Sweet Rose

ONE

The coach drove slowly into town. The horses had traveled a long way and they were tired. A light lather was over their bodies and their nostrils were blown wide taking in as much air as they could. Their sides heave, but they continue to do as their master asks. The day is cool and a light breeze blows in from the west. Small dust clouds blow occasionally down the street.

The coach pulls to a rickety stop in front of the hotel. The horses gratefully lower their heads and take in deep breaths. The driver walks over and pats the rump of the deep chestnut mare that was on the left. A pretty strawberry roan mare stands next to her. They both look back at the driver as he murmurs his praise to the two exhausted mares. The driver walks back to the coach and opens the door. He helps a young lady out slowly.

The lady is really a girl. Her light brown hair and delicate features make her look older than her 17 years. Her eyes are a chocolate brown that take in everything around her. Her high cheekbones and small nose make her look dignified, yet reserved. She wears a deep red dress with a low cut. The sleeves of the dress are long and lace lines them. The dress drags behind her in a short trail. On her head is perched a small red hat with a black veil.

The girl takes a long look around her at the town. Her eyes try to take everything in quickly. A small smile lines her full lips as she gazes at the town. She is instantly in love with it. Everything is so quaint and rustic. She steps into the hotel and walks slowly up to the clerk. She signs her name in the registration book. Her handwriting is flowing, and full of curves and loops. Everything about her is slow and relaxed. The clerk smiles at her politely and tells one of the bell hops to take her luggage to her room.

"I am going to look around. Make sure my bags are secure." The girls says. Her voice is like silk and she punctuates each word.

The girl walks out of the hotel and heads down the street. She looks at each building with a quiet smile. "It's such a cute little town" she says to herself.

Ezra and Buck stand on the walkway in front of the saloon enjoying the coolness of the day. Buck looks down the street and his eyes open wide. His mouth drops and his face changes completely. Ezra is too busy shuffling his cards to notice the expression on Buck's face.

"Beautiful" Buck mutters. Ezra looks up at him questioningly. He follows Buck's gaze to the young girl who was walking down towards the saloon. Ezra nearly drops his cards as he sees her. Buck starts to walk towards her but Ezra grabs his arm quickly and stops him.

"You don't stand a chance" Ezra says convincingly.

Buck spins around angrily. "And how the hell do you know that? As if you stand a chance?" he asks.

""A better one than you." Ezra says with a grin.

"Care to bet on that?" Buck says challengingly. /p>

"I do love that word." Ezra says pulling out his small notebook with a smile.

"This is a contract saying that the loser pays $5 to the winner." Ezra says writing up the contract and signing his name first. He then hands the notebook to Buck who promptly signs.

"Count me in too" Josiah says coming up behind them. Buck hands him the notebook in surprise. Josiah signs his name.

"What about your.....?" Buck starts but Josiah cuts him off.

"A woman like that can rectify all that is wrong." Josiah says with a sly smile.

"I bet none of you will get her." J.D says with a smile coming out of the saloon. He takes the pad and writes his name. "Because I will." he says confidently.

Buck tips his hat to the other three men and goes down into the street as the girl passes. He jogs up to her and grins down at her.

"Afternoon ma'am. New in town?" Buck asks.

"Visiting. I am just looking around" She says.

"Such a lovely young lady like yourself shouldn't be looking around all alone. There are some big mean men in this town."

"I'm fine. Excuse me sir." The girl walks past Buck.

Bucks face is one of bewilderment and confusion. A face the men of town usually see whenever he gets rejected. Buck stalks grumpily back to the group in front of the saloon.

"No points for Mr. Wilmington on Round 1." Ezra says with a grin as Buck approaches.

"Excuse me, but I must look in on the house of god." Josiah says leaving them. The men look and see the girl headed towards it.

"He doesn't stand a chance" JD says confidently.

"Nope" Buck agrees.

Josiah is at the alter when she comes in. He looks up and smiles at her as if it was purely by accident that he is there. She looks around the church in awe.

"what a quaint little building!" She says "Might I inquire where the priest is?"

"I am the closest this town has of one" Josiah says

"really? How interesting!" She approaches. "Excuse me I don't mean to be rude. My name is Rose Pedal."

"Delighted to meet you. Mine is Josiah."

"A pleasure to meet you Josiah. If you would excuse me I would like to see the rest of the town before it gets dark. I do hope to see you again though." She says with a smile.

"I would be honored." Josiah escorts her to the door and then smiles that the three shocked men.

"Score one to Josiah" Ezra says

"My turn" J.D. says quickly. He walks out to meet Rose.

"Afternoon Ma'am." J.D. says tipping his hat to her. "Name is J.D. Dunne. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"My name is Rose Pedal." J.D. gives her a weird look and she adds laughing, "My parents have an odd sense of humor" she says smiling.

"I think it's a great name" J.D.. says in a hurry

They continue to talk until they reach the hotel. Then J.D. parts with her and returns to the group with a smile. "Score one for me." He says before walking into the saloon.

Buck and Ezra go into the saloon and sit with J.D. "Aren't you going to try Ezra?" J.D. asks.

"The young lady has been hassled all morning and needs some time to recuperate from her trip. I shall wait until morning." Ezra says confidently.

