Ezra sat at his usual poker table rereading the letter he had received from his mother. It had arrived yesterday with the stagecoach. At times like these he wished he had never told her where he was.
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My Dear Son,
I am currently in the town of Fort Lyon, not far from your dusty burg. I have run into a minor dispute and am in need of your assistance. Please come forthwith. Before your departure, send a telegram stating you are coming and use the name Ezra Samuels. I will explain all once you are here. I am going by the name of Stuart.
Your loving Mother
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Even reading it again it made him chuckle. 'My dear son -' She only called him that when she wanted something, and the loving mother part – well, he didn't want to go there. He wondered what con she had pulled and now needed his help to get out of. Fort Lyon was only two days away; he could go, help her out and be back in less than a week. Things were quiet in town so he wouldn't be missed. With that decided he folded the letter and put it back in his jacket pocket. He headed out the batwing doors and across the street to the jail. He could see Buck and Chris sitting outside playing checkers.
"Mr. Larabee. Mr. Wilmington."
"Hey, Ezra. I'm on a winning streak. Care to take a chance?" Buck leaned back in his chair and swept his hand toward the board.
"Perhaps some other time, Mr. Wilmington," Ezra said, grinning.
"Mr. Larabee, I received a letter from my mother and I feel obligated to join her in Fort Lyon. I do not think I would be gone more than a week, if you do not require me here?"
Chris studied Ezra. He knew Ezra and his mother had a strange relationship. He hadn't had much contact with Maude Standish, but from what he had heard and seen he didn't trust the woman as far as he could spit. But he couldn't prevent Ezra from going. It was Ezra's own business.
"That's fine, Ezra. Just send us a cable if you'll be longer."
Ezra touched his hat and headed toward the telegraph office.
Chris and Buck watched him walk down the boardwalk. Chris shook his head and looked back at Buck.
"Got a bad feeling, Buck. Don't trust that woman."
"She is his mother, Chris." Buck grinned. "I think he'll be okay."
"Yeah, she's his mother, but some mothers eat their young. I just don't think Maude's been hungry enough yet."
Ezra left that afternoon.
He made a circuit of the town making sure his affairs were in order before he left. He packed and was ready to leave in a few hours. He had spoken to Josiah and JD, but hadn't been able to find the one person he wished to say good-bye to. He had kept an eye out for Vin as he took care of his errands but never saw him.
He glanced at his pocket watch and then up and down the street again. No sign of Vin. He sighed resignedly and headed for the livery. Peso was not in his stall. He didn't want to put off leaving any longer so he saddled Royal and headed South out of town, pulling up in front of the church where he saw Josiah sitting on the front steps.
"Leaving now, Ezra?"
"Yes, Josiah, I was wondering if you could, ah, mention to Mr. Tanner that I am leaving; I didn't have the chance to tell him."
Josiah smiled. "I'll tell him, Ezra. Have a safe journey and come home soon."
Ezra tipped his hat and spurred Royal to a trot.
Ezra put Royal into a canter as soon as they left town. He wanted to get to Fort Lyon as soon as possible. He was disappointed he hadn't been able to tell Vin.
He hadn't mentioned to Vin that he had received the letter from Maude. They hadn't spoken of it but he knew that Vin didn't like his mother. Vin knew more about Maude and his childhood than anyone else. Since they had become lovers Ezra had shared almost everything with Vin. Ezra felt a little guilty for not telling Vin about the letter but he hoped he could go help his mother out and be back quickly. He knew no one understood the relationship he had with his mother; he didn’t sometimes. He knew she was never there for him and had never been, he had learned to expect it. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t be there if she needed him. She was the only family he had.
Ezra made camp later that evening as the sun was approaching the horizon. It was a beautiful sunset, the sky and clouds painted with reds and blues. He found a small stream and made camp beside it. It was peaceful there, just him and Royal. Ezra realized this was the first time he had been alone in awhile. It surprised him that he was a tad bit lonely. He had grown used to the town and, if out on the trail, Vin usually accompanied him. He knew he would miss sleeping wrapped up in Vin's embrace. It amazed him how much he craved being with Vin. He had brought a book with him in hopes that it would distract him, so he read beside the fire for a short time before turning in.
"Think it was wise to let him go alone?"
Vin and the others were sitting at their table drinking beer. Vin had decided that morning to go out to visit Miss Nettie and help her with the horse corral and had arrived back in town before sunset. Josiah had just been telling him the reason Ezra had left.
"Guess I could have gotten someone else to go with him but I didn't think it was necessary." Chris sipped his whiskey.
Vin snorted. "I wouldn't leave him alone with that woman. Ain't safe."
"It's his ma, Vin." JD looked at Vin in surprise. "Think he's safe with her."
"Come on, JD. You know what kind of woman she is. Don't let her manners and looks fool ya. You saw for yerself how she treated him when she was here. How she got most of us to treat him." He glared around the table.
"Now, Vin, I'm sure he'll be all right. He's only gonna be gone a few days and Chris told him to wire us if he needed anything." Buck tried to soothe him.
Vin nodded and sipped his beer. He wished he'd been here when Ezra decided to go; he would have gone with him. He didn't trust that woman; he knew Ezra would allow her to walk all over him. Ezra had confided in him on how his childhood really was. How Maude would dump him on relatives or anyone that would take him while she ran off. How she only came back to get him when she needed him for a con. He knew Ezra kept giving her chances, hoping one day she would want him only because she missed him, loved him. Each visit she would disappoint him again and Ezra would swallow his hurt, stuffing it back down inside. Damn bitch. Vin hoped she showed back up here so he could give her a piece of his mind. And he felt a pang that Ezra hadn't told him he'd gotten a letter from her. Or that he planned on leaving. Vin wondered if it was just because Ezra knew how he felt about Maude or if it meant something different.
Vin got up and downed the last of his beer.
"Gonna get some air." He set his mug down and headed outside. It was a beautiful night; the moon, half way through her cycle, cast strange shadows over the town as the clouds raced across her face. The air was crisp and cool with fall approaching. He liked this time of year, when the days were still warm but the nights turned chilly.
Vin walked to the far end of the boardwalk where it was quieter. There he could hear the crickets singing. Sometimes the town was a mite too crowded for him. Hell, he wished he could have ridden with Ezra to Fort Lyon.
The trip to Fort Lyon was uneventful. Ezra enjoyed it and looked forward to playing cards with some new people. He liked to keep his skills sharp. The town was bustling when he arrived; he rode straight to the livery to board Royal. Once the horse was settled, Ezra headed for the Hotel Bonita where Maude was staying.
Ezra scanned the lobby as he entered but did not see Maude anywhere. He approached the desk to inquire where she was.
"May I be of assistance, Sir?"
"I am Ezra Samuels."
The man behind the counter looked blankly at him.
"I'm here to see Mrs. Stuart," Ezra added.
"Ah yes! Mrs. Stuart. It is our pleasure to have her here and, yes," he looked down behind the counter, "she left word to contact her when you arrived." He gestured at the settees across the room. "If you will have a seat, we will inform her you are here."
Ezra nodded and went to wait. Quite a fancy hotel, trust Maude to demand the best. The people here obviously were not onto her con. He leaned back and waited for her to make her entrance.
Maude Standish was a woman who knew how to make an entrance and how important appearances were. She strode regally down the steps and paused at the landing, scanning the area as if searching for someone but Ezra knew it was only a ploy so all eyes would turn to admire her. She was immaculately dressed as always, every hair in place. To the entire world she looked like a successful and wealthy woman. People believe what they want to believe, dear boy, and what you tell them to. Yes, his mother was good at what she did and since he wanted her love, or what passed as that, he had learned to be good at it too.
She saw him and smiled as she continued down. Ezra rose to meet her at the bottom of the stairs and she held out her hand.
"Mr. Samuels," she said loudly, "good of you to meet me here."
"My pleasure, Mrs. Stuart. Is there some place we can go to have a libation?"
She smiled cordially. "Why yes, if you would follow me please?"
Ezra held out an arm and she took it, nodding to him. They headed out the door of the hotel.
"So, mother," he said as they moved down the boardwalk, "why did you wish me to meet you here?"
"Can't I just want to see my baby boy?" She simpered at him.
"No, mother you cannot."
She frowned at him. "If you must be so impudent, I need your help in a small matter."
Ezra gave her a subtle smile. She drew him to a stop before they reached the saloon.
"You are Ezra Samuels. You are here to deliver a deed of ownership for a silver mine that I am selling to Robert Winston. Once that is done and I receive the money we will make a swift departure."
"Mrs. Stuart? Not Mrs. JEB Stuart, I hope?" He gave her a sardonic grin.
"Don't be absurd, Ezra. Are you ready?" She gave him a hard look.
"Yes, mother. Let's get this charade over with."
Ezra didn't know why he felt disappointed. He knew when he read the letter what she wanted him there for. Still he had held a small hope that this time he would be wrong.
They entered the saloon and Maude led him to the back tables. Three gentlemen sat smoking cigars; they were dressed in expensive suits with an Eastern appearance. They rose as she arrived at the table. Ezra smiled warmly as Maude introduced him.
"Gentlemen, Mr. Samuels has just arrived and he brought the deed we have been waiting for." She inclined her head toward Ezra.
She reached into her handbag and pulled out some folded sheets of paper. She handed them to the man seated in the middle. He looked to be in his mid-forties with black hair and strange light gray eyes. He held out his hand and took the papers from Maude. He gave them a cursory glance and handed them to the man on his left. His lips curved into a thin smile that did not extend to his eyes.
"Very good, Mrs. Stuart, if all is in order we will finish our transaction. Join us for a drink while Mr. Cole looks over the deed?"
Ezra pulled out a chair for her and they sat down. The man waved toward the waitress who brought two more glasses. He poured them a drink and nodded toward Ezra. "So, Mr. Samuels, is it?"
"Yes," Maude interrupted. "Pardon my rudeness, Mr. Winston, this is Ezra Samuels. He works for my lawyer, in a menial capacity." She gave Ezra a dismissive glance.
Ezra gave her a stoic look. Even in a con she made sure he was in his place. Never important or significant.
"I see." Mr. Winston sipped his whiskey.
Mr. Cole leaned over and whispered to him and Mr. Winston inclined his head. "Everything seems in order, Mrs. Stuart, if you will follow me to the bank, we can finish our business dealings. Would you care to join us, Mr. Samuels?"
Ezra stood and moved the chair so Maude could stand. She gave him an imperceptible shake of her head. He smiled widely at Robert Winston. "I think not, my business here is concluded and I must get back to my employer."
"If you will wait for me at my hotel, I will have papers for you to return with."
Ezra bowed slightly and touched his hat.
He paced the lobby of the hotel. So much for him being needed here. Why didn't she just hire someone to stand there for five minutes and not drag him all the way to this town? Why didn't he learn to just say no to her? He looked out the window again toward the bank. Finally he saw Maude, Mr. Winston and party coming out of the door. They all shook hands and then Maude was crossing the street toward the hotel. He resisted meeting her outside and waited for her to finally enter.
She sailed past him and toward the steps, beckoning him with her hand. "If you will follow me to my room, Mr. Samuels, I have those papers for you to take back with you. Ezra grudgingly followed in her wake.
"How many times have you sold that mine now, mother?" he said as he closed the hotel room door.
"Just because a ruse is old doesn't mean it isn't effective." She moved around the room straightening things.
He shook his head. "That's the truth. So, will we be departing now?"
