From The Past

by Katrina Sanders

Chapter One

A cool breeze swept through the town. Vin sat in a chair in front of the saloon. He stretched his legs out in front of him, quietly listening to his two friends argue.

"Kid, how many times do I have to tell you?" Buck tried to make a grab for J.D.'s hat, but the kid quickly side stepped him.

"I ain't changing my hat!"

"Fine, we'll talk about it later." Buck smiled.

J.D. rolled his eyes, throwing his hands up in the air. "He never listens." he whispered, straddling the chair beside Vin.

"Stage is coming." Vin pointed down the street.

"Well now, I do hope there are some pretty ladies on it." Buck tipped his hat before taking off toward the stagecoach.

Vin watched him go, and turned to J.D.who was also watching Buck, an annoyed look on his face.

"He means well J.D."

For a moment J.D. was startled by Vin's words. He hadn't thought he was listening.

"I know, but sometimes."

Vin smiled. "That's what friends do."

J.D. nodded his head, knowing that Vin was right.

Vin turned his attention back to the stage. He watched as a man dressed in fancy clothing stepped off the stage and then helped a young woman step down as well. Buck hesitated approaching the stage. Vin figured it was because the people seemed to fancy for him.

Following them was a young woman, who wore a light blue dress. Her long brown hair fell over her shoulders to her waist. And she had green eyes that were brighter than most precious gems.

Vin and J.D. watched as Buck introduced himself to the young woman. J.D. laughed when Buck tripped over his own name, and he started to say something when Chris joined them.

"Morning." he said.

Vin nodded his head, while J.D. started telling him about Buck. Vin stood and walked over to the woman who was politely speaking with Buck. As Vin got closer, he could hear what the two were saying.

"Now a lovely flower such as yourself," Buck took hold of her hand, "Needs an escort."

"Mr. Wilmington," she started to say when he interrupted her.

"Please, call me Buck."

The young woman smiled, a smile that reached her eyes. Vin shook his head, remembering that smile.

"She has an escort Buck." he said, coming up along side his friend. Her eyes lit up as she saw Vin. His hair was longer than it had been and he still had the same ratty looking hat. She dropped her bag and threw herself into his arms.

"I've missed you." she squealed with delight. Vin held onto her, afraid to let go. Afraid that this all might be a dream. He noticed the stunned look on Buck's face, and he was sure he had drawn the attention of the others.

He heard Chris and J.D. walking up behind him and Nathan, Josiah and Ezra were their way over as well.

Vin ignored the stares for a moment, concentrating on the woman he held. She only came up to his shoulders, and her hair was longer, but she still had that fire in her eyes.

He stepped back from her, placing a hand on her cheek. "I've missed you little one."

The woman shook her head, and placed her hands on her hips. "I'm not so little anymore."

Vin gave her his lazy grin, his eyes laughing at her statement.

"Uh hmm." he heard someone clear their throat, and he became aware of the others standing around.

"Sorry boys." Vin placed his arm around the young woman's shoulder and began introductions. All the men tipped their hats or said their hellos.

"And what is this beautiful creatures name." Buck winked.

She felt her face flush, and Vin took a step toward Buck. "Her names Jewel Tanner."

The shocked looks on their faces made Vin grin. He had only let a few things about his past be known, and the others were always surprised when he let them in just a little more. But no one had expected this.

"Your sister?" Josiah asked.

Vin nodded. Jewel smiled, unsure of herself, and said, "It was nice to meet all of you. But if you'll excuse me, I really should put my things up."

Vin leaned closer to her and whispered, "Forgive the boys, they need time."

"Well perhaps we could all have dinner tonight?" she offered.

The others stared at each other, Chris finally speaking up. "That sounds nice." he tipped his hat to her. "See you tonight."

Vin nodded his head and led his sister to the hotel, leaving behind six confused men in the street.

Vin waited outside Jewel's hotel room while she finished getting ready for dinner. Once she was settled, the two spent the entire afternoon talking. She had heard he was a peacekeeper in Four Corners, and she decided to see for herself. She was upset that the bounty was still on his head, and Eli Joe was now dead.

He remembered how her face lit up when she heard he knew how to read and write. She told Vin she had also learned just a few years ago while working in a small general store. The owner and his wife took to her like a daughter, and had taught her. She had been on the go since they were killed, never wanting to stay in one place for too long.

He smiled as he leaned against the wall. He looked at the door when he heard her open it.

She still wore her hair down, the sides pulled together in a barrett.

