed his eyes and squeezed them tightly. The fiery stabbing in his skull continued to throb with fever-pitch intensity and JD tried to ride out the enormous wave of pain that continued to wash over him.
Seeing the continuing intensity of JD's pain, Buck quickly positioned himself behind the kid, so he could lie against Buck's chest. It seemed to soothe JD a bit more and his harsh labored breathing seemed to slow for a moment. The emotional ladies man continued talking to the kid softly and easily. Hoping to keep the kid with them for awhile. Dark blue eyes held Nathan's dark brown eyes and pleaded for help. Nathan seeing Buck's distress moved quickly to JD and picked up the comforting words where Buck could no longer go on.
"JD…JD…Listen to me kid. I need ya to open yer eyes again for me OK? Just for a moment, I know yer hurtin' kid but I jist need to git a closer look. I promise I won't take long." Nathan softly requested to the upset kid.
"Nate? Oh Nathan. No! Hurts. Please don't make me. I can't. No." JD whimpered out slowly in a soft strained and pleading voice. JD couldn't imagine having to open his eyes once again and endure the incredible agony. He would be happy if he never opened his eyes again, why are they making me do this? JD thought to himself as he tried to hold back the nausea that threatened to take over. JD sunk deeper into Buck's chest and tried to bury his face in the big man's shoulder. Surely Buck could see how much he hurt. Surely Buck would once again come to his rescue and spare JD of his torture.
Nathan stroked the kid's sweat-drenched dark hair. The kid had slowly turned away from the healer and hid in the protective arms of his best friend. Nathan looked up into Buck's face, his eyes clouded over with an intense storm of grief. He couldn't stand to see the kid suffer anymore. Every whimper and every tear shed, a testament to his agonizing anguish.
Buck swallowed back his emotions and gently rubbed the kid's back. "JD, please. Let Nathan just take quick look at you. I promise it won't take long and then we'll have ya restin' again soon. Please?"
Time seem to stand still as six men stared at one boy, none of them willing or able to say anything. Buck continued to rub JD's back hoping to feel a sign from the kid. Anything to let him know the kid understood. He whispered once more into JD's ear and released a small smile when the kid nodded his head and slowly turned towards the healer.
Blinking hazel eyes painfully stared into the healer's face as tears freely rolled down the pale cheeks. Buck worked gently to wipe away the steady stream and comfort the distraught boy. Nathan made quick work of examining his patient. After a quick look at the boy's pupils he placed a gentle hand on JD's forehead and told the kid to relax and close his eyes. Josiah was at Buck's side handing the man a cup of water.
"Hey kid, good job. Ya thirsty? All the guys are here. We've been waitin' for ya to come back to us." Buck softly spoke.
JD nodded his head and soon was positioned to drink. Signaling Buck by grabbing his wrist that he had enough. JD mumbled. "What happened? How…how did I get here?"
Vin moved to the foot of JD's bed and softly answered. "JD? It's Vin. Don't you remember? You're a hero."
A sudden realization swept over the kid with Vin's soft words. He quickly sat up and stared wild eyes at his friends. "Jessica? Is..is she OK?" JD asked, wishing now he had spared himself the sudden movement. The pain renewed itself in intensity and JD grabbed his head with his good arm and tried to contain his agony.
Vin stared down at his feet, a wave of shame passing through him. He hadn't meant to cause JD further discomfort. Ezra and Josiah moved beside Vin. Josiah placed a kind hand on his shoulder to comfort the upset tracker. Buck had managed to calm down the boy while explaining that Jessica and Mr. Stillwell were both safe and sound. JD seemed to relax more and settled once again against the ladies' man.