"I don't think that is necessary, Ezra. We can leave in the morning, that way we'll have time to catch up."
He grimaced. Now that he was here all he wanted to do was leave. At first he thought he might stay a day or two and visit with her, but at the moment that was the furthest thing from his mind. Still, this was his mother. "Shall we go downstairs and have some dinner then?"
"I'd like to freshen up first. Why don't you get a room and meet me downstairs," she checked her watch, "in a couple of hours?"
"As you wish, mother." He tipped his hat and left.
Ezra looked at his pocket watch again. It had been two and a half hours and still no sign of Maude. He was just about to go upstairs when he saw Robert Winston and three other men enter the dining room. They searched the room and when they spotted him they came toward him. "Mr. Winston, we meet again."
"Sheriff, I want this man arrested."
Ezra looked puzzled. "I'm afraid there has been some kind of mistake."
Two of the men each grabbed an arm and the other spoke. "Ezra Samuels?"
"Yes?"
"You have been accused of selling counterfeit goods. If you will come with me."
"Excuse me, what is this all about?"
"You tried to pass off a forged deed and take off with my money. Now, where is it?"
Robert Winston leaned over Ezra, trying to intimidate him with his size. Ezra glanced around looking for Maude but she was nowhere in sight.
"I do not have your money, Mr. Winston. You made your transaction with Mrs. Stuart, remember?"
"Mrs. Stuart said she gave the money to you to take back to Santa Fe and that you must have switched the documents before you arrived."
Ezra looked dumbfounded. What had Maude gotten him into? "I do not have your money sir. You may search me if you wish."
"Take him to the jail; we'll search his room," the sheriff directed his deputies and turned to Mr. Winston. "Do you want to come?"
Robert Winston nodded curtly and followed him upstairs.
Ezra could not believe it. Here he was incarcerated and his mother had thrown him to the wolves. He paced the cell waiting for the sheriff to return. Well at least once they searched his room they would see he did not have the missing money. He heard boots on the walk outside the jail and looked up as the sheriff entered. "Well, are you prepared to release me now?"
The sheriff shook his head. "I don't think so Mr. Samuels -- or whatever your name is. We found money, documents and Robert Winston's cufflinks in your bag. We didn't find all the money, guess you hid the rest somewhere. You tell us and you might get a lighter sentence."
Ezra's mouth hung open. How in the hell could this be happening? "I demand to see Mrs. Stuart."
"’Fraid that's not gonna happen. She left on the stage thirty minutes ago."
Ezra slumped back down on the cot. Maude had set him up and then left him to take the fall. His own mother. And what could he say now? Sorry, that was my mother who did all this and she screwed me over too? "I need to send a cable."
The sheriff looked at him, considering. "Can't send one till morning. Bob's gone home for the day."
Ezra put his head in his hands. He guessed morning was soon enough.
"Mr. Larabee, I have a cable for ya."
Chris sat out on the boardwalk sipping his coffee. He looked up as Jimmy came hurrying across the street.
"Just came." Jimmy handed him the folded sheet of paper.
Chris scanned the paper. "GAWD DAMN!"
Several people turned to stare at him and he glared back at them. He stood and turned back toward the saloon. "BUCK!"
Buck and JD came hurrying out of the saloon, and Buck searched the street for signs of what had caused Chris to go berserk in the ten minutes he'd been out there.
"JD, go get the others."
"Sure, Chris." JD shot a nervous look at Buck and hurried down the street.
"What is it, pard?" Buck moved closer and placed a hand on Chris' back.
Chris thrust the paper into Buck's hand and sat back down. He sipped his coffee and ran his hands through his hair.
Buck read the cable once and looked at Chris. Chris was staring down the street for signs of the others. Buck sat and read the cable again. "What the hell happened, Chris?"
"I guess she finally got hungry."
"What's up, Chris?" Vin was the first to arrive outside the saloon. JD had passed him on the way to Nathan's.
Chris just stared at him. Vin looked at Buck who just shrugged. Vin's eyes narrowed.
"What happened to him?"
"Wait till the others get here, Vin."
"No, you tell me now."
Chris took a deep breath. He knew what Vin's reaction was going to be. He and Buck were the only ones who knew how Vin and Ezra felt about each other, though they all suspected that no one had Josiah fooled. "Ezra's in jail."
"Jail?" Again Vin looked at Buck as if for a sign that this was some joke. "Jail? How the hell did that happen?"
Buck suddenly found his feet fascinating but Chris looked him in the eye. He only said one word. "Maude."
"Goddamn it, Chris! I knew that no good bitch would pull something. Is she in jail too? We ain't getting her out!"
"No, she isn't in jail. She....she framed him and left town."
Vin stopped his cursing and stared at Chris. "She what?"
The other's started arriving then. JD rode up first. JD glanced at Vin who was leaning on the hitching post but said nothing. Nathan and Josiah were right behind him.
"Is there a problem, Chris?" Josiah leaned on the pommel.
"Yeah, Ezra's been arrested."
"What?" JD gaped open mouthed at the others.
"What happened?" Nathan dismounted and tied Chester to the hitching post.
Chris held up the telegram. "Got a cable from Ezra. Seems Maude needed him in Fort Lyon, something went wrong and she shifted the blame to him and then high tailed it outta there. He's now in jail."
"So whadda we gonna do, pard?"
Chris glanced at Buck and then to Vin and the rest. "Gonna send a telegram to the sheriff there and some of us can head that way. I need some of you to stay here."
"I'm going," Vin stated flatly.
Chris nodded.
"Might be trouble. I'd better go." Nathan looked to Vin, who nodded his thanks.
"I'd like to go too," Josiah stated.
"Okay, you three ride out now. I'll send the cable and wait for the reply. More of us will follow if needed. You cable us when you get there, let us know what's going on."
All three men nodded and saddled up. They turned their horses out of town, touching their hats to the ones staying behind.
JD looked at Chris and Buck. "We ain't going? "
"Not now, kid. Don't worry, we ain't gonna let old Ez down." Buck smiled at him reassuringly.
Chris got up and headed for the telegraph office.
Sheriff Armstrong flipped through the papers the man had given him then looked up. "Marshal, huh? Whadda ya want with our prisoner?"
The tall man smiled tightly. "Like I told ya, Sheriff. Mr. Winston is a mighty important man in Denver. We're having him tried there. Me and my men are here to escort him."
Sheriff Armstrong had been around quite a few outlaws, but something in the look of this man made him more nervous. He wanted the man gone. "Papers look in order." He walked toward the cells and pulled the ring of keys off the hook on the wall.
Ezra watched him warily as he came into the cell area. He had seen the four men dismount in front of the jail and the one man who entered. He had not been able to hear their conversation but had seen them glance back to where he was. "Gentlemen. To what do I owe this early morning visit?"
"Marshal Cox is here to take you to Denver." The sheriff nodded his head back to where the tall man stood.
"Marshal?" Ezra looked the man over. "And why would a Marshal be here to escort me anywhere?"
Sheriff Armstrong was getting pissed. He was tired of this fancy talking, complaining sack of shit. He'd had to listen to him jabber on and on since they had arrested him. And then the only way to shut him up had been to play cards with him and he'd lost his entire week's pay. "Ain't none of yer concern. Yer out of my hair and that's that. Stick out your hands."
Ezra stood there taking in this new development. He had sent a telegram to Mr. Larabee that morning and it would take two days for them to get there, and he preferred to be there when they arrived.
"My lawyer is on his way here. We can travel to Denver after he arrives."
The tall man took a step forward. His gaze was menacing and hard. "Yer going to Denver; you can come nice like, or we can tie ya up and sling ya over a horse."
The sheriff was getting jumpy. He didn't want this man hanging around town any longer. This was a quiet town and he liked it that way.
"I'll tell yer lawyer where ya are. Stick yer damn hands out."
Ezra reluctantly placed his hands through the opening of the bars. Sheriff Armstrong quickly placed handcuffs on his outstretched wrists.
"Step back."
Ezra stepped back further into the cell. The sheriff opened the door and moved inside. He grabbed Ezra by the arm and pulled him out.
"Come on. Time fer you to go."
Here he was handcuffed, blindfolded and sitting in the back of a wagon. What more could happen? But why invite more trouble by entertaining that thought? He was glad they had not checked to see that he had a horse after he told them he arrived by coach. At least Royal was safe. He was sure Vin would locate him once they arrived at Fort Lyon. And he, Ezra grinned; he was not entirely helpless.
Vin, Josiah and Nathan arrived in Fort Lyon one and a half days later after riding hard. Josiah went to the sheriff's office, Vin to the livery and Nathan to the saloon. They all met up back at the saloon an hour later.
"Royal's at the livery. Man said Ezra paid him for a week. Never came back after he dropped him off." Vin sipped his beer looking grim.
"Our dear Sheriff says a Marshal left with Ezra right before Chris' telegram arrived. Said he was taking him to Denver for a trial," Josiah said.
"What?" Vin and Nathan said in unison.
Josiah shrugged. "That's what the man said. I had a look at the papers. Whoever it was that took Ezra wasn't any Marshal."
"I had some luck. Bartender said Ezra and Maude met up with some slick fella named Robert Winston. Talk is he's a hard man and not one ta cross."
"I'll go send a cable to Chris." Josiah drank the rest of his beer in one gulp and hurried out.
"Whadda ya think, Nate?"
"Don't know, Vin. Maybe whoever Maude swindled took offense and decided to take it out on Ezra."
Vin nodded. That is what he was thinking too.
"Ya picked the wrong man to fuck with, whatever yer name is. Mr. Winston works for an important man and he don't like being fucked with neither."
"I'll keep that in mind. I take it we are not going to Denver?" Ezra drawled as they yanked him out of the wagon and his blindfold was removed.
The man grabbed him by his lapels and pulled him up. "Think yer right smart, now don't ya?" He backhanded Ezra knocking him to the ground. "Ya ain't gonna be feeling so mouthy when ya meet Legree Oswald."
Ezra touched a hand to his bleeding lip. "I can hardly wait. And who might you be?"
The man strolled over to where Ezra lay and suddenly kicked him hard in the ribs and Ezra stifled a grunt. "Name's Hank Rivers. Pleased ta meet ya." He drew back and kicked Ezra in the head.
When Ezra awoke it was night and the moon was obscured by thick clouds. He had seen thunderheads forming all afternoon. He rolled over from where he laid beside a small outcrop of stones; glancing around, he saw the other men were all asleep. Perfect. He assumed they thought there was no need for a watch with him being alone and handcuffed. He inspected the cuffs again and smiled. He was quite familiar with the Phelps handcuffs and considered himself an expert in escaping from them. In a few minutes, he heard a soft click and he was free. He didn't want to risk stealing a horse so he quietly crept from the camp. Ezra smiled again. He must remember to thank Vin again for teaching him skills Vin had learned while living with the Indians.
Ezra moved as quickly and quietly as he could from the camp. He could smell the rain on the wind and hoped to be a good distance off before the men awoke and found him gone. He glanced up towards the moon trying to decide which direction to head. He had been blindfolded once they were out of town so he was not sure in what direction they had been heading. When he had gotten his bearings he decided to head towards Four Corners and not Fort Lyon. Even though he knew his fellow peace keepers would come to Fort Lyon he also knew the men who had taken him would look for him there. But he would leave Vin a few clues along the way.