She wore a lovely green dress that made her eyes sparkle.

Vin grinned. "My desert flower." he whispered.

She felt her face flush. "Stop that. You'll embarass me."

He laughed, grabbing her hand and leading her down stairs. The two were quiet for a moment, then she finally spoke.

"Your friends seem nice."

Vin nodded, opening the front door for her. The night air was cool and he saw that she had forgotten her shawl. Vin removed his coat, placing it about her shoulders.

"Thank you." she smiled, remembering the feel of his coat. She had always loved the coat, and she enjoyed it whenever he would let her wear it.

They walked in silence again, as Jewel looked at the town. It seemed different in the darkness, more shadows to be wary of. Vin must have sensed her wariness, as he gently wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "I won't let no one hurt you."

"I know." she could see the rage that flashed in his eyes, knowing he was remembering things from long ago.

"Sometimes it's hard to forget." she whispered, leaning her head on his shoulder. They continued on in silence, neither one ever noticing a figure standing in the shadows, watching and waiting.

The six men sat at a table, waiting for their friend and his sister.

J.D. had talked continuously about Vin having a sister. He had always looked up to and respected Vin, and now to find out he had a sister.

Buck talked about what a pretty young lady she was. This earned him several sarcastic "No's" and a glare from Chris. Ezra had mentioned that she seemed to be a bit more vocal than Vin. Josiah and Nathan talked about how much more relaxed Vin seemed with her. Through this all, Chris sat there and listened to his friends talk, never saying a word.

When Vin and Jewel arrived, the others were surprised to see Vin without his hat and his hair combed back. Jewel was a vision in a dark green dress, which didn't go to well with Vin's coat. He took it off her shoulders and hung it up near the door. Chris and the others stood up as they walked to the table.

Jewel smiled. "I'm not used to such gentlemanly behavior."

J.D. blushed and Buck started to say something but Vin beat him to it.

"Don't get use to it around these guys."

Jewel laughed at her brothers comment, and the others did too, eventually. The ice was broken as they sat down to a lovely dinner.

"So how did your parents come up with the name Jewel?" Nathan asked, lighting up his cigar.

They had all been discussing Vin and Jewel's childhood, as well as their own. The others had enjoyed the fact that Vin had been as mischievous then as he was now.

"Vin's the one who named me." Jewel placed her hand over Vin's. He had been his usual quiet self this evening, only talking when he felt the need. Jewel noticed that Chris had been quiet also. He seemed more interested in listening to their conversation than participating.

"How in the world were you able to come up with such a unusually unique name?" Ezra asked, downing his whiskey.

Vin shrugged. "The ladies at the orphanage said she was pretty as a jewel. So that's what I started calling her."

The other's fell silent, each not knowing what to say. Jewel looked around the table at these men who had looked after Vin, and who had quickly allowed her into their world. Josiah looked thoughtful, as if he were about to deliver a serman. Ezra had his head bowed, playing with a deck of cards. Nathan looked unsure of what to do, and J.D. seemed confused, almost as if he was trying to solve a riddle. Buck's mouth had dropped open and Jewel couldn't help but smile. He saw her smile and returned it with one of his own.

She looked to her left at Chris. His face was unreadable, like he was unaware of what Vin had said. She was surpruised when he spoke. "You two aren't blood relatives?"

"Well..." she was interuppted by Vin. "Don't need to be blood to be family." he whispered.

Chris stared at Vin a moment, before nodding his head in understanding.

Jewel was amazed how the two seemed to communicate without words.

She cleared her throat, and explained. "I was left at the orphanage when I was four. I don't remember how I got there or anything about my life before." she reached over to Vin's beer and took a small sip. He narrowed his eyes at her, but remained silent. "Vin was six and took pity on me. Became my big brother overnight." she laughed.

Vin moved his beer farther away from Jewel and pushed her cup of tea towards her.

"And what have I told you about that?" he raised an eyebrow.

Jewel raised her hands in defeat, while the others at the table laughed.

They stayed at the restaurant for another two hours, before finally deciding it was time to leave.

"This was fun." Jewel yawned, pulling Vin's coat on. He shook his head, imagining the fight he'd have to put up to get it back.

"Yeah, it was." J.D. said.

Buck and Ezra stepped along side him. "We're heading over to the saloon for a card game." Buck said, tipping his hat to Jewel. "It was a real pleasure."

Ezra smiled at Jewel. "Until we meet again fair lady."