Chris sat unmoving in his chair beside JD's bed. There was so much he wanted to tell the kid. Like how proud he was of him, and how much they needed him with them. A week's worth of worry and concerned rendered the leader unable to get the emotional words out. He watched as Buck seemed to be able to do what he couldn't, comfort the kid. Maybe it was better this way. Maybe it would be best for all if Chris never told JD the news they had discovered. JD already had a father and Buck loved that boy with an intensity that Chris wasn't sure he would ever be able to show. Self-doubt ate away at the leader as he stood abruptly and moved to look out the window of the clinic. He needed to get away; he needed to leave the depressing room. But seeing no way to leave, he leaned against the wall and watched as JD drifted off to sleep in Buck's arms.
Motioning for the men to leave the clinic, Nathan walked to the door of the clinic and met his friends, minus Buck, outside. As the men gathered around Nathan in a secretive huddle they waited for the news.
Nathan nodded to the small group and smiled. "I know it don't look it, but I think JD's gonna heal nicely. I told y'all before that the blow to his head was mighty hard. Fact that he's even awake is a miracle indeed," he smiled to Josiah, making the big man smile back. "What he needs now though is a lot of rest and quiet. It's gonna take a bit but I think we should be seein' the old JD soon."
The men smiled and let out a collective breath once again for the day. As hard as it was to see the kid hurting like he was, they we're going to see him through. After a moment longer it was decided that they would take care of JD in shifts. Since it looked like there was no way Buck would budge from the kid's side they let him take the first shift and would bring him some dinner.
Chris and Vin wandered to the saloon with Ezra and Josiah. Nathan had decided to stay behind at the clinic for awhile longer and talk to Buck about their discussion. As predicted, Buck stated his refusal to leave JD's side again. Understanding the big man's protectiveness, Nathan nodded and told the ladies man that as much as he knew Buck needed to be there for the kid, he also needed to look after himself. Buck's mind raced back to his talk with Chris earlier. He knew that in order to open the father-son relationship between his two friends so eventually the truth could be revealed; he would have to stand back and let it work itself out. Buck inwardly cringed as thoughts of losing the kid gnawed at him. He had only just got the kid back, and now he would have to let him go again. Sadness crept up on the gunslinger as he thought back to when Adam was still alive. Chris had been such a good father; he was patient, gentle and loving. Adam was a lucky kid, and one day JD would feel the same.
Chris sat solemnly at the table as the other's celebrated the kid's recovery. After sitting in silent reflection for awhile Chris excused himself and left his happy friends. Walking out into the cool evening air, Chris took in a deep breath and released it as he leaned against the railing.
"Leavin' the party so soon cowboy?"
"I'm not in the mood Vin. Why don't you go back inside, I need some time alone." Chris stated never turning to look at the tracker who had moved beside him.
"I guess I understand that, but I'm thinkin' this is when yer gonna need yer friends the most. I know how hard that was upstairs fer ya. Watchin' Buck with the kid don't tell me ya weren't thinkin' of never tellin the kid the truth." Vin looked up to see Chris flash a menacing glare in his direction.
"Don't see where that's any of your business cowboy." Chris seethed out, as he started to walk away. Vin held out a quick arm stopping the leaders hasty retreat.
"It IS my business. It became MY business the day we all formed up to protect this town. That was the day we all became a family. The longer you wait to tell that kid the truth, the harder it's going to be on both you and him. It's good what ya did in there for him. Givin' him the security of Buck to help him, but Buck knows the truth and it won't be any easier on him or any of us if you don't tell JD."
Chris glared at the tracker for a moment longer and then brushed the tracker aside as he walked away from his friend. Turning back to the saloon, Vin was surprised to see an audience of three men. Ezra, Josiah and Nathan stood dumbstruck at the batwing doors. Vin stood for a moment looking at his friend's as they recovered from their shock. Not having anything more to say, Vin excused himself and left the festivities of the saloon.
"I fear our small family is slowly beginning to fall apart gentleman." Ezra stated as he turned back to his table. Nathan nodded and took a seat along side the gambler.
"I think time will only tell." Josiah added as he too joined his friend's in their now not so joyous celebration.