Buck, Josiah, J.D. and Ezra stand on the porch way of the saloon as darkness overtakes the day. Street fires line the street and lamp light is seen from a few of the windows. The sun has completely set and the twilight puts all four of the men in a subdued mood. As the men talk quietly they see the shutters of one of the hotel windows open up. As they watch Rose looks out. She leans lazily on the sill and the light from her room casts a halo of light around her. Her long hair hangs loose around her face and her face is set in a peaceful look of content. The four men watch in slight awe of the sight.

"An angel sleeps among us my friends" Josiah says indicating Rose.

"Here here" Buck agrees quietly.

Not noticing the four men on the street Rose gazes up at the starry night dreamily for a few minutes before retreating back into her room. The four men watch the window a few more minutes, each hoping that she will return. Minutes pass and each decides to go to their places of rest. They bid each other farewell and go their separate ways.

The next morning finds Ezra lazily shuffling his cards at a table in the saloon. He is extremely absorbed in his cards until he hears a familiar voice. He looks up and sees Rose ordering a drink from the bar. Ezra studies her for a few minutes. She is dressed elegantly and the dress accented her body. Ezra found himself admiring her as he had last night. As Rose receives her drink she looks around the crowded saloon for a place to enjoy it. Ezra can see the men around the bar eyeing her up and he knew that it really wasn't the safest place for her to be. Ezra stands up and walks quickly over to her.

"There is plenty of room at my table if you would care to join me my dear." Ezra says showing her where she can sit.

Rose follows Ezra to the table. He pulls out her chair for her as she goes to sit.

"Thank you kindly Mr...?"

"Standish. Ezra Standish."

"Thank you Mr. Standish. It is quite full in here. I wasn't sure if I would be able to find a seat.

"You honor me with your presence Miss....?"

"Rose Pedal." She sticks her hand out for a shake. Ezra takes her hand and places his lips lightly on the back of her hand. She blushes slightly. He was obviously a gentlemen and she was impressed. "Please call me Rose."

"Only if you call me Ezra."

"Alight...Ezra" she says with a smile.

They talk for a several minutes before she rises to leave. She was incredibly impressed by Ezra's knowledge and manners and found it difficult to believe he lived in this town. Ezra in turn was impressed by her. She was very bright and he had learned much about her in the few minutes they had shared.

Buck enters the saloon just as she leaves the table. Rose passes by Buck without giving him a glance and as she exits the saloon the eyes of all the men are on her, even Buck's. After she has left Buck makes his way over to Ezra. He frowns down at the gambler as Ezra pulls out his cards again.

"Yay or nay?" Buck asks almost to anxiously.

"Most certainly a yay Mr. Wilmington. She is quite a delightful woman." Ezra says with a teasing smile.

Buck slams his hat on his head and storms out of the saloon. This girl was driving him crazy.

That night the men again stand and watch the hotel. When Rose appears she stands and brushes her hair at the window. The brush runs smoothly through her silky hair. She takes long strokes and leisurely looks up at the stars as she brushes. The lamp behind her reflects off the smooth back of the brush throwing rays of light down onto the street. Ezra stays behind as the rest of the men go their separate ways. He watches as she sets the brush down on the window sill. She leans over the sill and accidentally hits the brush. It falls to the street below and hits the road sending up a small cloud of dust. She looks down at it in distress. A frown crosses her face. She moves away from the window and heads down to retrieve it. Ezra walks over and picks up the small brush. He cleans off the brush with his handkerchief. He examines it for a few minutes, turning it over and over in his hand. It is a polished silver and has a floral design along the back and down the handle. The bristles are soft, long, and white. It is quite heavy and very beautiful.

Ezra leans against the side of the hotel covered by the shadows. He watches as Rose walks out of the hotel to where the brush had once lain. Confusion crosses her face as she pulls the flowing shite satin bathrobe she is wearing tighter around the matching nightgown. She crosses her arms across her chest and stands there pondering about where it could have gone to.

"Looking for this?" Ezra asks still hidden in the shadows.

Rose whirls around startled and looks at Ezra as he steps out of the shadows and holds up the shiny brush. His face is one of softness as she looks gratefully at the brush.

"Yes. Thank you so very much Mr. Standish." she says slowly taking the brush. A quiet smile is on her face as she shyly looks up at him.

"My pleasure Miss Rose." Ezra says as he watches her walk back into the hotel.

Ezra waits a few minutes before walking slowly to the middle of the street. He looks back at the hotel and to Rose's window. He only waits a moment before she appears at her window. Rose looks down at him. He tips his hat at her with a smile. She smiles shyly back as she slowly closes the shudders to her window. Ezra walks slowly back down the street. Rose leans against the window and closes her eyes as she holds the brush against her chest. She sighs and opens her eyes. A smile plays on her lips.

The next morning J.D. finds Rose in the livery saddling a pretty buckskin gelding. J.D. watches her expertly lift the saddle onto the tall horse's back gently set it on the saddle pad. Her fingers quickly have the cinch tightened before the gelding can suck in too much air. The gelding stands quietly and listens to the gentle words that Rose says to him as she saddles. She is almost singing to him as her words come together into one long string of sounds. When Rose reaches for the bridge, J.D makes his presence known.

"Good morning Miss Rose." J.D. says moving forward from the door to help her.

Rose spins around with a shocked expression on her face. She hadn't seen him there and wasn't expecting anyone to come in and see her. When she sees who had talked to her she relaxes.