"You're all so sweet." she gave them each a quick hug. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Nathan and Josiah also said their goodbye's, each receiving a hug from Jewel.

Chris came up last, just as Vin and Jewel were leaving. "Want some company?" he asked.

Jewel smiled, hooking one arm into the bend of Chris' arm and the other one around Vin's.

The three of them walked across the street in silence. Jewel was used to the silences between she and Vin. They were comfortable, almost as if they each knew that the other needed quiet. They both loved their freedom and sometimes not saying anything kept their independence alive. She felt strange around Chris. There was something different about him, though she was not sure what. He was a handsome man, but his eyes held a haunted look. She tightened her grip on his arm and was pleased when he smiled at her.

She didn't remember hearing the gunshot or Vin pushing her against Chris as the two collapsed against each other in the street. The last thing she remembered before blackness enveloped her was Chris' smile.

Chapter 2

Jewel could hear voices, but she kept her eyes closed. Her head was throbbing and she gently touched the knot on her right temple, feeling the bandage that covered it.

"Jewel?" she recognized Vin's voice, and slowly opened her eyes. She blinked several times, trying to get her eyes to focus.

"Vin." she croaked.

He lifted her head up to a glass of water that he held, and she took a couple swallows.

"You alright?" she touched his face.

He smiled, but she could see the concern in his eyes. "Better than you." he brushed her hair away from her face, careful not to touch her wound.

"What happened?"

Vin looked behind him, and for the first time Jewel saw Nathan standing in the room. "Why don't you let the others know she's awake?" Vin suggested.

Nathan nodded. "Make sure she drinks some more water." he said, closing the door behind him.

Jewel tried to sit up, wincing as the room began spinning.

"Oh God." she said between clenched teeth. Vin sat beside her, gently pushing her back down. "Lay still. Nathan said you might be dizzy for awhile." he handed her the glass of water.

"What happened?" she asked again, gratefully taking the glass.

"You were shot." she heard the anger in his voice. "Bullet grazed your head."

"Who?"

"Don't know. I reckon it's the same bastard's that's been following you."

Jewel stared at Vin a moment. His eyes revealed nothing but cold hatred. She had seen him like this once before, when they had run away from the orphanage. She knew he would never harm her, but the coldness reflected in his eyes frightened her. She placed her hand on his cheek.

"I'm scared." she felt the tears forming in her eyes.

Vin pulled her close, wrapping his arms tightly around her. "I'll get 'em little one." he whispered, kissing her forehead.

He heard steps outside the door and turned to face it, pulling his mare's leg out in one swift movement.

"It's Chris." he heard, before his best friend entered the room, followed by the others. Vin let out a sigh, replaced his gun, and turned back to his sister.

Chris came over and sat beside the bed. Jewel saw the concern in his eyes, and she smiled, trying to reassure him that she was alright.

Nathan and Ezra stood behind Chris, while Buck and J.D. took up position on the other side of the bed. Josiah stood at the foot of the bed, and was the first one to speak.

"How do you feel?"

She laughed, quickly regretting it as pain shot through her head.

"Terrible. And you?" the men smiled, all of them grateful that she was alive.

Chris looked at Vin, then back to Jewel. "We need to know about the men following you." she could hear the anger in his voice, but one look at his face revealed it was directed at her attackers, not her.

She took a deep breath. "A few months ago, I saw these three men kill," she paused, trying to stop the tears from falling. "Mr. and Mrs. Daniels, the people I had been working for. It had something to do with them wanting the store they owned. But they killed them." Vin held her hand tightly and she closed her eyes. "The sheriff would do nothing. One of the men was his son, and he refused." she stopped, not wanting to continue.

"We can guess the rest." Buck whispered.

"You stay here and get some rest." Nathan pointed toward the door.

Vin kissed Jewel on the forehead, not wanting to leave her. Chris touched his shoulder, understanding his pain.

"Go." Jewel yawned, slowly letting sleep come over her.

The others stood outside Nathan's clinic as Vin and Chris joined them.

They were all concerned about Jewel and were ready to go gunning for the men that intended her harm. But first they needed to hear the rest of the story.

Vin leaned against the rail, looking up at the cloud filled sky. Jewel had slept through the night and most of the day. Nathan said it was to be expected with a head injury. He sighed, looking at his friends.

"One of the fellars caught up to her a few weeks ago. She cut his leg, pretty bad with a knife she keeps in her boot." Vin's voice was laced with ice. "They ain't gonna hurt her no more."