The morning sun crept into the small clinic, shining splintered pieces of light between the covered windows. Buck remained half-laying on JD's bed with the kid resting comfortably in his protective arms. He had managed to get some needed sleep in between times JD would wake. Each time the kid would start to emerge from his sleep he could feel the boy tense up, as if anticipating the discomfort he was about to feel.
Buck would talk to the kid, as he always did when the kid was hurt and tried to ease his misery.
The routine was the same, he would awaken for a few moments and ride out the wave of pain and nausea, Buck would give him some water and comfort him, and then he would fall quickly back to sleep.
Now that morning had dawned on the sleepy little town, Nathan made his way to his young patient, hoping to get some solid food in him other than the broth the kid had been existing on. Opening the door to the clinic, Nathan smiled as he spied the two friends asleep on the bed. Hearing the door close, Buck opened his tired eyes and smiled when Nathan walked over to the bedside.
"Ya look terrible. Didja git any sleep?" Nathan whispered to the ladies man.
"Aw Nate, I caught a few winks now and then. Don't worry about me." Buck smiled.
Buck could feel the tension build in the kid's body once more and he signaled the healer that JD was waking.
"Mornin' JD." Nathan stated trying to bring the boy out of his slumber.
"Umm..Mornin.'" JD tried to answer.
"Howya doin' this mornin' kid?" Nate inquired.
JD struggled for a moment and finally opened his eyes. "Still hurts…..Nathan."
"I know..I know..You'll probably be feelin' pretty sore for awhile son. But jist you see. You will be up and annoyin' us pretty quickly here." Nathan let out a chuckle as he took a look at the boy's injured body.
Nathan managed to get JD to eat something. It wasn't as hard as the healer anticipated. Actually, his patient was very compliant in everything that the healer requested. This was unusual for JD. He usually fought to the finish when he was sick. Nathan couldn't help but feel a little worried about the change in attitude. It just wasn't right. But the healer decided to enjoy the cooperation and set about looking over the kid.
Vin came in a short time later and relieved Buck, so he could eat and change. Buck fought him every step of the way. But in the end relented and took the needed break.
The kid was fast asleep when Vin settled into the chair next to JD's bed. The tracker studied the sleeping teen as he remembered back to the previous night's discussion with Chris. Vin hoped that Chris would do the right thing with the kid, the kid deserved it.
JD woke a few times throughout the day. Each time seemed a little easier than the last. His pain was still there but was either growing less or JD was handling it more. It seemed hard to tell. The kid was quiet, but mostly because the less he said the better he felt.
Buck came into the small clinic as Josiah and Ezra were leaving. JD had just fallen back to sleep and the men seemed happy that the kid's recovery was going pretty well. Buck stopped the men before they walked out the door.
"Either one of you seen Chris?" Buck asked. He hadn't seen his old friend since the night before. Buck had rested a bit since leaving JD. He changed clothes and even managed to get something to eat. But he had never once seen Chris. That seemed unusual to the ladies man.
The two men shook their heads, neither one sure if they should tell Buck of the discussion they had overheard. Buck stared at his friend's for a moment longer, knowing there was something he was missing, but was interrupted when the kid called his name.
"Buck…Buck…" JD whispered out.
Buck rushed to the kid's side as Ezra and Josiah left the room. "I'm right here kid. Whatta ya need?" Buck asked.
"Oh…No..Nothin'. Heard your voice. Glad your back." JD stated softly as he once again snuggled under his blankets.
"That's right kid, I'm hear for ya. I'll always be here for ya." Buck stated as he stroked the kid's hair and watch him fall back to sleep.
Josiah and Ezra made their way down the stairs into the street.
"I do wonder where our fine leader has disappeared to." Ezra asked.
"Well Ezra, I believe Chris has some strong demons he is fighting. I just hope that he is able to fight them and win soon, for his sake and ours."