"Good morning Mr. Dunne. And a pleasant one it is. I was just getting ready to enjoy it." Rose picks up the bridle and slides it easily over the horse's ears with one swift motion. The horse takes the bit willingly and sits chomping on it as she finishes putting it on. Rose unties the horse and leads him forward.

"Mind if I join you?" J.D. asks hopefully.

"I would be delighted if you would join me Mr. Dunne" Rose says with a sincere smile.

A few minutes later J.D. and Rose head out of town riding at a walk. Their horses are enjoying the relaxing trip and have their ears pricked in the direction they are going. Their heads are down and relaxed and their riders sit back and enjoy the ride. Buck watches from his room as the two riders pass by. He frowns down at them with a puzzled expression on his face.

"I just don't get it" Buck says shaking his head.

They had just gotten to a small lake located just outside of town when J.D. turns to Rose and asks, "Where are you from originally?"

"New York, but I don't stay there very often. I travel quite a bit."

"Why did you come to Four Corners?"

"Relaxation. This town is just what I needed. It is an excellent place to run to in order to get away."

JJ.D. wonders what she is getting away from but he doesn't want to ask the question. He didn't want to question her too much about her past and annoy her. They ride for about two hours before heading back to town. Rose had found that she liked J.D. and had learned a lot about him and the town. He was only a few years older than her and had told her all about his job and his friends that helped to protect the town. She had found it a very fascinating conversation.

Back in town Buck sits outside the saloon as Rose and J.D. ride by. He watches as they continue to the livery. Buck couldn't understand how even the kid was having better luck than he was at winning the elegant Rose. He was pondering this when Chris walks up to him.

"Something troubling you Buck?" Chris asks sitting down next to him. /p>

"That girl seems to be immune to my charms" Buck says.

CChris had heard about the bet and about how even Josiah had earned more points than the womanizing Buck. Chris thought it was funny and he admired the girl for her determination not to be drawn in by Buck. Chris had yet to meet or see Rose Pedal but her name seemed familiar to him. He couldn't figure out if he knew her or if he was just imagining the feeling.

Chris looks over at Buck and sees that his friend is totally engulfed in his thinking about his next line of attack to impress Rose. Chris decides to leave him alone to his thinking and gets up and walks into the saloon. /p>

As he enters the saloon Chris forgets all about Buck and his woman problems. He watches the drunks and gamblers that are spread throughout the bar. He tries to spot Ezra but doesn't see him. Chris looks up and sees J.D. and a woman companion walk into the saloon. They get drinks from the bar and walk over to where Chris is sitting. Chris studies the woman who he assumed was Rose. The more he looks at her the more familiar she seemed to him.

"Rose, this is Chris Larabee." J.D. says introducing them and interrupting Chris's thoughts. Chris nods his hello as Rose says, "a pleasure to meet you"

After talking for a few minutes Chris asks, "Have we ever met before?"

"I don't believe so Mr. Larabee"

"Your name seems so familiar and so does your face"

"That is odd. Maybe you will figure it out." An odd look momentarily crosses Rose's face but it is instantly gone. Chris had seen it though and he suddenly felt uneasy about the girl. Before he can further his questions about her Rose stands up. "Excuse me gentlemen, but I think I will go tack a nap."

Rose rises from the table as Chris and J.D. say their good byes. Rose quickly exits the saloon. Her face was creased with worry as if they had said something disturbing. Her pace quickened as she got outside the saloon and she was so preoccupied that she nearly ran over Ezra.

"Good afternoon my dear" Ezra says smiling. "Where have you been hiding all day?"

"I went riding with Mr. Dunne. We had a very nice talk. He tells me you are a gambler and a gunslinger. How very exciting!" She says with a smile.

Ezra frowns a little at the knowledge that J.D. had beat him to the punch. Ezra decides quickly that he must outdo J.D.'s ride somehow.

"Might I interest you in some lunch my dear? A picnic perhaps?" Ezra asks with pleading eyes.

"How wonderful! I would be delighted. I just need to change." Rose says.

Ezra smiles largely. His gold tooth glimmers in the sun as he looks down at Rose. Ezra goes to get the food while Rose goes to change. When they meet back Ezra admires Rose. She is dressed in a baby blue dress that drags on the ground in a short train. The dress is plain and long sleeved but beautifully accents her figure.

"You look absolutely stunning Miss Rose." Ezra says

Rose says her thanks with a shy smile and together they walk to a beautiful area by a lake located just outside of town. The noonday sun beats down hot upon their heads and the lake reflects it back to the sky. Birds sing in the trees surrounding the area. Ezra spreads out a blanket on the ground and together they enjoy a nice meal. They spend the rest of the day talking and enjoying each others company. Rose finds that despite all her efforts not to become close to anyone she was starting to like Ezra. Ezra in turn was starting to like Rose. As the sun sets Ezra looks over at Rose and admires her. Her silhouette stood out against the bright reds and oranges of the sunset. The water turns to a sea of colors as the darkness surrounds Ezra and Rose. Rose turns her eyes to Ezra and their eyes meet and hold. They look into each others eyes, exploring each others soul for several minutes before Rose looks away guiltily.

"Perhaps we should return to town" Rose offers

"I suppose we should" Ezra gets up and helps Rose to her feet.