"Just got this telegram from Chris." Josiah came into the saloon and joined Nathan and Vin. He settled into a chair and motioned to the bartender for a beer. "Chris wants us to follow after Ezra; he and Buck will come here to meet us in two days."
Vin leaned back in this chair. "Reckon that's all right. They ain't got much of a head start. Should catch up with 'em in a day."
Josiah and Nathan nodded in agreement.
"I'll head for the General Store, stock up on some supplies." Nathan got up to leave.
"Let's go, pards. We're burnin’ daylight." Vin downed his beer and headed for the door.
Vin, Josiah and Nathan found where the men who had taken Ezra made camp the next afternoon. Vin dismounted first and searched the area. Josiah and Nathan stayed where they were, giving Vin a chance to check around. After about twenty minutes, Vin finally spoke.
"Can't tell exactly what happened but there was lots of milling around like they was looking for somethin'. Then the wagon left heading the way they were goin' and three men split up."
"Think Ezra got away?" Josiah's voice was full of concern.
"Don't know, Josiah. Hard ta say. I need ta look around a bit more."
The other men dismounted and Vin broadened his search area. Nathan started a small fire and put some coffee on while Josiah unsaddled the horses and let them graze. After about thirty minutes, Vin returned grinning.
"I take it Brother Ezra has slipped the noose once again?" Josiah grinned broadly as he handed Vin a cup. Vin took the cup and sat down, inhaling the aroma of fresh coffee.
"Don't pay to underestimate that gambler." Vin smiled back at both the men. "He sure can fool a man by his looks."
They both nodded in agreement. Many men, themselves included, had misjudged Ezra. He had more than cards up his sleeve.
"Ezra left sign that he had gotten loose. Don't know how he did, but he's headed West, toward Four Corners I'm guessing. He might cut Chris' trail but those other men huntin' him might cut his first."
"Vin why don't you follow Ezra and we'll head back to Fort Lyon. We can meet up with Chris there in a couple of days."
Vin sat quietly sipping his coffee. He knew Ezra could handle himself, but Vin didn't know if Ezra had a gun or not and Vin knew he didn't have a horse. Vin didn't know who these men were or what they wanted. He couldn't believe Maude had sold out her own son, yet he didn't know why it surprised him. He'd seen the signs and knew it was only a matter of time. He sighed. Ezra would be crushed but maybe this time he would see that woman for what she was and take off those rose-colored glasses.
"Reckon that's a good idea. I'll meet ya in Fort Lyon in two days. "
Ezra moved as quietly and as quickly as he could. He had traveled all day, finally deciding to stop for the night. He moved easily due to the bright moonlight. He didn't know when his captors would cut his trail and hoped to be far away by that time. He checked his progress by keeping a close eye on the stars. Vin had taught him how to tell time and directions by the movement of the stars. He smiled and flushed as he thought of some of those nocturnal lessons they had shared since they had become lovers.
^^^^
"Yer suppose to be watching the stars, Ez," Vin panted breathlessly.
""MMMmmmmm," Ezra purred in reply and pulled Vin closer to him. Vin's hair hung down, obscuring Ezra's view of the sky above him. He nuzzled Vin's ear and nibbled his earlobe, his hands running up Vin's broad back under his shirt.
"Ezzzz," Vin moaned as he gently rocked his hips back and forth where he lay on top of Ezra.
"Ah see stars, Vin," Ezra said gently, his green eyes now shut. He ran his hands down Vin's back to his firm hard butt and gripped him, grinding Vin's groin into his.
Vin leaned in and began to kiss his way down Ezra's neck towards his collarbone. Ezra moved his head to the side to give Vin greater access. Vin moved his knees so he now straddled Ezra, giving his throbbing bulge closer contact to the man beneath him. Ezra moved one hand between them and firmly stroked Vin's length.
"Aaaahhh." It was Vin's turn to purr and sigh. He halted his progress down Ezra's neck to capture his lips in a long deep kiss.
Suddenly a horse whinned and they froze.
"Thought I saw 'em head this way, Buck. Should be around here somewhere."
"Ya sure, JD?" Buck answered loudly. "I think we oughta head on back ta town."
"I heard Vin say they were gonna do some night trackin'. Don't think they'd mind some company."
Vin quickly rolled off Ezra and tugged his clothes back into place. He reached down to help Ezra up and pulled him close for a quick kiss.
"Reckon we'll have ta finish this later." Vin smiled.
Ezra straightened Vin's shirt, his hand lingering on his chest. "I suppose so, Mr. Tanner." He nodded that he was ready.
"JD? Buck? Or is that a herd of buffalo I hear?"
"Hey Vin!" JD called in greeting as he spurred his horse towards Vin's voice and came crashing through the brush. "Here they are, Buck!"
Buck gave them an apologetic smile as he followed JD into the clearing. He had known they were trying to find a quiet place to be alone but there was no stopping JD. It hadn't been long since Ezra and Vin had become lovers, nor since Chris had confronted Buck about his feelings. They had not told the others of this development so it was sometimes difficult to find time to be alone.
^^^^
Ezra would welcome JD's intrusion right about now. The wind, cold and biting, made the trees whip their limbs about as if they held their arms aloft in prayer. Fall, fast approaching, made the weather unpredictable. Ezra would have loved to stop somewhere and sleep, but he made himself keep moving. He looked up and spotted the star he was using for navigation. He glanced around and saw a tall old oak tree. He pulled out his knife and cut a small sign into the bark.
Chris and Buck rode until nightfall and then decided to stop for the night. Buck set up camp while Chris went out hunting for dinner. He arrived back an hour later with several rabbits. Buck had a fire going and Chris could smell coffee.
"Whatcha got there, pard?" Buck was laid back against his saddle, coffee cup in hand.
Chris held up the rabbits, grinning. "Guess since ya got camp set up, least I can do is cook 'em." Chris started to dress the rabbits but Buck put a hand on his arm.
"Have some coffee, Chris, I'll do that. You hungry? I'll have this fixed in no time." Buck took the knife from his hand and pushed Chris towards the fire.
Chris nodded and poured himself some coffee. He took Buck's place leaning against the saddle. He watched Buck as he cleaned the rabbits and put them on a spit. This was the first time they had been off alone since Chris had told Buck how he felt about him. Chris thought back to that; he'd gotten Buck to come back to his room with him and he'd told Buck what Vin had said. That Buck loved him like Vin loved Ezra. Chris had asked him if that was true. Buck had stared at him, wide eyed. Chris had been afraid that Buck would hit him, deny that it was true. And that is what scared Chris the most. ‘Cause ever since Vin had said that, that had been all Chris had hoped for. He had come to realize what he felt for Buck was much more than friendship; it was a love so deep that it terrified him. So Chris had said nothing, he'd looked back at Buck trying to will him to know how he felt. And so quickly Chris hadn't had time to react, Buck had shoved him against the door and had kissed the sense right out of him. He smirked thinking about it.
"Whatcha smiling about?" Buck leaned over the fire turning the rabbits.
"You."
"Me? I do somethin' funny? Did I step in somethin'?" He sat back on his heels and looked at his boots.
"No," Chris was laughing now. "I was thinking about when ya first kissed me."
Buck looked over at Chris. He loved to hear Chris laugh. Chris hadn't laughed much when they had first come to Four Corners but he was getting better. A slow wide smile creased his face. "Yeah, that makes me smile too, pard."
Chris gave him a lazy wicked grin. "We're all alone out here Buck. Just you and me."
"All alone?"
Buck moved the rabbits out of the fire and stood. He walked slowly toward Chris, dropping his gun belt by the saddles.
Chris unbuckled his belt and placed it by Buck's. He reached up and pulled Buck down, one hand behind Buck's neck, the other pulling Buck's shirt loose from his pants. Their kiss was slow and deep, building in intensity. They had all the time they wanted out here, no one to interrupt. No town folks needed them, no one looking for them. Chris enjoyed the feel of Buck's long frame lying on top of him. He let his hands explore Buck's body, all that he could reach.
Buck broke the kiss, panting deeply. He grinned down at Chris and began kissing Chris' jawbone. It always amazed him how erotic the feel of stubble could be. He felt himself grow harder when Chris moaned his pleasure. If someone had told him two months ago he'd be lovin' some man, Buck would have shot him. But if someone told him now that he couldn't have Chris, couldn't love this man, well, there would be hell to pay. He moved down Chris' chest, unbuttoning as he went. His tongue followed his hands, tasting every bit of flesh he uncovered. Buck loved that he could make Chris feel so passionately. Chris moved under him, pulling Buck's clothes off and flinging them to the side. Finally he pushed Buck over, straddling him, and unbuttoning Buck's pants.
"I'm starved, Buck." Chris grinned at him wolfishly as he pulled off Buck's boots and pants.
Ezra's ribs were throbbing. He was sure several were bruised but there wasn't anything he could do.
He finally had to stop and rest. The clouds had subdued the moon. He heard the rustling of wings and the hoot of an owl nearby. Ezra tried to huddle for warmth but it made his side ache. He wished he had his flask but the men had taken it along with his guns.
He lay there trying not to think. Thoughts of his mother's betrayal and longings for Vin were warring in his mind. He wondered where Vin was. Or had he even come looking for him? Perhaps when Vin found out that he hadn't told him of his mother's letter, Vin would have decided to let him fend for himself?
Not that he would blame Vin. Maybe he did deserve what he'd gotten. How stupid could one man be? Ezra knew perfectly well what kind of woman his mother was, and that she was his mother only in the biological way. Hadn't she even done this to him before? But he'd let her convince him then that he, Ezra, was mistaken. She would never desert her baby boy.
He snorted. He would never get to sleep thinking about his mother. He turned on his side, stretching out some to ease the pain in his ribs. He imagined Vin snuggled up behind him, his large strong hands caressing him and holding him close. He sighed and tried to summon Vin up to lay there with him in the dark.
Vin lay back against his saddle staring up at the moon. It was going to rain soon. The clouds rolling in from the West would soon obscure the moon. Peso and Royal were hobbled nearby. Tracking Ezra hadn't been as easy as he hoped.
Maybe I taught him too good.
Vin smiled.
Ezra had left some signs but not so anyone else would be able to follow him too easy. Vin didn't want to hurry and miss anything but he'd hoped to catch up with Ez by now.
God, how could he miss that man so much already? He felt an ache inside; his fingers longed to touch Ezra just to let him know Ezra was real. Out here alone Vin felt maybe he had dreamed their time together. Nothing that good could be real could it? Vin pulled his blanket closer and finished his coffee. He watched the clouds moving in until they covered the moon, and then he got up to bank the fire. He lay back down, tossing and turning until he finally drifted off to sleep.
Click.
"Look what we got here, Sleepin' Beauty, huh?"
Ezra opened his eyes cautiously. A Navy .38 stared down at him and behind that stood the leering face of Hank Rivers. Damn it to hell.
"Figured I'd find ya, friend. Just took a little longer than I reckoned. Right smart of ya to get out of those handcuffs. Well, don't worry none, I won't make that mistake again."
Hank motioned with his gun.
"Roll over and put yer hands behind yer back."
Ezra did as he was told. Hank tied his hands and then tied his feet together. He gave Ezra a kick to roll him back over.
"Now that yer taken care of, I'm feelin' a mite hungry. You don't go anywhere, ya hear?" Hank laughed loudly as he moved around the area.
Ezra hadn't bothered with trying to start a fire the night before, but it wasn't long before Hank had a fire going and coffee on. He sat back on his heels sipping coffee and studying Ezra. "So, what is yer name?"