The shifts at the clinic continued with great ease. JD seemed to wake a little more often and he was even eating a little more. The small group noticed the absence of their leader. But they all knew Chris needed to deal with his problems before he could return. The kid, for his part, never said much about the leader's disappearance. In fact, none of the men remembered JD even asking where Chris was. Happy, that it was one less thing for them to worry about, they continued taking turns watching over the kid.
Buck lay in the chair watching JD as he peacefully slept. The kid seemed to be steadily improving with each time he awoke. The ladies' man was truly thankful that the kid came back to them. It would take awhile before he was back on his feet completely, but they knew that the kid's stubborness would drive him to be up and about. As he watched JD breathe, his thoughts turned to his oldest friend. He had been gone for a day and a half and Buck was beginning to grow a little restless with concern. Before taking his shift with JD, Buck was able to talk to Vin. The tracker seemed to know more than he was saying, but Buck knew that it had to do with the closeness he shared with the kid. It hurt Buck to know he seemed to be causing Chris so much pain. A part of him wanted Chris never to tell JD the truth, but a bigger part knew the kid had to know. Buck leaned his elbows on his knees and cupped his face in his hands. This whole mess could have been avoided if I had just left that damn box alone, he thought.
The door to the clinic opened quietly and Vin walked in. He arrived at Buck's side and put a supportive hand on his shoulder. Startling the tall gunslinger, Buck jumped as he turned to see the tracker beside him.
"Jesus Vin, you scared the hell out of me." Buck exclaimed, looking back quickly to the sleeping figure on the bed. Happy that JD was still asleep, Buck walked with Vin to the door of the clinic. "What's goin' on Vin, you look like your goin' somewhere?"
Vin looked down to his feet, not really wanting to look into Buck's concerned face. "I'm a little worried about Chris. Think it might be time for me to find him."
"I think I might know where he might have gone." Buck added as he led Vin outside the clinic doors.
Opening his eyes, JD wiped a tear from his face. He had done this, he had done all of this, he thought to himself. He knew how disappointed Chris had to be in him. He had failed to protect Jessica, he couldn't keep the stagecoach from being robbed, and he was a constant nuisance to the leader. The words he had spoken to the kid only weeks before echoed in his aching head. "JD, Dammit. You are driving me crazy! God, I don't know how Buck can take this day in and day out. I just want you to shut up. Can you actually make it five minutes without asking some question? I bet you couldn't even make it through the day without saying anything at all." JD closed his eyes as he tried to forget the chilling words Chris had spoken. Wiping the tears from his face once again, JD fell back asleep thinking it's all my fault Chris has gone.
Chris sat against the tree staring into the bubbling creek that washed by. He looked around the forest and smiled to himself. He could see why JD liked this spot so much, it was peaceful and beautiful, and hidden from the world. This special spot where he and Buck would come to camp out or fish. Something Chris wished now he could take part in. Leave it to the kid to find a spot like this in the middle of nowhere. Chris laughed at that thought. He stood for a moment and bent down to pick up the bottle of whiskey that sat next to him. He opened the bottle and began drinking. Drinking to forget the pain of losing yet another child. He had lived in this bottle after losing his family. Time and friends allowed him the opportunity to climb out of it. Chris finished the bottle and then curled up against the tree. He knew he should get back to town. But right now, this is where he needed to be.
Vin had made it half way to the secluded spot where he had only days before found Buck. Disappointed in himself for not figuring out where Chris had gone before, Vin tried to make quick work of getting to the leader. As much as he knew Chris wanted to wallow in his self-pity, Vin knew he had to bring the man back to them. He didn't have to suffer, he hadn't lost JD. In fact the future was still open to possibilities. The future was still open to him for getting a second chance at parenthood.
Vin climbed off his horse as he made it closer to the secluded hideaway. It seemed more amazing everytime he saw it. It was sort of nature's gift. Vin continued on the small trail that lay close to the small creek. In the distance, Vin could see a figure in black huddled against a tree. Picking up his pace, Vin jogged over to the sleeping figure.