Rose stumbles as she gets up and falls into Ezra's arms. She looks up at him in embarrassment but is instead met by his green eyes which hold hers once again. Rose straightens herself but before she can pull away Ezra lowers his lips to hers in a kiss. He presses his lips lightly and unsurely on hers. His heart beats steadily against hers. Rose at first resists but quickly becomes entranced by his kiss. Ezra deepens it slightly but not enough to scare her away. Rose wraps her arms around Ezra and for several moments they kiss. Ezra finally pulls away reluctantly. He hadn't meant to get this close to Rose. At first he could only think of the et, but now all he could think of was Rose.

Rose pulls out of his embrace and looks at the ground shyly. As much as she hated to admit it she had liked the kiss and wished he would hold her in his arms again. Rose knew however that her time in Four Corners was limited and she didn't want to love this man when she knew she would have to leave him. Rose looks up at him apologetically.

"I'm sorry Rose. I never should have done that." Ezra says sorrowfully.

"It's alright Ezra. I actually hoped that you would kiss me." Rose says shyly.

Ezra smiles and together they head back into town.

Buck had seen Ezra and Rose return to town and he instantly knew that the gambler had won again. The look on both their faces gave it away completely. Buck gets up and walks into the saloon with a defeated look on his face. As he enters He sees Chris at a nearby table. Chris's face tells Buck that he was trying to figure something out. Buck walks over and seats himself across from Chris. He waits a moment before speaking.

"What's troubling you Chris?" Buck asks

"That girl....I know her from somewhere....." Chris says shaking his head in wonder. It had been bothering him all day. He just can't place the face. He wouldn't rest until he knew.

"Rose. how so?"

"I don't know, that's the problem. Every time I hear the name or see her I just get this feeling. I don't know why, but It will come to me."

Buck leaves it at that knowing that Chris would figure it out eventually. Buck didn't press the subject, as he was still a little upset over losing the bet.

The next day a stagecoach carrying one passenger arrives in town. The passenger immediately heads to the jail to talk to the sheriff. When he arrives at the building he finds J.D. inside.

J.D. looks up at the man as he walks in. The man is dressed in a long brown coat and a worn looking hat. His face was clean shaven and his eyes were a bright sky blue that looked out from beneath his hat with a untrusting look. A small scar was seen under his right eye.

"What can I do for you?" J.D. asks.

"The name is Carter. I am a Federal Marshal." Carter shows his star to J.D. and J.D. instantly becomes alert and interested. "I am in search of a bank robber, wanted in 10 states." he continues.

"What's his name?" J.D. asks.

"She goes by the alias of Jennifer O'Connell, but we believe she might be using her real name to travel around the smaller towns these days."

"A woman?" J.D. says shocked.

"Yes. Her name is Rose Pedal." The marshal continues.

J.D. falls out of his chair and stares at the man with an open mouth. "Rose... is a bank robber???"

"I take it you know her"

"She arrived in town about 4 days ago. I never would have thought she was a criminal...." J.D. says picking himself up off the ground and sitting back in the chair.

"Did she tell you anything?" The marshal says, becoming urgent.

J.D. thinks for a moment and then says slowly, "She travels a lot and came here to get away."

"Do you know where she is?"

J.D. shakes his head no and stares after the marshal in shock. The marshal leaves the station and heads to the saloon. He was in no hurry now that he knew Rose was in town. He had her trapped this time. He knew there were seven lawmen in this town, and if she had known that fact she would have left town quickly. He figured he was one up on here in that aspect. She wouldn't get away this time. He had chased her for the last year and she always seemed to slip away. Carter smiled at the knowledge that he would finally bring that woman to justice.

Rose and Ezra stand just outside the saloon talking when Rose sees the marshal walking towards them slowly. Her eyes go wide and her mouth drops. 'How did he find me?' she thinks worriedly. Ezra sees her face and tries to see what she is looking at. Rose stops him and frantically says, "Quick Kiss me" She places her lips hard on Ezra's.

The marshal smiles at the two lovers in front of the saloon. He walks by them quickly so as not to disturb them and walks into the saloon. Rose releases Ezra and watches him walk in. She then grabs his hand and pulls him towards the livery.

"Where are we going my dear in such a hasty departure?" Ezra asks smiling.

Rose doesn't answer but quickly mounts and starts to ride off ahead of Ezra. Ezra quickly follows realizing that something is wrong. As Rose reaches the lake where they had first kissed she stops her horse and waits for Ezra.

"Mind explaining why you took off like that?" Ezra asks arriving looking confused.

""Ezra, I have something to tell you and I would rather you heard it from me than from some stranger." Rose says breathlessly. She anxiously looks over Ezra's shoulder to be sure he wasn't followed.

"What is it darling?" /p>

"I am a thief. A bank robber. There is a man in town that has come to arrest me. I am telling you this because I have come to care about you. In the short time that we have known each other I felt as if I have known you my whole life. I know it seems strange, but please don't hate me after all of this." Rose looks at Ezra as if her heart is breaking. And to her it was. Ezra was the first man she had ever felt this type of bond to, and it was killing her telling him she couldn't stay.

Ezra looks at her in shocked silence. His face contorts into one of anger but quickly is replaced by sadness. Yes, she had lied to him, or at least hid the truth. But he had begun to like her too and would miss her terrible when she left. If she managed to leave Four Corners alive.

Suddenly they heard hoof beats coming up the trail behind them. Rose turns a frightened face to the trail and then quickly turns back to Ezra. She pulls him to her and kisses him quickly but meaningfully. Then she turns her horse and gallops off in the opposite direction. She would have to return to Four Corners that night to get her stuff, but for now she had to hide.