"Ezra."
Hank scowled. "Ezra what?"
Ezra only took a second to think. "I gave you my correct name. Ezra Samuels."
"Mr. Oswald will find out the truth from you, one way or another. As I told ya before, you picked the wrong man to fuck with. I seen Mr. Oswald kill a man for coughing too loud. We was on this train see..."
"Just what do you want with me? I already told you I don't have your money," Ezra interrupted.
Hank got up and pulled some jerky out of his saddlebag. He sat back down near a small boulder and leaned back. "Hope you ain't hungry 'cause I ain't untying ya. I ain't chasing yer fancy hide all over God's creation. You just lay there and shut up while I have somethin' ta eat."
So Ezra laid there smelling the wonderful aroma of coffee, the light rain causing the fire to hiss.
It was afternoon when Hank decided to stop. Ezra stumbled to a halt behind him. Hank had tied Ezra's hands in front to a longer rope, which was tied to Hank's saddle. He had half dragged Ezra back the way he had come. Ezra was sure Hank had gone through underbrush or any other obstacle on purpose. Hank dismounted then retied Ezra's hands behind him before tying his feet again. He shoved Ezra to the ground.
"Stay there and shut the hell up."
Hank unsaddled his horse and rubbed him down. He gave the gelding some grain then hobbled him near camp. Hank gathered some firewood and made a small fire. Again he made coffee. He sat down and turned to look at Ezra.
"So ya hungry yet?"
Ezra rolled over to sit up. He glared towards Hank. "It's about time you got here."
Hank stared at him blankly and then heard a loud click behind him.
"Bring yer hands up nice and slow, pard."
Hank slowly brought his hands up. He was roughly grabbed from behind and his hands were then tied.
"So what the hell took you so long?" Ezra continued to glare.
"Whadda ya yellin' at me for? If ya hadn't gone off without tellin' me, ya wouldn't be in this damn mess and I ain't even gonna get into ya listening to that, that woman." Vin stomped over to where Ezra lay and cut him loose.
Ezra rubbed his raw wrists then went to get something to drink. He grabbed Hank's cup and poured himself some coffee. It was as strong and thick as tar but it was wet. "I didn't realize I needed your permission to leave town. What were you doing, following us so you could get a good laugh at me being dragged through every bush and bramble this side of the Mississippi?"
Ezra didn't know why he was yelling at Vin or why he was so angry but he couldn't stop himself. It was like he was outside his body and watching someone else control it.
Vin felt his face flush with anger. He wanted to knock Ezra to the ground and pound some sense into him.
"Ya don't need permission but some goddamn manners might be nice. Whadda ya doing sneakin' outta town? Cain't tell me ya got a letter from that woman, how many other things are ya hiding from me?"
Where a minute ago Vin had been worried and furious at the way this man had treated Ezra, now all that rage was directed at Ezra. How dare he leave and not tell Vin where he was going? Why did he hide the fact that he had gotten a letter from Maude? What else hadn't Ezra told him?
"So I am to report to you, am I? Tell you my comings and goings. Who I talk to? I don't need your damn help. I can take care of myself!" Ezra was pacing now and gesturing wildly.
"Yeah, I can see how well ya can take care of yerself. One man catches ya and drags ya behind a horse, trussed up like a calf. I shoulda let him drag yer sorry ass all the way back ta Denver. Fellas always said ya just fall inta trouble and we gotta come bail ya out. Ya deserve whatever ya get."
Ezra felt a slow burn crawl up his neck. He would have dearly loved to knock that smirk right off of Vin's face. "Yes, the mighty tracker, no one can get the better of you, can they? I guess you have forgotten how I saved your ungrateful ass not too long ago," Ezra said condescendingly.
"Why don't ya try saving yer own ass for a change then?" With that Vin turned, mounted Peso and rode away.
"Got yer fella all riled up, didn't cha?" Hank grinned up at Ezra.
"Shut the hell up."
Ezra picked up one of Hank's pistols and knocked him upside the head.
Ezra stopped later for the night; it had begun to rain again. He had changed directions and now headed for Fort Lyon. Vin had left Royal when he rode off, so Ezra had Hank tied up on his own horse and he rode Royal. Ezra pulled Hank off the horse and returned the favor by tying Hank's feet. There wasn't much in Hank's or Ezra's saddle bags, so he made do with coffee and jerky.
"Here." He sat a cup and some jerky down near Hank. He had the rope from Hank's legs fastened to a tree and his hands tied in front.
Hank nodded and moved over to reach them. They sat in silence, eating. Ezra was still fuming. What right did Vin have blaming all of this on him? It wasn't his fault. He had only tried to help his mother. Was it his fault she had double-crossed him? His fault she picked some psychopath to try and swindle? Who had asked Vin to come looking for him? He had sent the cable to Chris. And since when did he have to tell Vin where he went or when? He hadn't snuck out of town. Had Vin bothered to tell him where he was? He would have told Vin he was leaving if he'd been in town. Damn dusty buckskin-wearing skinny-assed tracker. What right did Vin have to be mad?
Vin rode until sunset. He was headed back towards Fort Lyon. He only planned on stopping long enough for Peso to rest and then he was heading on to town. He figured he'd be there by morning. He sat chewing some jerky while Peso grazed. What the hell was Ezra's problem? Ezra had jumped down his throat as soon as Vin had arrived. He figured Ezra would be happy to see him but he acted like Vin had been out having fun or something, instead of chasing his hide across the damn country. Like he didn't have better things ta do than worry after Ezra and his damn Ma? Hell, he should have stayed back in Four Corners with JD. Let the others come look for that good for nothing gambler. Vin stood and saddled Peso and headed on toward Fort Lyon.
"You left Ezra where?"
Josiah and Nathan sat in the saloon in Fort Lyon staring at Vin. Vin shrugged but wouldn't look them in the eyes. "He ain't far out. If he can't get back on his own then he deserves ta be lost."
"Did you forget there was more than one man looking for him, Vin?" Josiah looked at him sternly. What had gotten into Vin that he would leave Ezra once he found him?
Vin felt his stomach sink. He had forgotten. All he could think about was how mad he had been. Hell, he hadn't thought at all. But those men weren't headed in the same direction and Ezra was right behind him. He wasn't gonna let Josiah make him feel guilty.
"No, I ain't forgotten. Ezra's a grown man like y'all kept yammering at me before. Think he can make it back here in one piece. I ain't waiting around here. I'm heading back to Four Corners where I'm needed." With that he slammed down his cup and headed toward the livery.
"What was that all about?" Nathan looked worriedly at Josiah.
"I don't know, Nate. But I hope Ezra makes it back here soon."
Chris paced up and down the boardwalk in front of the saloon. He and Buck had arrived in Fort Lyon a little before noon. There was no sign of Ezra yet and Vin's horse wasn't at the livery.
"Vin said he was headed back to Four Corners, didn't say why." Josiah sat back in a chair with his long legs crossed at the ankle.
"We didn't see him, course he coulda gone a different way." Buck leaned on the railing and tried to stretch the kinks out of his back.
"Why did he leave Ezra and go back to town?" Chris stopped his pacing and sat back on the railing beside Buck.
"Don't know, Chris. He was mad about something, fuming how Ezra was on his way here."
Chris and Buck exchanged looks. It sounded like Ezra's sarcastic tongue had gotten him in trouble again. But they couldn't believe Vin would have headed back to Four Corners without waiting for them or without Ezra.
Chris and Buck were the only two at the table. Josiah and Nathan had gone down to the livery to check on the horses and see if maybe Vin had come back.
"Whadda ya think happened? Vin ain't one to get mad." Buck sat slouched down low in his chair, long legs stretched out under the table. He gently bumped Chris' leg with his. Chris looked over at him and gave him a little smile.
"You know Ezra, Buck. He could make a nun cuss. But you'd think they would have been happy to see each other, at least long enough to get back to town." Chris gave him a sexy smile. "I know I would like to get you back here to town, nice hot bath, big bed, whiskey. Not necessarily in that order."
Buck shifted his legs. When Chris gave him that smile, things got a mite constricting in places. He moved one hand under the table and gave a quick look around. Everyone in the bar was talking or drinking and no one paid them any attention. Buck ran his hand up Chris' thigh where he found Chris was a mite constricted too. He smiled back at Chris.
"Think we could leave a little later?"
"I think it can wait a couple more hours."
"I'll get the bath ordered, you get the room?" Buck moved to stand.
"I'll meet you back here in 10 minutes."
Looking back, Ezra knew he had made a critical error. When one is being hunted, it pays to be focused and alert. Ezra had been deep in thought about Vin and hadn't been paying attention to his surroundings. One minute he was leading Hank back to Fort Lyon, the next he heard the crack of a rifle and was on the ground holding his arm. He had his wits about him enough to spur Royal as he fell. Royal took off at a run and the other men didn't try to stop him. Ezra had been holding the reins to Hank's horse in his hand so his horse pulled up as Ezra fell.
"Howdy, fellas!" Hank called jovially. "Sure glad ta see ya." He looked down at Ezra and grinned. "See, that's how ya greet somebody that's come to help ya."
"Why don't you shut up?" Ezra growled from where he lay and tried to stop the bleeding in his shoulder.
"You all right, Hank?"
Ezra looked up as the two other men who had taken him from Fort Lyon approached.
Hank grinned and nodded.
"I'm fine. Just cut me loose."
He held up his hands and the closest man to him moved over to cut the ropes. He rubbed his wrists and rolled his shoulders.
"Too bad his horse took off. I'd surely love ta make ya walk all the way, but yer friend might decide to come back and get ya. I know if I was him I'd come back for ya."
Hank looked meaningfully at Ezra.
"Tom, tie his hands and make sure he ain't gonna bleed ta death anytime soon. He can ride with me." Hank winked at Ezra.
Tom, a big blond man who wore his hair long dismounted and walked towards Ezra. He jerked Ezra's jacket off and tossed it aside. He roughly checked Ezra's shoulder.
"Well, it's a big hole. Damn Jack and his big ass pistol." Tom and the man Jack both sniggered.
"He gonna live?" Hank nudged his horse closer.
"Yeah, he'll live. He ain't gonna bleed too quick." He pulled a dirty bandana from his pocket and jammed it against Ezra's shoulder. Ezra hissed.
"Hold still."
Tom turned to Jack and he threw him a piece of rope. Tom tied Ezra's hands together and then pulled him up. "You sure ya want him riding with ya?"
Hank grinned at Ezra again. "Yeah, I want him right up here in front of me, so I can keep an eye on him."
Tom, who was about 6'4", grunted as he lifted Ezra and tossed him into the saddle in front of Hank. Hank fitted his hands around Ezra's waist and gathered the reins.
"Come on, fellas. Let's make some tracks."
The others started out and Hank leaned his mouth to Ezra's ear. "Yeah, I want ya right in front of me so I can check out what yer fella's been playing with." He chuckled. "I'll be samplin' it for myself later. You sure are a purty little thing, aren't ya?" Laughing, he kicked his horse into a canter.
"Think we should go lookin' for him, pard?"
"Yeah, I think so too, Buck. He should have been here by now."
"Let's get the others."
Vin stopped to make camp around two in the afternoon. He knew Peso was beat and so was he. He rubbed Peso down and left him to graze.
"Sorry, pard. I ain't been too nice ta ya today."
Vin thought about making a fire but he wasn't hungry. He had ridden out of Fort Lyon barely two hours after arriving. He had ridden towards Four Corners, then turned in the direction he'd left Ezra before turning again toward home.