Chris knew Vin wanted the men dead, the sooner the better. Hell, he wanted them to suffer also, hunting down a poor girl and killing innocent folk. They deserved a slow death, but Chris also knew that he had to keep the tracker in check.

"Vin," he laid his hand on the trackers arm, "At first light I want you tracking those men to their camp. Take Josiah, Buck and Ezra along."

"What about Jewel?"

"Nathan, can she be moved?" Chris turned toward the healer.

Nathan looked unsure for a moment. "I suppose, if she goes real slow."

Vin moved closer to Chris, not sure of what he had in mind. Chris looked at J.D. and Nathan. "The three of us will take her to my," he grinned, "Shack in the mountains." Buck grunted something under his breath, knowing that Chris would never let him live that comment down. "When you boys find their camp, take 'em down, and meet us back at my cabin."

Josiah and Ezra were the first to leave, followed by Nathan who wanted to secure a wagon to take Jewel to Chris'. Buck slapped J.D. on the back, telling the younger man how lucky he was to be going with Chris, so he wouldn't have to listen to Ezra's bellyaching. The younger man immediately came to the gambler's defense, and the two started another round of fighting.

Chris shook his head as he watched the two leave. Vin still leaned against the rail, his usually quiet nature unnerved Chris for some reason tonight.

"You alright?" he asked.

Vin nodded his head. "Worried."

Chris squeezed his shoulder, "Go on, I'll get your horse."

Vin gave Chris a grateful smile and headed toward the door. He stopped before opening it and looked at Chris over his shoulder. "Watch over her."

"I promise." and with that Vin entered Nathan's clinic. Chris let out a deep breath, silently cursing himself. He didn't like what he was feeling, something bad was going to happen, he could feel it in his gut. But it wasn't his friends or even Jewel that he was worried about. It was himself, because if what he was feeling in his heart were true, Vin would kill him.

Chapter 3

The trek up to Chris' cabin had been a slow and brutal one. Shortly after they started out, rain began to fall in icy sheets. J.D. drove the wagon, with Nathan in back with Jewel. Chris rode alongside, keeping a watchful eye out for unwanted visitors. Jewel slept most of the way, a soft moan escaping from her whenever J.D. hit a bump in the road. Nathan had told the younger man to take it slow, he didn't want Jewel's head wound getting any worse. Of course the rain didn't help any either. Once they had finally arrived, and gotten her settled inside the one room cabin, Chris and J.D. took up positions outside.

The three of them had agreed to work in shifts, Nathan taking the first one.

Chris sat underneath a tree, gladly accepting what little shelter it offered from the rain. He hoped Vin had been able to get a good lead on the men before the rain washed away any trace of them. He looked out across the plains, noticing that J.D. had also taken shelter from the rain under a tree. Chris leaned his back against the tree. He held the shotgun by his side, ignoring the rain that still seeped through the leaves of his shelter. He had felt sick as he carried Jewel inside his cabin, her face was pale, and she made no sound. She had only stirred slightly when he laid her down, that being the only sign that she was alive. Nathan said that she had a slight fever, and began wiping her face with a cool cloth.

Chris shook himself out of his thoughts, not liking what he was thinking anyhow. Hell, when had he allowed these six men into his life. Buck had always been a part of it, but somehow he was closer to him now than before. Nathan was an easy soul to get along with, he had carried his own burdens and never complained about them. His life was hard, but he was always trying to help folks. Josiah had a calming influence on Chris, able to stop his temper short, well for the most part. He was a good man, fighting with his own demons, but still lending a hand to those in need. J.D. was still a young, naive fool, but Chris had seen him grow. He had not even wanted the young man to join them, but he realized he needed to make his own mistakes, and learn from them. He was turning into a decent young man, and Chris could only hope that Buck would stop mothering the kid. Ezra was another matter entirely. Chris had distrusted him from the start, and for the longest time afterward. But somewhere along the line, he realized that he trusted the gambler with his life. As for Vin, Chris had felt an immediate connection with the ex-bounty hunter that fateful day in Four Corners which seemed like a life time ago. Vin was his best friend, the one person who knew what he wanted before he even said it. The two could just sit quietly for hours on end, both knowing they didn't need words to express how they felt.