Ezra looks after her and then makes up his mind. He urges his horse forward and gallops after her. Just as he exits the clearing, Chris, Vin, and the Marshal arrive in it.

TWO

Rose knew Ezra was following her. She had looked back and see him. She continued to ride further away from Four Corners though, just in case he had decided to arrest her and collect the bounty on her head. She really didn't know Ezra, so she wasn't sure if he would turn on her like that. But she wanted to be safe. She didn't want to run though. Her heart screamed for her to stop and go back to him but her head told her to keep riding. She was torn but decided that her head hadn't let her down yet.....while her heart had on one occasion......

Dusk was falling and the buckskin beneath her was sweating and heaving from the long flight from the clearing. They had reached a semi-secluded area and there were many places were they could hide. Rose decided she had gone far enough and decided to camp there for the night. She hadn't seen Ezra for about an hour so she figured her chasers had given up. She had tried to stay hidden in her flight but it had all but been a hopeless quest, as Ezra had stayed on her trail for most of the ride. Rose walks the gelding over and into a dark cave that was just within the path of the area. She ties him to a rock in it. It was damp and cold in the cave but she was only waiting until it was dark before she headed back to Four Corners.

Rose shivers against the cold and wraps her arms around her tightly. She had contemplated just leaving her belongings in her room, but all her tools and her money was there. She could hardly leave the evidence behind. Rose lies down on the floor of the cave and closes her eyes. She needed some sleep before heading back but she had a hard time going to sleep on the hard ground.

+ + + + + + +

Ezra had followed her all the way tot he cave. He knew she could see him but as it got darker it had become easier to conceal himself by the trees and things around the trail that she had taken. When she had turned around to make sure she wasn't being followed, Ezra was able to blend in easier as the darkness had fallen. Ezra wasn't sure exactly what he was going to do when he confronted Rose. He was torn between letting her go and doing was what right and turning her in to the authorities. He had grown to like Rose considerably and he hated the thought of seeing her hang, but he knew it was his job to bring her to justice.

Ezra walks into the cave that he had seen Rose walk into just minutes before. He could see the buckskin tied to a rock and on the opposite wall he sees the motionless figure of Rose. A twinge of fear and worry curses through his body but when he walks over and checks on her he sees that she is just sleeping. Ezra shivers from the cold and goes back outside to find some wood for a fire. No matter what he decided, he was not going to let her freeze to death.

+ + + + + + +

Chris, Vin and the marshal had returned to town shortly after reaching the clearing and finding no one there. Chris had remembered where he had seen Rose before when the marshal had started describing some of the robberies she had committed. Chris had met her in Texas over a year before. She had been eating at a local feeding spot when Chris had walked in. Rose had been barely 16 but was already a remarkable beauty. Chris had immediately walked over and joined her. They had gotten to talking and they had gotten a bit drunk. Rose accidentally revealed too much about why she was in town and Chris had promised her he wouldn't breath a word of what she had said if she promised him something......

In the end she fulfilled her end of the deal and skipped town with nearly $100,000 in her purse. Chris had forgotten about her, and had only thought of her once afterwards. He regretted letter her go, feeling as if he had committed the crime himself.....and in a way he had..... He had never told anyone about it and he didn't reveal anything to the marshal now. The girl was in a lot of trouble as it was. Chris would deal with her on his own time.

Chris knew Ezra had followed Rose out of the clearing. Chris had seen the back of the unmistakable read jacket. Chris didn't tell that to the marshal either. Chris didn't want the marshal to think Ezra was an accomplice of sorts. He only hoped that Ezra was chasing her to bring her back....and not run away with her......

The marshal left Chris and Vin at the saloon and went to his room. Chris and Vin went into the saloon and sat at one of the tables, close to the door. Vin had been thinking about something the whole time they had been out looking and it still bothered him as they sat in the saloon. Vin decided just to confront him on it.

"Where have you seen her before?" Vin asks.

"Texas. It's a long story" Chris says taking a drink of whisky.

"Think Ezra will turn her in?" Vin had seen him leave the clearing also and had distracted the marshal long enough to keep him from seeing.

"Nope. Ezra won't turn in a lady."

"Unless it's his mother" Vin chuckles

They look up as the marshal walks in. He is holding a rolled up paper in his hand. He opens it and holds it up so everyone in the saloon could see. He stands at the front of the saloon and his face was set in an angry scowl. He looked like a man that could kill with his bare hands if he had to. Chris looks at the wanted poster the marshal holds in his hands.

"I am looking for this woman. She is wanted in 10 states for burglary and in New York for murder. There is an $800 reward for her capture. She must be alive. I will give another $200 to the man that captures her." The marshal hammers the poster to the wall. He then turns back to the people in the saloon. "If she isn't alive....there is no reward."

The men in the saloon rush up to the poster and study the picture. They each memorize the photo...making sure to remember each detail so they bring in the right person. Then in a rush the saloon clears as the men run to mount up and start to search, each wanting that $1000 reward. The marshal walks over to where Chris and Vin sit.

"That will help catch her faster" The marshal says with an evil smile.

"That will make her run" Chris says glaring at the marshal with contempt in his eyes.

"OR get her killed. You know what a mob like that can do?" Vin says staring at the marshal unbelieving.

"I need this woman brought to justice quickly. Besides, I specifically said alive." The marshal says starting to leave.