He kept going over and over the things he had said to Ezra. He didn't know what made him say them. He had been relieved to find Ezra, then angry that Ezra had gotten into the mess that he had and more angry that Ezra was yelling at him. He guessed now that he had time to calm down he'd been scared. Scared that he wouldn't find Ezra or that something bad would happen and Vin wouldn't be there to help him.
Instead, they'd both yelled and said things they didn't mean, and now he didn't know where Ezra was again. At least he hoped Ezra hadn't meant the things he'd said. Vin knew he regretted everything he'd said. Hell, he'd said stuff he hadn't even thought before. Stuff just spewed out like poison. He'd seen the hurt on Ezra's face and some small part of him was happy for it. Now his damn pride was getting in the way of him turning back to Fort Lyon to make sure that Ezra was there.
He figured Ezra should have made it back to town no later than noon. He reckoned Chris and Buck would be there by now. Would they leave for Four Corners today or wait till the morning? Morning probably. He'd just wait here for them and they could all ride back together.
Hank kept his horse behind the other two men. He made a point of grinding his crotch into Ezra's ass and reaching around to fondle Ezra. Whenever Ezra tried to struggle, Hank just pressed his hand into Ezra's wounded shoulder or squeezed his cracked ribs. "Lively one, ain't ya? Mmmm," Hank moaned in his ear, fondling Ezra again. "Wish I could try ya out tonight. Ya got me hotter than a ruttin' deer. But these guys might want me ta share, and I want ya to myself first."
Ezra cursed to himself. He couldn't believe he had gotten into this situation. Here they were heading away from Fort Lyon, and he was trapped with this horny bastard. He plotted ways of slicing this guy up so he would have to tie a string around his dick to even take a piss.
Hank suddenly jerked Ezra's shirt out of the back of his pants. He felt Hank's erection pressed up to his back. Hank began to kiss and lick Ezra's neck and reached around to unbutton Ezra's pants. Ezra willed his body not to respond to the man's rough handling of his cock, but his body had a mind of his own. He tried not to think of Vin but Hank kept reminding him.
"Bet he don't make ya feel like this. Knew ya would like it. Gettin' nice and hard for me, ain't ya? Ya wait till later, I'll make ya feel real good."
Hank started jerking and moaning behind him and frantically tugged at Ezra's cock. Hank came then, spurting his seed all over Ezra's back.
"Looks like two horses met up with two more." Nathan was on the ground checking out sign.
"I see some blood over here, Nate."
"Aw hell."
Everyone turned to look at Chris. He held up Ezra's jacket blood covering the shoulder area. He tossed the jacket to Buck and mounted.
"Let's ride."
Ezra wanted to kill someone, right now he didn't care whom. Hank had him tied up again. Hank had ignored him once they made camp but Ezra noticed Hank had placed his bedroll closest to him. Tom had pulled a bottle of whisky from his saddlebags, and Hank had encouraged them to drink. He kept shooting looks at Ezra and grinning. Slowly Tom had passed out and now only Hank and John were awake. John was the only one of the group who didn't look like he was dumber than a box of rocks. While Tom and Jack had drunk more than their share, John hadn't had that much. Ezra was sending silent pleas to John to stop drinking.
"Think I'm gonna turn in. Ya want the rest of this bottle?" Hank handed the bottle to John.
"Nah, gonna get some shut eye, first I gotta unload." John stood and walked to the edge of the camp near the trees, undoing his pants. When he finished, he moved toward his bedroll on the other side of the fire.
Ezra saw Hank stalking towards him with a wide smile on his face. He knelt down by him and ran his hand up Ezra's leg, rubbing his hand on Ezra's crotch.
"Looks like yer mine soon. Don't ya worry, just a little longer."
Hank moved so he could watch the other men and waited for them all to fall asleep.
The moon was bright again tonight. Small wisps of clouds floated by, but nothing blocked the moon's light. Ezra tried to silently edge further away as Hank sat with his back to him. Ezra felt helpless. With his hands tied behind him and his feet bound together there wasn't much he could do.
He stopped moving as he saw Hank rise to his feet. Hank slowly turned around, smiling at Ezra. He knew Ezra could see him and he moved at a leisurely pace. He unbuckled his guns and laid them down, removing his hat and tossing it towards his saddle, all the while keeping eye contact with Ezra. Hank moved until he stood over him.
"Been waiting for this all day. Thinking on what I wanted ta do to ya first." Hank's hand lowered and he started rubbing his already stiffening cock. "Gonna let ya start on this first." He grinned as he started to undo his pants.
"I think you better start on that yourself. You're gonna have to piss out of your eyeballs if you bring that near me."
Ezra tried to move farther back.
Hank grinned and then quickly backhanded Ezra. "I said I liked ya feisty. Ya won't be talkin' so much when ya got yer mouth full."
He straddled Ezra, putting all his weight where Ezra's hands were trapped behind his body. He finished undoing his pants and grabbed his cock. He saw Ezra's eyes widen. "Yeah, like that, huh? Nice and big. Bet it's better than that scrawny one ya been getting."
"I think ya better put that toothpick back where ya got it, pard," Buck whispered in Hank's ear, his knife tight to Hank's throat.
Hank started to nod and then thought better of it. Buck pulled him up and Chris slipped in to untie Ezra. Buck held him still and turned him so Chris could knock him out. Ezra stepped in and cold cocked him. All three men grinned and eased out of camp to where Nathan and Josiah held the horses a few yards away. They silently mounted and headed out.
They rode quickly back to town where Nathan checked Ezra out. He bandaged his shoulder and checked his ribs, pronounced him all right. Nathan and Josiah decided to turn in for the night, leaving Ezra, Buck and Chris drinking in the Saloon. Ezra had not mentioned Vin, and no one had brought the subject up. Buck finally decided it was time.
"Vin was worried about ya."
Ezra shot him an exasperated look. It was obvious to him that Vin wasn’t too concerned or he would never have left him and, for that matter, where was Vin now? He refused to ask the question.
"I am tired, Buck. I'm heading for the bathhouse and then to bed." Ezra got up to leave but Chris grabbed his wrist.
"Vin is worried. Don't know what happened out there, but we know he cares about ya."
"Maybe you do, but it is not that clear to me. I...I want to thank you for..." Ezra looked at them, lost for words. Both men nodded.
"Any time, pard." Buck moved to touch him but Ezra backed away. Ezra tipped his hat and left.
Chris sighed. "Wonder what happened, Buck?"
"Don't know. Think they just need to talk it out. Good thing we got there when we did. If that had been you..." Buck reached out and lightly touched Chris on the arm. Chris smiled warmly at him.
"I'd guess in our case there would be dead bodies lying out there."
Buck laughed. "Reckon so. We ain't as restrained as Ezra."
Ezra woke and stifled a scream. He had dreamed of being tied up again, but this time the others hadn't rescued him in time. Hank had been thrusting into him, blood running down his legs, while Vin stood behind Hank saying, "Ya got what ya deserved."
He ran his hand over his sweaty face. He threw back the covers and went to the basin. Empty. He had forgotten that he wasn't back in his room in Four Corners. He was in this flea bag hotel in Fort Lyon.
He wanted to be home.
He hadn't admitted to himself how terrified he'd been before Buck and Chris arrived. The thought of that man taking him, forcing him, and then he thought of what Hank had done. He felt dirty - soiled. It made him shudder to think of it. He wanted to go back to the bathhouse again.
And Vin, where was Vin? He had always thought he could count on Vin to watch his back, especially now that they were lovers, but Vin was nowhere in sight. If it hadn't been for the other men, he didn't want to think about it. He didn't want to be here anymore. He got up to dress and the damp, bloodstained shirt lying on the floor made him nauseous.
He couldn't stand being in this room. He went out to sit on the boardwalk. A light rain was falling and the temperature had dropped. Ezra sat, shuffling his deck of cards, and watching the street.
"Ezra has decided to stay a few extra days."
Chris and Buck were already having breakfast when the others arrived.
"He wants to stay?" Nathan looked concerned. "Why wouldn't he leave with us?"
Josiah settled in a seat beside Buck. "Ezra might be running from a few demons."
Nathan frowned.
Josiah continued. "I think the events of last night might have shaken Ezra more than he was willing to admit."
"I think so too, Josiah." Chris looked briefly at Buck. They hadn't told the other two all that had happened when they found Ezra.
"Why would Vin leave Ezra alone, Chris?"
"I don't know, Nathan. He didn't say before he headed back to town. Figured him and Ezra had words. You know Ezra can be ornery."
Nathan tried to suppress a grin. "Yeah, the man can make a saint cuss."
"Amen, brother."
Everyone laughed.
Vin woke at dawn as he usually did. He stirred the fire and made coffee. Should he stay there and wait for the others or head back to meet them? He didn't know why but he had a bad feeling like something was wrong. He knew he would go crazy waiting for them so he decided to head back towards Fort Lyon. He broke camp and saddled Peso, and within the hour he was ready.
"Are you sure you don't want to come back with us?" Chris said.
He, Buck and Nathan were saddled and ready to go. They all stood on the boardwalk outside the saloon.
"No Mr. Larabee, I wish to remain here a few days and....rest." Ezra refused to look Chris in the eye.
Chris nodded. "All right. Josiah is gonna stay here with you."
"That is not necessary-" Ezra started to protest.
"I want to stay, and it wouldn't be safe for you to travel back alone in case those men pretending to be marshals show back up," Josiah said.
Ezra glanced quickly to Chris and Buck to see if they had told Josiah what had happened. They both shook their heads slightly.
"I think that's a good idea, Ezra. No need in you tempting fate. You two stay as long as you want; just send a telegram when you're on your way. We've talked to the sheriff and he knows about those men who were posing as marshals. He's gonna keep an eye out for us," Chris said with a smile.
"Okay, Chris," Ezra said and looking over at Josiah, gave him a grateful smile. "And thank you, Josiah."
The three men touched their hats and turning their horses, headed out of town towards Four Corners. The town was already busy even though it was still early morning. Ezra and Josiah headed back inside the saloon and returned to the table they had been sitting at earlier.
Vin met up with the others later that morning. The day was turning out to be a nice one, and even though it wasn't very warm, it was sunny.
"Hey, fellas." Vin waved a greeting as he rode closer. A quick look told him Ezra wasn't there. "Where's Ez?"
Chris tried to keep a lid on his temper. He knew what had happened to Ezra wasn't Vin's fault but still if Vin hadn't left him....
Buck, knowing Chris filled in the silence.
"Ezra and Josiah are heading back in a couple of days."
"Whadda ya mean? Why ain't they with y'all?"
"Cause they ain't," Chris growled and jabbed Pony in the ribs with his spurs.
The rest followed but Vin just sat there. "Well, I'm headin' back to Fort Lyon then. I ain't leavin' Ez there."
"Why didn't you think of that before?" Chris whirled Pony around. "If ya had none of this would have happened!"
Vin felt his stomach sink. Something had happened. He had felt something was wrong earlier. "What happened?"
"Chris," Buck warned.
"Ezra wants to stay in Fort Lyon. You aren't going back." Chris glared at Vin.
"The hell I ain't. You cain't stop me from goin'." Vin pulled Peso up closer to Chris.
"Somebody better tell me what the hell happened to Ezra," Vin said quietly, glaring at the others.