Chris sighed, remounted his horse and headed toward his cabin. He only hoped Vin couldn't tell what he was thinking now. Chris wasn't sure when he had let these men into his heart, and now he was afraid that he was also letting Jewel in. But the feelings he felt inside were different somehow, even different from his feelings for Sarah. He shook his head, anger welling up inside him. He had only known her for a few days, that and the fact that she was Vin's sister was enough for him to let it go. Besides, she could never have feelings for him.

Chris took a deep breath before opening the door. Nathan sat at the table, while Jewel lay curled up on the small bed.

"How is she?" he asked, taking his rain soaked hat and coat off.

"Fine, she's been resting since we got here." Nathan closed the book he'd been looking at and pulled his hat on. "My turn?"

Chris gave Nathan a sly grin. "Try not to drown."

Nathan laughed before going out into the icy storm. Chris went over and sat by the fire, warming his hands. He glanced at Jewel, who was peacefully sleeping in the corner. He moved his chair over beside the bed, noticing that some of the color had returned to her face. He removed the cloth that Nathan had placed on her forehead, re-wet it and placed it back on her forehead. She stirred softly in her sleep, mumbling something that Chris couldn't understand. He brushed her hair from her face, and was startled when her eyes opened.

"Chris?" her voice barely a whisper.

"I'm right here." he took hold of her hand.

"Vin?"

"He and some of the boys went after those men." he gave her a reassuring smile. "They'll be back soon."

She nodded, fighting against the darkness that enveloped her mind. "Chris, thank you."

He didn't say anything, just squeezed her hand tightly. She closed her eyes, and he watched as her breathing became regular again. Damn you Larabee, he thought to himself, don't you dare fall in love.

Chapter 4

Vin and the others had left Four Corners shortly after Chris, Nathan and J.D. Vin had been able to pick up the men's trail easily and had a pretty good idea where they were headed before the rain storm hit. All tracks that showed the men even existed quickly vanished. Vin sighed, hoping he was right about where they were heading. Buck rode to his right, carefully watching the tracker as he made his way over the muddy terrain. Ezra and Josiah rode directly behind them, quietly conversing between themselves. Vin held up his hand, motioning them to stop. He quickly dismounted and went over to the cliffs edge. Buck lowered himself to the ground beside Vin as did Ezra. Josiah stayed back with the horses, holding onto their reins.

Vin took out his spyglass and motioned with it toward the canyon floor. "Figured they'd hole up here." he whispered, peering through his spyglass at the ground below.

"How many you see?" Buck asked.

"Looks like," he mentally counted them in his head, "Looks like seven." he put his spyglass in his coat pocket.

"Damn." Buck sounded irritated.

"On the contrary Mr. Wilmington, we have the advantage." Ezra stated, leading the men back to Josiah.

"How's it look?" the former preacher asked.

"Seven to our four." Vin said.

"But we have an elevated position." Ezra reminded them.

Vin nodded. "Ezra, Josiah, take up positions on either side of their camp. Buck you come with me."

No one argued as they all went their seperate ways. Vin and Buck sneaked down close to the camp, hiding themselves behind a large boulder. From where they were they could see Josiah behind a rock enscarpment on the other side of the camp. They couldn't see where Ezra was, but they knew that he was ready to defend them.

"So pard," Buck checked his gun, "How do we do this?"

"Real polite." Vin grinned.

Buck shook his head and followed Vin as he broke cover.

"Drop your guns!" Buck yelled.

Four of the men had been sitting around the fire, warming the hands from the harsh rain when Vin and Buck appeared. The other three were nearby, tending to their horses. Two of them by the fire went for their guns first, each one dropping to the ground as a bullet tore into their flesh. The men by the horses tried to ride out, but Josiah and Ezra picked them off one by one. That left only two men by the fire, and neither one wanted to go to prison. Losing your life was a far better price to pay than spending life in prison. They went for their weapons, as Buck and Vin both fired.

They looked at the carnage around them, a river of blood mixed with the rain soaked ground.

Buck slapped Vin on the back and shouted for his other two friends. "Ezra, Josiah, you okay?"

"Yes." they replied at the same time.

Vin nodded toward the bodies, "I guess we best take 'em back to town."

Buck didn't relish the task at hand. "Come on boys, the sooner we get back to town, the sooner I can have a beer."

Chapter 5

Jewel opened her eyes, panic seizing her. She didn't know where she was, or how she had gotten there. She closed her eyes, trying to remember what had happened. She remembered someone putting her in a wagon, and sitting next to her. She also remembered being carried into a small room. She slowly sat up and looked at the room where she was.