"She won't be put to trial any quicker. Why are you so bent on catching her so quick?" Chris asks.

"She will hang faster this way.....trial or no trial....the man she killed, was my brother. And not only that....but I got a score to settle with this woman." The marshal says storming out of the saloon. He mounts up and heads off to look for Rose.

"If Ezra sees that reward he might just turn her in" Vin says still shaking his head in disbelief. How could a marshal be so stupid?

"I don't doubt it. But the marshal is going to get her killed by that mob, and I think that was his intention...." Chris says. Vin can see him forming a plan.

"I think we should find her first" Vin says rising.

"Yep. I was to know the whole story of the killing. Chris says.

With that they leave the saloon and head back to the clearing, in the hopes that they can find Ezra and Rose first.

Rose's eyes flutter open at the sound of a fire crackling near her. When her eyes focus they see a figure standing opposite from her on the other side of a camp fire. She screams and jumps to her feet. She presses herself against he wall and looks for an escape. The figure moves with amazing speed towards her and before Rose can run the figure has his arms around her.

"Easy Rose, it's just me" Ezra says soothingly.

"Oh Ezra! Thank heavens! You scared me." Rose throws her arms around Ezra in relief.

When she pulls away from him she has his gun in her hand. She aims the gun at Ezra's head before he knows what is happening. Ezra looks at the gun in shocked silence for a moment but then his face softens.

"I won't ask how you got my gun without my knowing but I will ask what you are going to do with it." Ezra says

"I"I will kill you with it if you try to take me in." Rose says more confidently than she feels. She had only held and shot a gun once before in her life and she had killed the man she had aimed it at. She never carried a gun usually. She really hated herself for doing this to Ezra because she was starting to care for him but she hated the idea of being thrown in jail.

Ezra sits down in front of the fire and indicates for Rose to join him. She sits down a few feet away, but still sits close enough to feel the heat of the fire and to see Ezra's face. /p>

"Tell me something Rose. Why do you continue to rob banks if you are obviously well endowed at the present moment?" Ezra asks keeping his eyes on the fire.

Rose thinks for a few minutes but then says, "I love the thrill. No one suspects a woman is capable of the things I do. The feeling you get when you pull something big and skip town before the bank knows what hit it. Besides, I have to." Rose looks down at the ground and her voice becomes quieter as she continues."My family still lives in New York and they are terribly poor. There are 3 kids and my parents have a hard time feeding them on their own. They think I have a respectable job at a boarding house in Kansas. I was afraid if they knew the truth they wouldn't accept the money."

As Rose finishes Ezra looks over and sees a tear streaming slowly down her cheek. He gets up and walks over to her. He sits down next to Rose and wraps his arms around her. Rose puts down the gun and hugs Ezra close. Ezra takes her head in his hand and kisses her gently on the lips. When he pulls away he wraps his arms around her again and they sit in silence.

Chris and Vin ride into the clearing that the cave is located in. Vin sees the light from the fire and points at the cave. They dismount and walk quietly to the cave. They look in and recognize Ezra's horse. They see the fire and two figures huddled on the other side of it. They draw their guns and enter the cave. One of the figures rise abruptly and Chris sees the glimmer of metal. Chris aims his gun but doesn't shoot.

"I thought you never carried one of those Rose." Chris says.

""It's not mine, but I usually don't. This has been the closest I have ever been to being caught.......It took you long enough to recognize me Chris"

Rose says quietly and steadily. Ezra hears a soft sadness in her voice as she says the last sentence. /p>

"You know each other?" Ezra asks Rose with surprise evident in his voice and face.

"We did" Chris says simply.

""I was a fool back then, Chris. I was young and easily influenced. You just strode in on your high horse and swept me off my feet. My heart deceived me then and I will never forgive myself for what I did." Rose says keeping the gun trained on Chris.

"Mind filling us in with exactly what happened between you two?" Ezra says rising. /p>

"Chris and I had a bit of a fling about a year back. However in my line of work it is hard to form relationships." Rose looks down ashamed.

"You left without a word. I came back to an empty room." Bitterness shows bright in Chris's eyes.

"I was afraid! We had grown too close too quickly. I was afraid you would turn me in and collect the bounty. I did love you once though Chris....and it scared me."

Ezra looks at Rose and sees a tear travel down her cheek. She lowers and drops the gun. Rose didn't want to run any more. She was tired and her heart ached from the emotions that were running through her. She hadn't expected to encounter Chris Larabee in this town and she sure as hell hadn't expected to fall for another man.

"I want you to know the truth about the murder Chris. I don't want you to hear it from the marshal because he doesn't understand what happened. All he cares about is that his brother is dead. I shot him in self-defense. He was drunk and had a knife. He lunged at me so I shot him. When I saw him lying on the ground.....with the blood....I was frightened so I ran. I want you to know I am sorry. I am sorry that I ran out on you a year ago. And Ezra I am sorry that I didn't tell you the truth right away." Rose finishes and looks up at the three men sadly.

Before any of the men can speak the marshal walks in with his gun aimed straight at Rose. Chris spins around and aims his gun at the marshal as Ezra activates the derringer and also aims it at him.

"Lower you guns gentlemen, or I will arrest you for assisting the escape of a criminal." The marshal says.

"You first" Vin says coming up behind the marshal with his gun drawn.

"We can handle this marshal, lower your weapon." Chris says from next to him.

The marshal lowers his gun reluctantly.