Chris sighed. Ezra had made him promise that he wouldn't tell anyone. Ezra had told him and Buck what Hank had done and had been planning to do when they rescued him.
"Not now, Vin. Wait till we get back to town."
Ezra sat on the boardwalk shuffling his cards. He was restless. He had thought he wanted to stay in Fort Lyon but now he did not but he didn't want to return to Four Corners either. Josiah had gone to the General Store. Ezra looked down the street. Where was Josiah? He stood abruptly and went to the livery to saddle the horses. He met Josiah a few minutes later, leading Royal and Quincy.
"Ezra? We going somewhere?"
"Yes, we need to get back to town. I have settled our bill and sent off the telegram." He handed Josiah the reins to Quincy. "We have to go now, Josiah."
Josiah nodded and mounted his horse. He followed the quick pace Ezra set out of town.
Josiah and Ezra kept a brisk pace. They caught up with the others in the afternoon.
No one made any comment as the others joined them. Chris looked at Josiah, who just shrugged. They continued until almost dark when they stopped to rest the horses and grab a bite to eat before continuing on to town.
"I'll take first watch," Vin said as he dismounted. He figured he'd corner Ezra when he got back and find out what happened. He rubbed Peso down and gave him some grain.
Chris unsaddled Pony and Buck's horse Chester. Buck and Josiah gathered some firewood while Nathan unpacked some food and put water from the canteens into the coffeepot. Ezra took care of Royal and the rest of the horses. Soon coffee was ready and everyone settled down to eat.
Ezra stood drinking his coffee. Josiah handed him jerky. Ezra shook his head. "I am not hungry, Josiah."
"You need to eat something, Ezra. You didn't have any breakfast."
Ezra smiled. "I am fine. All I want is coffee."
Josiah could see the dark circles under Ezra's eyes and the way his hands trembled.
"How about some sleep then? We’ll be here a few hours."
"Perhaps."
After thirty minutes, Chris got up to relieve Vin. Vin came back and got a cup of coffee and looked around for Ezra. He saw him lying down and went to speak to him but Josiah stopped him.
"Leave him be, Vin."
"I just wanna..."
"Leave him be, it can wait."
Vin saw from the stubborn look on Josiah's face that he wasn't going to let Vin talk to Ezra then. Vin turned back toward the fire and poured more coffee. Damn it I'm never gonna get a chance ta talk to Ez. Vin glanced over at Nathan, then he moved and sat down by the healer.
"What happened ta Ezra?"
Nathan looked up and watched as Josiah moved to cover Ezra with a blanket. Josiah then sat down near where Ezra slept.
"Don't know all of it. Those men caught Ezra comin' back ta town with that Hank fella. We ran across 'em that night, Chris and Buck went inta camp ta get him while me and Josiah tended to the horses. He had a bullet to the shoulder. He wouldn't let me take his shirt off but I could see bruises on his neck."
Nathan placed a hand up to touch his neck where it met his shoulders.
"He ain't been acting normal since. When we left, he said he was staying in Fort Lyon for a few days. Josiah was gonna stay with him."
Vin felt hollow inside. His heart was pounding and he heard a rushing noise in his head. That man had been telling the truth. He had done something to Ezra, something.... sexual.
And he, Vin had left him out there alone with that man, to get captured again. No wonder Ezra didn't want to speak to him. He looked around and saw Buck leaning against his saddle, hat down over his eyes. He mumbled a thanks to Nathan and went to sit by Buck.
"Buck? " He said softly.
"Huh?"
"What, what happened?"
Buck took a deep breath and then pushed his hat back. "You need to ask Ezra that. He asked us not to say."
Vin grabbed him by the arm. "I need ta know, Buck, and Ez is avoiding me."
"Wait till we get back to town and we're all feeling safe." Buck patted his hand.
Vin nodded. He knew Buck was right. Now was not the time to press Ezra. They need to get off this damn trail and back to Four Corners, and he hoped like hell he saw Maude and that man Hank on the way back, because he wanted to shoot both of them between the eyes.
Vin prowled the streets. He stopped in the General Store, bathhouse and at the jail. Now he was headed for the livery. He hesitated as he heard a voice coming from inside, Ezra. Finally. He inched his way through the door; it was cooler there. The air was sweet with the smell of horse and hay.
"Lift your foot, Royal. Your other foot." Ezra was bent over, his hand cupped around Royal's back hoof. He checked the shoe and gently cleaned out the hoof.
Vin quietly approached the stall. He had been trying to get Ezra to talk to him for three days, but Ezra kept avoiding him. He waited until he was in front of the stall door before he spoke.
"Ez." He saw Ezra stiffen slightly and then relax.
"Mr. Tanner." He moved around to the other hoof.
"Ez, will you please talk ta me."
"I believe we are talking, Mr. Tanner."
Vin clenched the top of the door trying not to get angry. He finally had Ezra alone and didn't want to lose this chance.
"Ezra I'm sorry. I said some things I shouldn'ta..."
Ezra stood and came towards the door. "There is no need for this. If you would please move?"
"No."
"Excuse me?"
"No, I ain't movin' till ya hear me out."
"Let me out of this stall-" Ezra spoke slowly.
"Yer gonna hear me out Ezra even if I gotta tie ya up."
Vin never saw Ezra reach for his gun. Suddenly he was staring at the business end of Ezra's .44 Army revolver. Vin started backing away from the door, hands held up.
"Ez."
"You." Ezra opened the stall door. "Will." He took a step out, his arm-outstretched gun out. Vin was now backed up almost to the barn wall. "Not." Ezra fired a shot. "Threaten. Me."
Vin heard shouts and footsteps running toward the barn. He stared in shock at Ezra, not moving a muscle. Ezra now stood about ten feet in front of Vin, gun still pointed at him. Ezra had placed a bullet in the wall beside Vin.
"Ezra, put the gun down." Chris stood at the barn door.
Vin could see Ezra's hand trembling.
"Ezra, nice and easy, pard." Buck entered from the other side.
Ezra never took his eyes off Vin, but Vin could tell Ezra wasn't seeing him, his eyes looked unfocused.
"He, he threatened me." Ezra tightened his grip.
"We're here now, Ezra. Everything is fine." Chris walked slowly forward. He nodded to Buck.
"Ez, come on, let's get out of here." Buck holstered his weapon and slid up beside Ezra. "Ez" he said and gently placed a hand on Ezra's arm.
Ezra finally blinked. His eyes flicked to Buck and Buck smiled. Ezra lowered his gun and allowed Buck to lead him out.
Vin took a breath; he hadn't realized he had been holding it. Then he realized his hands were still up.
"You all right?" Chris came to stand in front of him. Vin nodded. "What the hell happened?"
Vin shook his head. He turned to look at the bullet hole in the wall. He knew Ezra could have killed him if he had wanted.
"Vin?"
"I need a drink." Vin started out the door towards the saloon. A few minutes later they sat with beer in hand.
"So?" Chris resumed.
Vin shrugged. "Nothing. Ezra was at the livery with Royal, I went in ta talk ta him."
"And?"
"He didn't wanna talk, said he was leaving."
"Vin. What did you do?"
"Told him I wasn't letting him leave till he heard me out. Tie him up if I had ta."
"You said what?"
"What?"
"Vin, that man had Ezra tied up, remember?"
Vin looked blank for a second and then cursed. "Damn it, Chris, I didn't think."
"That's obvious."
Vin took a long drink. "Chris, are ya gonna tell me what happened to Ez?"
"You need to found a way to talk to him, he needs to be the one to tell you."
Vin looked up later as Buck came down the stairs.
"He's in his room, I hid the guns." Buck grinned.
Vin smiled weakly. "Thanks, Buck."
Chris and Buck watched as Vin climbed the stairs to Ezra's room. Chris looked over as Buck sat beside him. "Whadda ya think, Buck?"
"Don't know. Ezra needs to get it out, ain't gonna be right between 'em until he does."
Chris moved his leg under the table until his leg brushed Buck's. Buck grinned and stretched his long legs out further, slouching in his seat.
"We won't let that happen, right?"
"Hell no, Chris. " Buck smiled broadly rubbing his calf along Chris'. "We ain't ones to keep our mouths shut."
Chris laughed. "You're right about that."
Vin moved silently down the hall. He paused outside of Ezra's door and tried the door. Buck had left it unlocked. He eased into the room. Ezra was sitting in the rocker, whiskey bottle in hand. He looked up when the door opened.
"Buck..." He stopped when he saw Vin, raised the bottle and took another swig.
"Can I have some of that?" Vin stood by the door.
Ezra shrugged. He picked up the glass from the floor and poured. He held the glass out and Vin walked around the bed until he stood in front of Ezra. He took the glass and sat back on the bed. He took a drink.
"Cain't seem ta say anythin' right no more. I'll say it again, Ez, I'm sorry for everything I've said and done. Jut want ya ta know I love ya."
Ezra closed his eyes; his hand trembled as he brought the bottle to his lips. "You can't," he whispered.
Vin knelt in front of the rocker and took Ezra's hands in his. "Nothin' can change how I feel. Please, Ezra, I can't stand not being with ya."
Ezra removed his hands and picked up the bottle again. He sat a long time drinking, not looking at Vin. Vin sat there waiting.
"I can't get the stink of him off me. I scrub and scrub... Every time I close my eyes, I feel him touching me." Ezra haltingly told Vin everything that had happened. Vin clenched his fists so hard his nails dug into his palms, but he didn't speak until Ezra finished.
Vin took the bottle from his hand and placed it on the floor. He reached down and helped Ezra stand, leading him around the bed. Vin pushed him to sit and then bent down to remove Ezra's boots.
"Lay back, Ezra. Get some sleep."
Ezra moved over to the other side of the bed. Vin kicked off his boots and lay on his back near the edge of the bed. Ezra rolled over so he was facing away from Vin. Vin sighed. He ached to take Ezra in his arms and hold him tight; it had been so long but he knew Ezra was hurting. Vin wanted to kill the man who had done this.
Vin lay there trying to fall asleep. He heard the change in Ezra's breathing and knew he had finally drifted off. Vin couldn't, his mind wouldn't stop racing. Ezra stirred in his sleep and rolled towards Vin. Ezra draped his arm across Vin's chest and snuggled closer. He moved his knee between Vin's legs. Vin took a shuddering deep breath. He wrapped his arms around Ezra, holding him close. He inhaled Ezra's scent. He was home again. He relaxed and was soon asleep.
Ezra woke gradually from a wonderful dream. In it he was back with Vin, it was so real he could smell Vin's outdoor aroma. He felt the heat of Vin's skin under his hand. He opened one eye. He was lying half way across Vin's chest, his head on Vin's shoulder. He lightly ran his hand across Vin's shirt, feeling the hard muscles underneath. He felt Vin's arms tighten around him. He looked up and saw Vin's blue eyes watching him; a slow smile moved across Vin's face.
"Mornin', Ez." He leaned his head and placed a soft kiss on Ezra's mouth. His heart soared as Ezra moved closer and deepened the kiss.
Vin cupped his hand behind Ezra's neck and pulled him in, the other hand he ran down Ezra's back. Ezra moved so his body covered Vin's. Vin caressed Ezra's ass, running his hand between Ezra's legs. Ezra moaned. Ezra broke the kiss and murmured Vin's name. He kissed down Vin's neck, unbuttoning Vin's shirt. He brushed his tongue around Vin's nipple. Vin gasped and it was his turn to moan Ezra's name. Vin moved so he was on top and Ezra froze.
"NO."