It was a small one room cabin. Beside the bed, there was a table and chairs, a stove was against the wall, and the curtains were pulled over the windows. The headache she had been suffering from was now a dull ache. If she made any sudden movements the pain would come back with a vengence, but at least it wasn't pounding anymore. She heard voices outside the door, and she tried to stand up, only to have a wave of dizziness come over her. She heard the door open and Chris came running to her side.

"You shouldn't be out of bed." he said sternly.

"You sound like Vin." she murmured, sitting back on the edge of the bed. Chris smiled at her comment, and placed the back of his hand on her forehead. "Your still a little warm." he wrung a cloth out in a basin and placed it on her head.

"Thanks." she said. He noticed her eyes were clearer than the last time she had woke, and she seemed a little more aware of her surroundings.

"Where are we?"

"My cabin." he went to the stove and poured her something to drink. "Coffee?"

"Please." she sipped carefully at the hot liquid.

Chris laughed. "I don't make it as strong as Vin."

Jewel smiled. "That obvious, huh?"

He sat down in the seat beside the bed, drinking his coffee in silence.

Jewel looked around the cabin, finally focusing her attention on Chris. "The others?"

"Vin, Buck, Josiah and Ezra went after those men. Nathan and J.D. are on patrol outside."

She nodded, regretting it when pain shot through her head. Chris noticed her jaw tightened as she sucked in her breath.

"Jewel?" he came and knelt beside her.

"Just moved my head too much."

Chris held her hand, waiting for the wave of pain to leave her. "Have you ever been shot before?"

Chris was taken aback by this question. He nodded, moving back to his chair. "Fact I was shot not to long ago." he felt a lump form in his throat, remembering the events that happened three months ago. "Shot by somebody I thought I cared about, and cared about me."

Jewel held her hand up. "You don't need to tell me." she sipped some more of her coffee.

"I hadn't been shot before. Hurt in other ways, but never like this." Jewel felt her face get hot. "Sorry, I have a tendency to ramble." she smiled.

"That's alright. I don't mind listening." Chris surprised himself. His mind was telling him to run and have J.D. come and look after Jewel until the others got back, but his heart was telling him to stay, to learn everything he could about this woman before she left his life for good. He even felt compelled to tell her things about himself, things that only Sarah had known. He moved the chair closer to her, taking her hand in his.

"If I can help it, I'll make sure no one ever hurts you again." she could hear the determination in his voice. She felt her heart quicken as he tighten his hold on her hand.

"I know." she whispered, placing her hand on his cheek. "Tell me about you." she said.

"It's boring."

She shook her head. "I doubt that Chris."

Chris didn't know how long they had talked, he just knew that he felt more at peace with himself. He had told her about when he and Buck first met, and all the trouble they had gotten into. He told her about Sarah and Adam, their lives together before their time was cut short.

She had silently cried while he told her of their murders. They were both so different, yet they had suffered the same heart ache time and again. He also explained about meeting Vin and the others, and their many adventures together. She heard the anger in his voice as he explained the discovery that Ella Gaines had been the one who ordered his family killed, and how she had escaped. She could see the guilt in his eyes, the guilt of letting that horrible woman slip through his fingers. He vowed to hunt her to the ends of the Earth if he had to.

Jewel's life had started out bad, but had gotten better. She told Chris about the beatings that she and especially Vin had received at the orphanage. The man that ran it was a brutal man, who had the convictions of a worm. When Vin was ten and she was eight, the two had run away from the orphanage. They didn't have anywhere to go, but Vin always made sure they had something to eat. After living on the streets for a year, Vin had become friends with an indian boy that would come into town with his family to trade. The indian people invited Vin to live with them, but for reason's Jewel didn't understand, didn't want her to live with them. There was a widowed woman who was quite taken with Jewel, asked her to come live with her. Vin told her to go, said that they would still be able to see each other. Jewel's voice cracked as she spoke about the years they spent apart. The woman treated her decently, but constantly reminded her that she was a lady. Vin came and went, but the two never seemed to be able to talk. After four years of that, Jewel took off and went searching for Vin. She found him, still living with the indians. They didn't accept her like they did Vin, and so they both left together.

"That was when we went to Little Creek. This couple, Michael and Josephine Williams took pity on us, and took us in. We stayed with them for awhile, but when Michael got called to join the army, Vin went with him. We saw each other a few years later. I was working in a store, he was bounty hunting. We stayed close to each other for a bit, then went our seperate ways again."

She finished off her coffee, and Chris took the cup from her, setting it on the table.