"Bring Rose and her horse outside Ezra." Chris says taking the marshal's arm and leading him outside. Vin follows with his gun still aimed.

Ezra leads Rose over to her horse and Rose unties the buckskin. They lead the horses out of the cave and see that the other three men are already mounted and waiting. As Ezra and Rose reach the opening of the cave Rose stops abruptly and places her hand on Ezra's arm. She pulls him just out of view of the riders.

"Ezra, I am scared of that man." Rose says turned frightened eyes to Ezra.

"Chris?" Ezra asks confused.

"No, the marshal. I have this feeling he wants me dead, even if he has to do it himself."

"We won't let him harm you." Ezra brings his face close to Rose's and whispers, "I promise" before lowering his lips onto hers in a gentle kiss.

When they pull away Ezra takes Rose's arm and leads her out of the cave and towards the riders.

"About time" The marshal says gruffly.

They ignore him and Ezra helps Rose mount. After everyone is ready they head back to town.

Chris closes the jail cell door on Rose and locks it. The marshal settles himself in a chair in front of the cell as J.D. watches the proceedings from his place at the desk. Ezra had gone to fetch some blankets for Rose and Vin had retreated to the saloon to fill everyone in on what had happened. Chris looks back at Rose and sees that she has settled onto the bed and is looking at the marshal in fear. Her back is slouched in defeat and her face is strained and her eyes are fixed on the marshal. Her hands clutch each other and rub together nervously. Chris walks to the door and opens it to leave, then as a second thought turns to J.D.

"Don't leave until I come back J.D." Chris says glancing at the marshal.

"Sure Chris" J.D. says leaning back in his chair.

Chris looks once more at Rose and turns away quickly when he sees her pleading face, begging him not to leave her. Chris walks out the door and heads to the saloon slowly, his steps dragging slightly. As he walks in Chris sees Vin at a table drinking a beer. Chris joins him and they silently drink, each of them absorbed in their own thoughts and recovering from the events of the day. After a few minutes J.D. enters the saloon and walks up to the bar. When Chris sees him he stands up so quickly that his chair falls over with a loud crash. Chris strides over to J.D. and grabs his collar angrily.

"I told you to stay at the jail." Chris growls.

"The marshal told me to leave so he could talk to Rose privately." J.D. says shrinking back in fear.

Just as J.D. finishes a shot rings out. Chris drops J.D. and runs out of the saloon. He is followed closely by J.D., Vin, and Buck who had also been at the bar. They see Ezra sprinting towards the jail from the hotel. Chris draws his gun and runs towards the jail. The five men meet at the door of the jail. They wait a second before opening the door and entering.

They enter with their guns drawn. What they see surprises them all. Rose cowers in the corner of her cell. She is holding her hand against her heart and they can see the blood running down the front of her dress and in between her fingers. Her face is an ashen grey and her eyes are wide in fear and filled with pain. She is visibly shaking. The marshal stands just within the jail cell with his gun cocked and aimed and ready to fire. The look on his face is one of murderous insanity. He is ready to kill Rose with his next shot.

"Drop the gun Marshall!" Chris shouts coming up behind him slowly.

"Get outta here Larabee. This is my case. YOU are hereby removed from all involvement in it" The marshal says never taking his eyes off Rose.

All the men turn their attention to Rose as they here her quiet pleas. "Please don't do this marshal. I didn't mean to kill him. I'm sorry." The tone of her voice was so consumed with sorrow and pain that it broke Chris's heart to hear it. Ezra's face contorted in pain of seeing her like this.

"Shut up!" The marshal screams at Rose and she scrunches further into the corner. She closes her eyes and her whole body tenses in anticipation. The marshal aims his gun and starts to pull the trigger......... Rose screams as shots are fired. Bullets hit the wall next to her as she covers her head. The men head for cover as The marshal showers them with bullets. He was now blind with madness and couldn't aim. He didn't know who he was shooting at or where. He knew he just wanted to kill Rose and anyone who tried to help her.

The marshal cries out as he is hit several times. The shooting stops and the five men stand to view their surroundings. The marshal and Rose lie at opposite ends of the jail cell. Each one is motionless and pools of blood now cover the floor.

Nathan checks the marshal and nods that he is dead then he walks over to Rose and slowly kneels down next to her. He feels for her pulse and looks up at Chris and Ezra who stand side by side on the other side of the bars. Each face contorted in fear and sadness. Ezra's usually emotionless poker face is marked by worry for the girl he was growing to love and Chris's normally cool scowl replaced by a look of defeat. Nathan looks at them both in amazement. Then he nods that she was still alive and watches as a wave relief washes over both faces. Vin walks into the cell and picks Rose up. He starts to carry her to Nathan's room.

"She is alive, but barely. She is passed out from a mixture of fear and shock. She also has lost a lot of blood. We will have to wait and see" Nathan says as they follow.

Nathan orders everyone out of his room as he works. It takes a full ten minutes to stop the bleeding and get the bullet out of her. He works quickly, cleaning and bandaging the wound. The bullet had gone deep but had missed her heart and her lung. Her shoulder would hurt for awhile, but she wouldn't die from the wound. Only from the loss of blood.

Nathan opens the door and sees the faces of 5 worried men behind it. Vin, J.D. and Buck lean against the railing as Chris and Ezra stand. Nathan opens the door wider and shows that they can enter.

"She is still unconscious but the bleeding has stopped. It's too early to tell whether she will make it or not." Nathan says as they enter and he closes the door.