"Chris? Chris? You OK?" Vin asked as he shook the leader to wake him.
"Hmm…hmmm..what? Vin?" Chris slurred out.
Looking down beside the drunken man, Vin spied two empty whiskey bottles. Jesus, he thought to himself. Not again. Chris closed his eyes and once again rested against the large tree.
"Leave alone Vin" Chris managed to spit out. "Go home and leave me be."
"Not a chance cowboy. You're not goin' down this same road again." Vin stated as he tried to lift the intoxicated man to his feet.
With a furious look in his eyes Chris pushed the tracker away from him and tried to stumble away, as he walked though, he lost his balance and landed on his hands and knees. Tears gathered at his eyes as he tried to sit himself up.
"Please Vin," he whispered. "Please just let me go. I just want to be left alone. I've lost him Vin. I lost another son." Chris cried out.
Vin moved to sit in front of the distraught man. It was heartbreaking to see the normally strong gunfighter at the end of his rope.
"Ya didn't lose him Chris. Don't ya see? He's alive and he's gettin' better. Each day he's gonna keep on gettin' stronger. You haven't lost him at all. Ya jist finally found him." Vin stated as he looked into the leader's sad eyes.
"Vin you don't get it." Chris shook his head. "You don't get it at all. I can't ever tell JD I'm his father. It just wouldn't be right. He has Buck, he doesn't need me."
Vin shook his head and tried to catch Chris' attention again. "Yer wrong Chris. He needs ya; he probably needs ya now more than ever. Yeah he has Buck, but he still needs ya. He worships ya; ya know that to be true. Ya bein' gone fer these past coupla days is hurtin' him worse than ever. He needs ya back. WE need ya back. If what ya gotta do is wait til ya tell him the truth, then do it. Deal with it when the time comes, but don't turn your back on him now." Vin finished as he stood and offered his hand to help his friend come back to his family.
The leader thought on it a moment and slowly raised his arm to help him up. Taking a few steps, the two men realized that they weren't going anywhere until Chris sobered up some. Vin led his friend back to the tree to sit and rest awhile. Taking his seat against the familiar tree Chris let out a sigh as he felt a wave of dizziness and nausea run through him.
"God Vin, I feel like hell." Chris mumbled as he looked up at the tracker and gave a small smile. Vin took a seat next to his friend and smiled back. Lifting the two empty whiskey bottles up to the leader, Vin examined their lack of contents and placed the bottles back on the ground. "No way a body could be feelin' good after emptyin' these bottles." Vin chuckled out. Chris let out a small chuckle nodded his head. "I'm getting way too old for this Vin."
It took awhile to sober up the intoxicated leader, but Vin finally managed to haul the drunken man to his horse and boost him up. This, of course, was after some bouts of nausea along the winding trail. Grabbing the reins from Chris' horse Vin led the way back into town. Twilight passed over the small town as the two men made their to the livery.
Seeing the two men making their way into town, Josiah and Ezra joined Vin as they cleaned up the leader and filled him with some much needed food. Passing out in his room, Chris managed to mumble out his inebriated gratitude before falling into a deep alcohol induced sleep.
Josiah, Ezra and Vin smiled to themselves for a job well done as they quietly closed the door to Chris' room and made their way to the saloon. Vin decided to check on the kid before relaxing with the others. He knew JD was most likely going to be asleep, but thought he would at least alert Buck and Nathan of Chris' return.
A loud crash splintered the evening silence as Vin ascended the stairs of the clinic. Stepping up his pace the tracker took the stairs two at a time and soon found himself among the flurry of activity in the healer's room. Nathan, hearing the entrance didn't even bother to acknowledge who had entered. Yelling out to whomever entered to take the kid's violently shaking body.
"Grab his legs! Buck hold his arms, but be careful of the shoulder, don't wanna make things worse." Nathan barked out. Buck and Vin managed to subdue the violently thrashing boy, and Nathan managed to hold on to JD's jerking head.