"Sounds like you had a full life."

"Yep. But no matter how long we were apart, we still seemed to know that the other was okay." She fell silent, looking out the window. The rain still fell, though not as hard as before. Chris knew that it was almost time for J.D. to come and relieve him.

He stood up, stretching his legs. "J.D.'ll be coming soon for his shift."

He saw a sadness cover her eyes. "Alright." she reached for his hand. "Something different about you."

Chris looked at her, confusion evident on his face. "What do you mean?"

She took a deep breath. "I've never been in love," she started to say, her voice a whisper, "But I feel something when I'm with you. I don't know what it is." she saw his face soften at her words and she looked away. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."

Chris took her face in his hands, and stared into her green eyes. They were so full of pain, and he just wanted to make it go away. He pulled her lips to his and held her, kissing her passionately. Chris pulled away when he heard the door open, hoping that whoever was there didn't see them kissing. He could tell by the shocked look on J.D.'s face though, that he had.

Chapter 6

It had been three days since the bodies of the men that tried to kill Jewel had been buried. Everyone in town seemed to be avoiding Chris Larabee, and he in turn tried to steer clear of everyone. Even at night in the saloon, he chose to either stay at the bar or sit at a different table than that of his six comrades. J.D. also seemed to be avoiding Chris, as well as Vin and Jewel. None of the other men understood why, and every time they asked, the person in question quickly changed the subject. Vin was mostly concerned about Jewel. She had gone to great lengths to stay away from Chris, and any attempt to talk to J.D. was met with some resistance. The other men had all taken a liking to her though, and were quick to make her feel like she belonged. After a long discussion, she and Vin had decided that she would stay in Four Corners. Gloria Potter offered her a part time job at the general store, and Jewel gratefully accepted. The young woman had also become fast friends with Mary Travis, and was thrilled when Mary asked her to move into the spare room.

But now Vin sat in front of the sherriff's office, watching his sister and Mary talk across the street. J.D. was inside the office, fighting with Buck as usual.

"Chris!" Vin looked down the street at the excited shouts of Billy Travis as he ran toward his hero. Chris swooped him up in his arms, listening intently while the young boy talked excitedly. He moved his eyes back to Jewel, and saw that she had her back turned to Chris. Mary said something to her, but she shook her head, and headed over to Mrs. Potter's store. Vin shook his head, this was getting out of hand. He stood up, stretching his legs, and knocked on the doorframe. That got Buck and J.D.'s attention, as they both looked up from the floor where they had been wrestling.

"J.D., I need to talk with ya." and he disappeared.

He only waited a few seconds before J.D. came out, closing the door behind him. He didn't say a word, just followed Vin as he walked down the boardwalk.

Vin turned a corner and J.D. followed him down an alley. When Vin finally turned to look at J.D., the younger man could tell there was something on his mind.

"What is it Vin?" he asked, eager to help his friend.

"I got to ask you something, and I want the truth." he leaned back against the wall. "Did something happen at Chris' ranch?"

J.D.'s eyes widened in shock. This is what he wanted to know. Quickly he looked around, trying not to look Vin in the eye. He didn't know what to do, so he tried to come up with some excuse to leave. "Vin, uh, uh, I..."

Vin held his hand up. "J.D. I trust you. Now trust me, and tell me what happened."

J.D. sighed in defeat. He couldn't lie to Vin, he just couldn't, even if he meant protecting Chris and Jewel.

"I'm not sure Vin."

Vin gave him a reassuring smile, helping him to continue. J.D. took a deep breath and told Vin what he had seen when he entered the cabin. He watched as his face remained calm, but he saw a darkness fall over Vin's eyes. He tried to stop his friend from doing anything rash, but Vin had just glared at J.D. Knowing he couldn't stop him, J.D. ran after his friend, praying that he didn't do anything stupid.

Vin headed straight for Mrs. Potter's store, knowing that Jewel would be there. When he walked in, Mrs. Potter said hello, Vin nodded his head toward her, and walked over to where Jewel stood near the dry goods.

"Vin, what are you doing here?" she asked, looking into his cold blue eyes.

"I need to talk to you." his voice was hard.

Jewel was about to ask what was wrong when she saw J.D. come running in the store. His face was a mask of guilt, and suddenly she knew what was wrong.

"Gloria, would you mind to terribly much if I left for a bit?" she asked, trying to control the fear in her voice.

"Not at all, in fact, why don't you take the rest of the day off."