"Ez, it's me. Look at me, it's just me."
Ezra gazed into Vin's eyes deep blue and filled with passion. He nodded. He reached up and pulled Vin's mouth down to his. Vin lost himself in that kiss, in the feel of Ezra's hands on him. He quickly removed his clothes and helped Ezra get rid of his. He needed to feel Ezra's skin, need to feel the heat of Ezra's body touching his. He felt Ezra hesitate again and rolled over so Ezra was now on top.
"I love ya, Ez. Wanna feel all of ya that I can. We don't have ta do no more. I just missed ya so bad," Vin's voice trembled.
Ezra kissed him again. He dropped his knees to straddle Vin's hips and started to move slowly, his groin sliding over Vin’s.
Vin groaned and rubbed his hands down Ezra's back to his beautiful ass and pulled Ezra tight against him.
Ezra gently sucked on Vin's neck; he trailed his hands along Vin's chest. Their rhythm started slow and grew more frantic until they both found their release together, each calling the other’s name.
Ezra lay on Vin's chest; he could hear Vin's heart pounding under his ear. He ran his hand up and down Vin's arm. God, he felt like crying. He was back were he belonged; he had felt so lost without Vin. Vin lazily moved his hand up and down Ezra's back, the other he kept around Ezra's shoulders. He took a deep breath. It felt like years since he'd been here, lying with the man he loved.
"Don't leave me again, Ez. Don't think I could stand it."
Ezra raised up so he could look at Vin. He lightly kissed Vin.
"I'm sorry. I should have told you and I'm sorry for the things I said." He shook his head. "I was mad at myself and took it out on you. I love you Vin, more than I could ever say."
Vin smiled and pulled him back down for a long kiss. They drifted off to sleep again.
The first faint light of dawn was peaking over the horizon. Chris and Buck were nestled in Chris' bed. Chris lightly kissed the back of Buck's neck. His left arm stroked Buck's chest, alternating brushing the nipples and then trailing down Buck's stomach.
"Think we should head out to the cabin for a few days."
Buck leaned back a little more into Chris' embrace. "You don't have some fence needin' tendin' to, do ya? I hate digging post holes."
"No!" Chris stopped his hand. "I'm not talking about fences, Buck." His voice raised.
Buck tried to keep a straight face but he was soon chuckling.
"Damn it, Buck." Chris bit him lightly on the shoulder. "You know how to rile me up."
Buck turned and pulled Chris' head down. "I like ya riled up." He kissed Chris softly, then deepened the kiss.
"So," Chris said a few breathless minutes later. He looked down into Buck's blue eyes. "Wanna head out to the cabin?"
Buck wrapped his arms around Chris and flipped him over. He kissed the crook of Chris' neck, working his way to the front. He moved down Chris' chest, stopping at his areola. He flicked over it with his tongue and then carefully rubbed it with his stubbled chin. Chris moaned and reached to run his hands through Buck's hair.
"Uh uh, Stud. Hands off."
"Buck."
"Nope. Move those arms."
Chris sighed and reached his arms up above him. He placed his hands under the headboard.
Buck grinned. "I like it when yer obliging."
Chris shot him a look but then his eyes rolled back in his head when Buck resumed. Buck kissed his way down Chris's stomach, stopping at his navel. He ran his big hands down Chris' sides pulling him closer.
"Buck." Chris moaned. He gripped the headboard harder.
Buck worked his way to Chris' hip; he left a mark near the hipbone. Chris moved his legs further apart and moved his hips towards Buck. Buck knelt between Chris' legs and ran his hands up and down Chris' legs until Chris opened his eyes.
"You ain't stopping!" Chris demanded.
Buck grinned. "Nah, just got a couple of ideas of things I'd like ta try out at the cabin."
"Try 'em now." Chris gritted his teeth and moved his knees up nudging Buck.
Buck shook his head. "Need more time. One of 'em involves your toes."
"My toes?!" Chris released his death grip on the headboard and sat up some.
"Yeah, been thinking I'd like to suck on those toes of yours."
Chris curled his toes involuntarily. His toes? Then he thought of his toes in that hot, wet mouth. He groaned. Buck leaned down and licked his way from Chris' knee to his groin. He reached his hands under Chris' lower back and kneaded his butt, fingers trailing down the crease between Chris' cheeks.
"Buck, please," Chris begged.
Buck moved his hand to cup Chris' balls, rolling them gently. Chris thrust his hips upward. Buck slowly lowered his mouth.
Ezra woke expecting Vin to be up and gone. He could see daylight streaming in the window and Vin rarely slept past sunrise, but Vin was snuggled in close behind him, arms around Ezra's waist. Ezra sighed. He had feared he had lost Vin, especially after shooting at him. He closed his eyes. He hadn't meant to hit Vin, but when Vin mentioned tying him up, well that hit too close to what Hank had done, tried to do. His mind flashed to being trapped in that saddle with Hank behind him, grabbing at him, hurting him but making his body react against his will. Ezra leaped out of the bed breathing hard. Vin jerked awake searching for his gun and the cause of Ezra's distress.
"Ez?"
Ezra stood naked, back against the dresser. He was panting and looking wildly around. He leaned down and started pulling clothes on.
"Ezra, what’s wrong?" He threw back the quilt and sat on the side of the bed. He reached out to grab Ezra's wrist.
Ezra pulled back. "Nothing." He pulled up his pants and fastened them.
Vin ran his fingers through his hair. "Ezra." He said slowly. "What's the matter?"
"I said nothing. Why do you think anything is wrong?" He looked around for his boots.
"Maybe cause ya got my pants on?"
Ezra stopped and looked down. Sure enough he had Vin's pants on, the pants legs dragging the floor. He looked back at Vin and took a deep breath. He gave a shaky laugh.
"Maybe I wished to try them on."
Vin smiled and held out his hand. Ezra took it and came to stand between Vin's knees. Vin pulled him in close and wrapped his arms around Ezra's waist. He placed his cheek against Ezra's chest, Ezra's shirt still undone. Ezra brought his hands up to stroke Vin's hair, running his fingers through the silky strands.
"I'm sorry. Again," Ezra murmured.
"Ain't got nothing ta be sorry about. Come back ta bed? Unless ya want ta strut around in those pants. Look mighty fine on ya." Vin grinned up at him.
Ezra grinned back. "Perhaps I need to purchase a pair for myself." He let his shirt fall back to the floor as Vin unfastened his pants.
Vin ran his hands up Ezra's back and then back down to caress his butt. The pants fell into a pool around Ezra's feet leaving Ezra standing naked before him. He looked up and met Ezra's eyes, and then pulled him close to kiss Ezra's stomach.
"Ya can wear mine anytime."
"Mr. Larabee, are you two leaving?"
"Mary," Chris and Buck said in unison.
"We're heading at to do some work at the cabin." Chris touched his hat.
"I see." Mary took in the small wagon that Buck was driving. The back contained lumber, some wire and foodstuff.
"Yeah, we're gonna work on some fences. I love pounding fence posts." Buck smiled broadly, showing every tooth in his head.
Mary could have sworn she saw a flush creep up Chris' face but she figured she must be mistaken.
"Will you be gone long?"
"Just a couple of days." With that Chris nudged Pony and Buck got the wagon moving.
Mary gazed at them as they headed out of town. Everyone was acting strange lately. Her eye caught Vin and Ezra coming out of the saloon. They were both laughing at something and she saw Vin touch Ezra's face and then they both glanced around. Just what was that about? But now that she thought about it, it was more of a caress. That couldn't be right, could it?
She had noticed those two spending more time around each other for the past few months. She watched them as they headed down the boardwalk and then as Vin turned to go to the livery, she saw Ezra's hand brush Vin's butt, then Vin turned and grinned at him. What? What perverse liberties was Ezra taking with Vin? She had never really trusted Ezra. Well, who could trust someone that spent all their time conning people and cheating them out of their money? And obviously she was right as now, right before her eyes, Ezra was pulling some ruse on Vin. Poor Vin, she had felt so bad for him after that dear woman Charlotte had left. She had hoped Charlotte and Vin would have left together, Vin spent far too much time with Chris, which left Chris with less time to spend with her.
Mary frowned, remembering when they had gone on the Wagon Train. She had hoped to force Chris into admitting he loved her by telling him she was marrying Gerard. Not that she would have, she had no interest in the man, but she figured if she made Chris jealous he would finally see the light. Just how long was that stupid man going to mourn his wife and child? She had gotten over Steven, hadn't she? She was ready to move on and Billy liked Chris.
She shook her head. She needed to figure out what to do about that lecherous Ezra Standish. How dare he take advantage of Vin? How did Maude ever end up with a son like that?
"Vin?"
Vin looked up from saddling Peso to see Mary standing in the doorway. "Mrs. Travis." Vin touched his slouch hat brim.
"Vin, I was thinking of running another poetry contest and I wanted to be sure and tell you. I really enjoyed your poems." She put on her most dazzling smile.
Vin smiled shyly and ducked his head. "Thank you Mrs. Travis. I might have another poem or two. In fact," he looked up, an idea just coming to him, "I could use your help in writing up a few. My writing's gotten better but I'm real slow. Could ya write them up for me purty like?"
"I'd be glad to Vin. Perhaps you could come by later this evening? You can stay and have dinner with Billy and me."
"That'd be fine, ma'am." Vin blushed as Mary turned to leave. He'd written a couple of poems for Ezra but his writing was so messy. He'd get Mary to write them down for him and then give them to Ezra as a present. He smiled as he left to go on patrol.
"You aren't having dinner with us?" JD frowned as Vin prepared to leave. "First Buck and Chris leave, and now you aren't staying?"
It had become a ritual for the seven men to have dinner together. It gave them a chance to relax together and catch up on their day. Ezra tried not to show his displeasure. Vin hadn't given him a very plausible explanation as to why he was going to Mary's and why he was also having dinner with her. Vin had said she had a few chores she needed help with and was going to pay him by feeding him. That didn't really explain why Vin had bathed and gotten dressed in his nicest shirt, Ezra's favorite shirt, the blue chambray one.
"Nah, JD. Mrs. Travis is gonna feed me." Vin smiled at them all as he left. He tried not to notice the disappointed look on Ezra's face. Instead, he imagined the look on Ezra's face when he gave Ezra the poems. He whistled as he headed out the batwing doors.
"Think he's courtin' Mrs. Travis?" JD fairly whispered as he watched Vin leave.
Ezra coughed on this, whiskey fairly spewing it across the table. Nathan pounded him on the back.
"Kinda looks that way, JD," Nathan said as he renewed his blows to Ezra's back as Ezra began sputtering.
"I don't think I would jump to that conclusion, JD. It is probably just as he says," Josiah said.
The other men ate in silence for awhile after that, each lost in thought.
"That is a lovely poem, Vin," Mary said as she and Vin sat at her kitchen table. Billy was playing in his room. This was worse than she thought. This was definitely a love poem.
"Thank you, Mrs. Travis." Vin blushed profusely and ducked his head.
"Please, call me Mary," she smiled and placed her hand on his.
"Mary," Vin said softly.
She wrote a few more lines and then said, "So, how was Mr. Standish's trip to Fort Lyon? His mother told me he was meeting a young lady there, a possible suitor?"
"What?" Vin looked at her sharply.
"I heard from her several weeks before Mr. Standish left; seems he and this young woman, she is from Virginia I believe, have been corresponding and she agreed to meet him there. Mrs. Standish was acting as a chaperone of course." Mary smiled. "I saw him just today ordering a wedding ring."