Panic grabbed hold of Buck as he watched the kid's continuing convulsions. Tears sprung to the ladies man's eyes as he battled his emotions. Looking to Vin he saw the same bewildered look he had moments before had.
"Nathan! What's happenin'?" Buck asked as the thrashing began to subside.
"I..I..I Don't know. Never seen nothin' like that before." Nathan shook his head as he continued holding JD's head. The kid's eyes were opened, but distant and glassy. Nathan wasn't sure what had happened. JD's quick and shallow breathing steadied to a normal pace and in a matter of moment's the kid's eyes were closed once again. Buck and Vin finally released their hold on the boy and stared at the now peaceful boy resting comfortably.
Shaking his head and wiping the tears that had stung his eyes Buck turned to the healer and grabbed him by the shoulders. "I thought you said he was getting' better? What was that?" Buck shook the healer in frustration.
The dazed healer could only stand in front of the distraught man and shake his head. "I don't know Buck. I really…"
Vin pulled Buck's arms away from Nathan's shoulders and moved Buck away from the stunned healer.
"I jist don't know what that was. I've never seen that before." Nathan continued to shake his bewildered head and ramble. The intense moment haunted the healer to the very core.
Buck took a seat next to the sleeping kid and carefully wiped the hair off his face. Taking a deep breath, Buck slowly released out his anguish. JD was doing so well. Taking the boy's small hand into his own, Buck started talking to JD in his comforting tone.
Vin watched the scene for a moment longer and helped Nathan sit down. "You 'spose we should wake the kid up and make sure he's OK?" Vin asked as he handed the healer a glass of water.
Nathan stared blankly ahead, not really looking at anything.
"Nathan? Nathan?" Vin continued trying to get the healer's attention.
"Huh, what? What didja say Vin?" Nathan asked finally looking to the concerned tracker.
"Should we wake him Nate? Make sure he's OK?" Vin asked wanting to see for himself that the kid was all right.
Nathan shook his head slowly as his thoughts move to the sleeping kid. "No…no Vin. We need to let him rest." Nathan stated. Truth be told the healer wanted nothing more than to wake the kid. He knew it would be best if JD slept.
Buck was making busy work of cleaning the kid's face with a rag and continued to soothe the sleeping boy. He was sure though, the only person he was really comforting was himself. In a soft voice Buck finally asked, "Did ya find him Vin?" Buck inquired.
Vin nodded his head and walked over to the distraught man. "Yeah, just where ya told me he'd be." Vin chuckled. "He's sleepin' of two bottles of whiskey right now.
Cringing at the thought, Buck looked up at his friend and gave him a small bittersweet smile. "Was hopin' he wasn't gonna return to that old friend." Buck added, hoping that this didn't signal another downward spiral of his oldest friend.
Vin shook his head and quietly added. "Did some convincin'. He was feelin' pretty green, don't think he'll be ridin down that road fer a long while."
"You're a good friend Vin. Chris really needs ya now." Buck added.
"Think he needs all of us right now." Vin stated. "Ya want me to stay with ya?"
Buck shook his head and stared back at the kid. "No. It's OK. You go get some rest, ya deserve it."
Vin took a look around the small room and turned and left the room. Nathan moved to Buck's side and took a look at his sleeping patient.
"Sorry Nate, about before. Had no call yellin' at ya fer what was happenin' to JD." Buck stated as he remembered the terrifying moment that had played out minutes before.
"S'ok Buck. He had us all a little scared, but he'll get through it. He's a strong kid." Nathan stated as he placed his gentle hand on JD's forehead wishing that answers would miraculously surface.
Chris Larabee rolled over in his bed and slowly opened his heavy eyes. "Oh God." He mumbled to himself as he sat up at the edge of the bed and tried to slow the spinning room. It had been awhile since the leader had felt this way. He had hoped he would never feel this way again. Slowly rising from the bed, the leader washed up and got ready to get something to eat. He needed to see JD, but decided it would be best if he faced the kid feeling a little better than he did now.