"Thank you so much." she said, heading for the door. J.D. grabbed her arm and started offering an apology.

"Jewel, I'm so sorry, but I couldn't lie."

She smiled at J.D. "It's alright." Vin saw the others had gathered in front of the saloon, and he put his arm around Jewel's waist. "J.D., we need to talk alone."

J.D. watched as Vin led his sister over to the livery. Vin seemed upset, and his voice sounded cold. J.D. looked to where the others were gathered and took off in a dead run.

Chris saw Vin and Jewel walking toward the livery, and he knew something was wrong. He pushed himself away from the post and headed after them. He tried to ignore J.D. as he ran up beside him.

"Vin knows." he whispered.

Chris nodded his head, and kept walking. The younger man was unsure of what to do, so he continued towards his other friends. Chris was running through his mind what he was going to tell Vin. Sorry, I kissed your sister was the best he could come up with. He heard their voices before he rounded the corner. Neither was yelling, but he clearly heard the anger in Vin's voice.

"What happened?"

Jewel was trying to figure out exactly what to tell him when she saw Chris walk around the corner.

"Vin."

Her brother turned to face his friend, and Chris could see the hurt and anger in his eyes. Vin pointed his finger at Chris. "I'll ask once, and that's it. What are your intentions?"

Chris didn't know what to say. He looked at Vin, then to Jewel. She seemed calm, but he could see the hurt in her eyes. The two of them hadn't spoken since that day, both afraid of what the other would say.

Chris turned back to face his friend. "I don't know." he answered simply.

He never saw Vin's fist flying toward his face, only felt the pain that mushroomed through his jaw, as he fell backwards through the air, landing squarely on his back.

"Chris!" Jewel ran to his side, gently lifting his head into her lap.

Chris had tried to keep his anger in check, but he couldn't any longer. He pushed himself up from the ground, with a little help from Jewel. Refusing to wipe the blood that flowed from a cut in his lip, he again faced Vin.

"I feel something for her." he said it through gritted teeth. "I think I love her." the words came out in a whisper.

Vin seemed taken aback by Chris' admission. He couldn't ask for a better man to take care of his sister, but he also couldn't ask for anyone worse. Ella Gaines was still out there, and she had killed once to be with Chris, that and Chris was older that Jewel. But he also knew that no one could treat her kinder, or give her the kind of life that she deserved.

When Vin shook himself from his thoughts, he saw that Jewel was standing beside Chris, gently dabbing at his cut lip. Vin could see in their eyes how much they cared for each other, but it was still hard to believe. They had barely known each other a week. Suddenly an image came to him, of a woman he thought he had loved. He had only known Charlotte a short time, yet his feelings for her had been strong.

"I," he tried to say something, but the words wouldn't come.

"Vin, please." Jewel reached out for his hand.

"Vin, I'd sooner die than hurt you." Chris' words cut through Vin like a knife. The two people he trusted and loved the most in this world had lied to him. But he knew they didn't do it to hurt him, but only to protect him.

"I know." he whispered. "It'll take some time."

Jewel kissed him lightly on the cheek. "We have all the time in the world."

Epilogue

It had been two days since Vin had confronted his sister and Chris. At first Vin had tried to keep his distance, still unsure of how he was feeling. Just seeing Chris with his sister though, the gentle way he'd brush the hair from her eyes, or lightly touched her hand when he walked by. Vin realized that it wasn't the fact that she was in love with Chris Larabee, notorious gunfighter, but it was the fact that Vin felt like he was losing her. He had always been her protector, the one to make sure that she was okay. But now this other man was slowly taking that away from him. That and the fact that Vin was glad that it was Chris. He knew no other man could take care of his sister, love her the way she wanted and deserved. Chris was the best man to fall in love with his sister.

He looked up from his chair as he heard someone exit the saloon. Vin watched as Chris went and sat down on the steps in front of him. The two were silent for a moment, each content in the others silence.

"I'm not trying to take her away." Chris finally said.

Vin couldn't help but grin, wondering how the hell Chris knew what he had been thinking.

He didn't say anything, just nodded his head.

"She's your sister Vin, and ain't nothing ever gonna change that. She loves you."

"She loves you too." Vin whispered.

Chris looked over his shoulder at Vin. "We're still getting to know each other. Nothings going to happen without your blessing."

Vin felt a lump form in his throat. "That may be awhile."

Chris smiled. "I'm not going anywhere."

Vin returned his friends smile. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

The End