Ezra and Chris stand on either side of her. Rose's face is pale and devoid of color. Her usually lively eyes are shut and her hair lies in a tangled mess around her head. Her body is covered but the edge of a bandage can be seen and a small spot of blood shows on it.

"What are we going to do with her?" Buck asks. "She is still a criminal"

"I'll go see if maybe Mary can wire the judge and see what he says." J.D. offers leaving.

Chris and Ezra remain silent watching Rose's face for any sign of discomfort or of her awakening. They saw neither and they sit down to wait for her to awake.

+ + + + + + +

Rose still wasn't awake after two days. Ezra sat by her side for hours holding her hand and talking to her. Several times her breathing would become shallow as if she was running and Ezra knew she was dreaming. A light sweat would break out on her forehead and her eyes would flutter as if she were awakening but after a few minutes they wouldn't open and her breathing would return to normal. Nathan's worry about her condition grew each day that passed. The bullet hadn't hit anything vital and he wasn't concerned about that, but she had lost too much blood.

Chris visited her regularly. He never came when Ezra was around and he would just sit in the corner watching her and remembering Texas. He remembered how she laughed and the way her eyes sparkled with youth and excitement. He had so many good memories. He longed to tell her he wasn't mad at her any longer.

Each of the men spent some time keeping her company. J.D. would tell jokes and talk about anything he could think of, hoping it helped keep her company even though he knew she couldn't hear him. Buck and Vin would talk together while sitting by her, watching for any sign of her awaking. Josiah would come and recite prayers and passages to her.

Nathan spent a lot of time changing her bandage and cleaning the wound. He was relieved to see that it wasn't becoming infected and was healing nicely, and with surprising quickness. He only wished she would wake up.

It had been two days since Rose and been shot. The afternoon was hot and the air was stale. There was nothing to do and everyone sat around outside trying to keep cool. Ezra sits in the room next to Rose. For once he just sits there in silence and watches her. He thought she had a little more color in her face, but he didn't want to get his hopes up too high. Ezra leans over her and lightly places his lips on Rose's in a kiss. When he pulls away he looks down at her and his eyes meet the soft brown eyes of Rose. The eyes are masked in pain but a shy smile plays on her lips. Ezra's face fills with happiness and he smiles as he looks down at her.

"Hello my Rose." Ezra says softly.

"Hello Ezra." Rose says in a whisper filled with pain. She tries to move and groans with pain.

"It hurts I know, but it will heal quickly" Ezra says comfortingly.

Rose brings her hand to his face and touches his cheek. Ezra takes her hand and kisses the back of it. He sits down still holding her hand. They spend the rest of the day talking, and Ezra doesn't leave the room until Rose falls into a content peaceful sleep.

+ + + + + + +

IIt had been a week sense Rose had awakened and with her arm in a sling to limit the use of her shoulder, she walked the main street of Four Corners. Chris had ordered that she always have a guardian to make sure she didn't skip town and all of the men were more than happy to comply. Ezra spent every free minute with Rose and their feelings for each other blossomed and grew.

Judge Travis arrived in town to preside over Rose's case. Rose plead guilty to her crimes of burglary. The trial lasted hardly a day and she was charged guilty with robbery but not with the murder of the marshal's brother, much to her happiness.

Rose watches the proceedings with interest. She had never thought she would be caught and the idea of a fair trial was something new to her entirely. Her mind kept wandering however, to the thought of being sent to jail and being unable to provide for her family. They would probably starve without her help and she didn't want that to happen. Her thoughts were also that of Ezra. She hated the thought of leaving Four Corners, knowing that she would be leaving him too.

Rose sits in silence as Judge Travis reaches the time when he gives her the sentence that she was to fulfill in punishment for her crimes. She closes her eyes and holds her breath as he begins.

"Miss Pedal, for the crimes that you have committed I am sentencing you to ten years in prison." Rose visibly shudders and a tear falls down her cheek as she opens her eyes sadly. Ezra looks down at the floor, his heart breaking. "However, sense you have openly admitted your crimes and sense you are injured, I am allowing you an opportunity to work off your crimes. IN order for you to stay in the care of Mr. Jackson until your wound heals, I am sentencing you instead to ten years of community service at the Clarion News, here in Four Corners." As the judge finishes a bright smiles shines on Rose's face. Ezra sits in shocked silence as everyone else files out of the courthouse.

J.D. unlocks Rose's handcuffs and smiles at her. "Congratulations Rose" He says.

"Thank you J.D." Rose says and kisses him lightly on the cheek.

Ezra had come up behind her when she was talking and as she turns around and sees him she throws her good arm around his neck. Ezra kisses her passionately. The kiss is deep and filled with happiness and joy and relief. When they pull away the courthouse is empty and they are alone. They gaze lovingly into each others eyes for several minutes, letting the news they had just heard soak in.

Ezra says, "I love you Rose. As the judge was sentencing you all I could think about was how I would never see you again."

Rose smiles up at him. "I love you too." She says slowly "I couldn't bear the thought of leaving you. It was breaking my heart"

Ezra kisses Rose again. This one is brief and full of all the feelings he had inside of him.

He pulls away and looks deep into Rose's eyes. The green intensity of his eyes takes Rose's breath away. She sees something in them that she had never seen before but before she can figure out what it is he tells her.

"Rose......will you marry me?"

The End