Chris ordered his breakfast and was soon joined by Josiah and Vin.
"You certainly look better than the last time I saw you." Josiah stated as he to placed his order.
"Yeah. Thanks for the help last night." Chris added as he drank his coffee.
The men finished their breakfast as Vin apprised the two of the drama that occurred in Nathan's room the previous evening. Chris shook his head hoping that it was only a minor setback. The poor kid had already been through so much, he thought to himself.
With breakfast done, Josiah and Vin went out on patrol and Chris headed to Nathan's.
Chris made it to the top of the stairs as Nathan was exiting the clinic to get breakfast.
"Chris, glad you're back." Nathan stated.
Chris nodded his head and answered "good to be back Nate. Heard the kid had a little problem last night." Chris stated anxious to hear if this would affect the kid's recovery.
Nathan stared at his hands and returned the gaze Chris had intently on him. "Had us a little scared last night. Not sure what happened but we'll keep an eye on him. Hopefully it won't happen again. He's awake right now. Still has a real bad headache but it seems to have eased a might. Or at least so he says." Nathan shook his head out at the last statement. He knew the kid's propensity for stretching the truth when it came to being hurt or sick.
Chris seemed happy with the response as Nathan excused himself. Chris nodded and entered Nathan's clinic. Buck and JD were currently arguing over the kid's refusal to eat more of his breakfast. "Kid ya got to eat more than that. I swear boy ya gonna waste away." Buck stated. Things were starting to go back to normal, or at least as normal as they could be.
JD turned his head to the leader and suddenly went silent. Buck sensing JD's distress took the remaining food away.
"Good to see ya back pard." Buck stated as he patted the leader on the shoulder.
JD rolled to his side trying to block out the leader. He really wasn't in the mood for a lecture. And just where had Chis gone, JD thought to himself. He never thought Chris would ever leave when one of them was sick or hurt. Chris must be really sore at him.
Chris looked to Buck as he watched JD shy away from him. He knew he deserved it. Kid was probably mad at him for not being with him. Buck looked at his old friend and stated to his two friend's "I better take these plates back to the restaurant or they'll have my head." Buck turned to Chris and mouthed good luck and walked out of the clinic.
Chris sat down next to JD's bed and stared at the kid's back as he tried to ignore the leader.
"Howya feeling JD?" Chris asked not sure what kind of response he would get from the kid. Silence greeted the leader as he stared down at his feet trying to find his words.
"I hope ya don't mind. I just got back from yours and Buck's little hideaway. I found it while you were gone." Chris grimaced as he thought back to why he had gone there in the first place, but the kid didn't seem to be listening as Chris continued his one sided conversation. Chris swallowed and started once again. "It sure is pretty there. Leave it to you to find an oasis like that in the middle of nowhere. I don't know how you…"
"Please stop." JD whispered out as he tried to maintain control. "Please, please just go."
Chris continued staring at the trembling boy's back. Wanting to soothe the kid like Buck would, Chris reached out a shaky hand and tried to calm JD. The kid's reaction was instant and electric. The kid rolled over a little too quickly and grabbed his head to calm the constant throbbing the sudden movement had made.
"Please..Just go Chris. I know how disappointed in me you are. I know you think it was my fault about the robbery and the accident on the stagecoach. I'm just a pain in the ass kid, you can't shut up or get rid of." JD stated as he wiped his tears away with his good hand. Not willing to look the leader in the eye, JD moved his face away from the stunned leader.
Chris was dumbfounded. Where was this all coming from? The kid wouldn't even look at him. Shaking his head, struggling to find the words Chris rubbed a hand over his face as he stared at the kid.
"JD, son. I'm not really sure what all this is about but I ain't nothin' but proud of ya." Chris stated as he tried to get a closer look at JD's face. He needed to be able to look the kid in the eye and let him no how incredible he thought he was.
The tears continued down the boy's weary face and he finally moved his head to stare at his idol. "Please Chris I know you're not proud of me. I let you down; I let the others down. I let the stagecoach get robbed and I caused everyone so many problems. That's why you had to leave."
"JD. No! That's not what I think, and I know that's not what the others think. We couldn't be anymore proud of whattya did out there. It took a lot of guts to do what ya did out there. Mr Stillwell, Jessica they told us. They told us what ya had to do out there and how you managed to survive. I'm just so happy you're back with us." Chris finished.
Still not convinced with the leader's words, JD looked at Chris and whispered "I know you want to get rid of me. You told me that you didn't know how Buck could make it through the day with me, 'day in and day out.' I just get in your way."
Chris grimaced as he remembered the harsh words he had spoken in a careless moment of frustration. "Son, I'm sorry I hurt you. I shouldn't have ever said what I did. I was tired and cranky and I took it out on you. You did nothin' wrong. Fact is we need you here. Can't get by without you. You're too important to us, to me. Sides, there ain't one man that rides with us that would let me stay if you ever left."
For the first time in a long time a smile graced the young features of the young man sitting in front of the leader. It had been far too long. Chris moved to sit alongside JD on his bed. JD wiped the tears from his eyes and stared at the man he admired more than anyone. Sitting up slowly he leaned into Chris' chest and wrapped his good arm around him. "Thank you Chris, thanks for everything." JD finished and he lay back down on his bed and closed his eyes.
"You got that wrong JD, thank you for everything." Chris stood and sat down in the chair next to JD and watched as he fell peacefully asleep.
JD continued to recover from his near fatal accident. His usual youthful energy and quick smile was slowly coming back, much to the relief of his friends. As predicted, JD fought Nathan every step of the way to let him out of the claustrophobic clinic. JD was feeling cooped up and uncomfortable. He longed to be back in his own room, in his own bed.
It took a lot of convincing, some pleading on his part, and a lot of innocent puppy dog looks. Nathan finally relented and let JD return to his own room, on strict orders that he didn't leave unless someone was with him. With Buck watching his every move, JD only managed to escape once from his room unaccompanied. The young man was caught a short time later by the healer who had returned back to town from an afternoon patrol. After enduring a long lecture from Nathan and Buck, JD promised that he wouldn't try it again.
JD's headaches were still there, only now and then would they be nearly blinding. But JD usually kept those headaches to himself. Knowing if he told Nathan, he would be forced to return to Nathan's clinic.
The men kept a watchful eye on the kid to make sure he didn't have another awful seizure that Nathan, Buck and Vin had bore witness to. Thankfully the kid hadn't even remembered having the seizure.
The days passed in a steady stream of activity and work and soon JD was able to ride once again. Seeing the kid gracefully ride his horse made the other peacekeepers beam with pride. The kid was back with them and they were going to see to it nothing ever happened to him again.
Chris leaned against the railing in front of the saloon watching JD mount his horse for a quick ride. Vin walked over to his friend and smiled as he watched the kid ride away.
"Good to see him ride again." Vin stated.
Chris stared out at the disappearing rider and smiled. "Yeah, really thought we had lost him there Vin."
Chris and JD had grown closer over the past couple of weeks. The days that followed the emotional confrontation in Nathan's clinic saw Chris taking a closer eye on his son. It had stunned Chris how completely convinced JD was that Chris would send him away. If only JD knew. But he still didn't. As each day saw the kid get stronger and stronger, Chris became more worried about telling the kid the truth. He wanted to, but he still wasn't sure how it would affect the kid.
Buck and JD were still close. They would always be. But Chris was discovering that there was room enough in JD's heart for more than one "father." Chris wasn't sure when or if he would ever tell JD. One day, when the time was right, maybe he would be able to get the words out, but for now he would take it one day at a time.
The End