"Wedding ring?" Vin looked shocked. What was Ezra doing ordering a wedding ring? Meeting some woman in Fort Lyon? What had Ezra’s damn mother gotten him into this time?
Mary smiled as she saw the doubt on Vin's face. What a stroke of luck she had seen Ezra at the General Store earlier ordering a ring. She had no idea if it was actually a wedding ring but that didn't matter. What mattered was that Vin believed it, and she was doing this for him. He would thank her once he was back in his right mind and away from the sinful influence of Ezra Standish.
Ezra played cards and tried not to keeping checking the door to see if Vin had returned. He looked at his watch again. Vin had been gone hours. He sighed. He was not going to dwell on it. He knew there was a good reason Vin was helping Mrs. Travis and when Vin was ready he would tell him. He wouldn't let that spoil his good mood. He had ordered a set of rings for Vin and him today. Just plain gold bands, he had them sent to Denver to be engraved. He didn't want to tell Mrs. Potter what he wanted the inscription to read. She had been nosey enough about the ring. Ezra wasn't sure Vin would wear it so he had ordered a gold chain too. He just felt the need to give Vin a token of his affection, something Vin could keep with him, a sign of their love. He smiled as he thought of the look on Vin's face when he gave it to him.
Vin walked slowly back to the saloon. Was what Mary said true? He knew she had no reason to lie to him. Why would Maude go to the trouble of sending Mary a telegram? Was she back at Fort Lyon? Did Ezra know? What was he gonna do? Ask Ezra? No, he couldn't do that. He needed to think but more than that he needed a drink.
Vin entered the saloon and went straight to the bar. He asked the bartender for a bottle and went to sit alone in the back. He glanced at Ezra playing cards but quickly looked away when he saw Ezra look at him.
Finally. Ezra had just seen Vin enter the bar. He frowned slightly when Vin did not look at him but went straight to the bar then to a back table. Ezra tried to bring his mind back to the poker game. He couldn't just get up and go question Vin, without making people wonder.
Ezra glanced back at the table where Vin sat. Where was he? Vin had just been there a few minutes ago. Ezra checked his watch. Ten PM. He grinned. Maybe Vin was waiting for him upstairs. Well he would not keep his lover waiting.
But Vin was not upstairs when Ezra arrived fifteen minutes later. Ezra checked the room but there was no sign of Vin. He went back downstairs and to the table where Josiah and Nathan sat.
"Have you seen Mr. Tanner?"
"No, Ezra. He left here about thirty minutes ago. Ya need something?"
"No, Mr. Jackson. It can wait."
"I'm sure he'll be back soon." Josiah smiled widely.
Ezra turned and headed back upstairs. Ezra was asleep when he heard the door open softly. He grabbed his gun and turned to face it.
"Just me," Vin said softly, "didn't mean ta wake ya."
"Are you all right?" Ezra replaced his gun on the bedside table.
"Fine," Vin mumbled as he undressed.
Ezra scooted over so Vin could slide into the bed. He reached to pull Vin close and felt Vin stiffen.
"I'm tired, Ezra," he said as he lay turning his back to Ezra. He tugged the covers up to his shoulders.
Ezra pulled his hand back. What was wrong? Vin had never moved away from him.
"Vin, what is the matter?"
"Ya ain’t keeping nothing from me, are ya?"
"No, what makes you say that?"
"Something Mary said." Vin rolled onto his back. He put his hands behind his head.
Ezra leaned on one elbow. "And what did Mrs. Travis have to say?"
Vin stole a quick glance at Ezra, gauging his mood.
"Well," Vin said slowly, "she seemed to think you went to Fort Lyon ta meet some woman, like...like a bride."
"A bride?" Ezra sat up. "She told you I went to get married?"
"No, said you were meeting Maude and some woman she was trying ta fix ya up with."
Ezra sat quietly staring across the room. Vin ran a hand down Ezra’s bare back.
"What do ya think Maude’s up to? Don’t see where Mary would have cause ta lie."
Ezra turned to Vin and smiled. He moved so he was lying on his stomach beside Vin and rubbed his hand lightly across Vin’s chest.
"It’s hard to tell with my mother, Vin. Tonight I want to spend showing you how much I’ve missed you." Ezra let his hand trail further down.
Vin threaded his fingers through Ezra’s hair and smiled. "Sounds like a plan ta me. Been missing you something bad."
Ezra awoke to find Vin already gone. He got dressed and went downstairs; it was early for him to be up and the other men were still at the table having breakfast.
"Hey, Ezra," JD called, "what're you doing up so early?"
"Couldn't sleep," Ezra said as he sat down. Inez brought him coffee.
"Quiet without Buck around," JD said almost wistfully. He looked like a kid who had lost his favorite toy.
"Buck will be back soon enough, JD," Josiah said and patted him on the shoulder. "Why don't you go visit Casey?"
JD brightened. "Yeah, that's a great idea, Josiah. We can go fishing." And he hurried out the door.
All the men smiled. JD's idea of romance was a mystery to them. Romance. The thought of that made Ezra's smile widen.
"Ya missed Vin," Nathan said. "Said he was headed to Miss Nettie's. Guess it's just us three here in town."
Ezra nodded as he drank more coffee. Well, perhaps he would just go have a word with Mrs. Travis and see if he could figure out what his mother had said to her. With that thought he got up.
"Leaving Ezra? Inez has a good breakfast this morning." Josiah said.
"Perhaps later." He headed out the door.
Mary glanced out the window and saw Ezra heading for the newspaper office. She had figured this would be his next step. She had sent a telegram to Maude and was ready.
"Mr. Standish," she said before he got in the door, "I was just coming to find you."
"You were?"
"Yes, this telegram came for you a few minutes ago. From your mother."
She handed him the paper and watched as he read. She saw him scowling at the cable and then folding it, placed it in his pocket.
"Thank you, Mrs. Travis." Then he turned and left.
She almost laughed out loud. Men were so easily manipulated.
"Where are you going, Ezra?" Josiah said worriedly. He didn't like that look on Ezra's face nor the fact that he was leaving on such short notice.
"I will only be gone a day or two. Mr. Larabee and Wilmington will be back tomorrow." Ezra continued to saddle Royal.
"Don't you want to wait and tell Vin or maybe get him to go with you?"
Ezra eyed Josiah closely. He had suspected that they were not fooling Josiah on the extent of their relationship but they had not confided in him. Now was not the time.
"The faster I leave, the sooner I can get this matter settled." He mounted and looked down at Josiah. "No need to look worried, Josiah I will not be gone long." He smiled, gold tooth showing, and headed out.
Ezra could not believe the nerve of his mother. She had sent a cable to Mrs. Travis asking if she wanted to invest in a real estate venture in Fort Lyon. The woman had the audacity to return to Fort Lyon and try to procure money from people he knew. Well, he would give her a little surprise and find out exactly what she had done with that money from Robert Winston and why she had implicated him.
Vin arrived back in town near sunset. He had already promised Nettie that he would help her and he couldn’t just tell her no. He had finished the work on the corral fence as fast as he could without rousing her suspicions more than he had. He saw Mary standing in front of the Clarion as he came into town.
"Vin," she greeted him warmly, "are you coming by this evening? I finished those poems for you. I made pot roast and Billy has been asking if you are going to stop by."
Vin groaned silently. He did not want to spend the evening with Mary but how could he refuse when she had been so nice?
" Well, ma’am-" he began.
"Mary," she reminded him.
"Mary," he agreed. "I....I just need ta go clean up a bit."
"Don't be long or the food will get cold."
Vin knew he would not have time to see Ezra before he went to Mary's. Besides, Ezra was probably playing poker and would be busy for awhile. He stopped at his wagon to get a change of clothes and then went to the bathhouse to clean up. He was back at Mary's in no time.
"Vin!" Billy shouted as he threw himself at Vin.
"Hey there, pard." Vin picked him up and swung him around, then handed him a small parcel. "This is from Miss Nettie."
"Just in time, Vin. Have a seat."
Vin enjoyed dinner, it was nice having a home cooked meal but his mind kept wandering to Ezra. Billy hurriedly ate dessert and ran off to see what Nettie had sent him.
"So, Vin, have you heard the exciting news?"
"No, ma'am, I mean Mary. I've been out at Nettie's all day."
Mary grinned. "Mr. Standish has gone off to propose! "
"He's what?" Vin dropped his fork and it clanked to the floor. He didn't bother to pick it up.
"Yes!" Mary was positively beaming. "He sent a telegram this morning saying he was on his way there. Isn't that wonderful? Ah, true love, but I guess only women get excited about such things. I hope he brings her back here for the wedding, but I suppose they might travel back to Virginia. Did I mention that is where she is from originally?"
Vin couldn't hear a word she said after she said Ezra had sent a telegram. When the hell had all this happened? What was that damn mother of Ezra’s up to now?
"I need ta go," Vin mumbled as he got up. "Thanks, Mary for dinner."
"Don't you want me to work on any more poems for you, Vin?"
"No. I mean, no thank you." He picked up his hat and headed out the door.
Mary smiled. This had gone much better than she had ever hoped. Vin would thank her later when he came to his senses. Maude had said she would handle things with Ezra on her end. Hopefully that charlatan would not be coming back to Four Corners. Where had Maude gone wrong with her son?
Vin stumbled into the saloon a few minutes later. He looked but Ezra was not at his usual table. He saw Josiah sitting at a table and headed for him.
"Is it true?" Vin desperately wanted someone to tell him it wasn't even though he knew it was.
"Is what true, Vin? What is wrong?" Josiah poured a glass of whiskey and shoved it towards Vin.
"Has Ezra left town?"
"Yes, he left earlier today."
Vin slammed his glass on the table. Damn it. Ezra had gone off after that woman on his own again.
"Vin, what is the matter? Ezra said he would be back in a couple of days. I'm sure he would have told you if you had been here."
"That ain’t the point. It’s that damn mother of his," Vin growled. He turned and went to the bar. After getting a bottle of whiskey, he stormed out, almost knocking JD and Nathan over in the process.
"What's wrong with him?" JD glanced back at the still swinging bat-wing doors.
"I don't know," Josiah said, "but I think there is trouble brewing."
Chris lay back on the bed feeling boneless. He didn't have the strength to twitch a finger. Buck lay with his head on Chris's shoulder. Their ragged breathing was the only sound. Chris could feel Buck's wildly thumping hard beating again his chest, or was that Chris' heart beating that fast? Chris tried to form a word but it took too much energy. He mustered up the strength to wrap his arms around Buck's shoulders. Buck was damp, his muscles slick and hard beneath Chris' hand. His hands stroked Buck's back of their own accord. After a few minutes, Chris found the breath to speak.
"Are you tryin' to kill me?"
Buck chuckled. Chris felt the vibration rumble through his chest. Damn it, even that made his cock try to fight back to life.
"No, stud. I think yer tryin' to kill me."
Chris grinned. He and Buck had tried everything they could think of on their two days away from town. Chris didn't even want to think about where Buck had gotten some of the ideas he had. Chris wiggled his toes and smiled.
"I don't think I'll be able to move for another two days." His hand slipped further down to lightly stroke Buck's hard ass. He felt his self stir again. "Give it a rest!"
Buck tilted his head to look at Chris.
Chris laughed. "Ain't talkin' to you. How the hell can you still get me worked up when I barely have the strength to breathe?"
"I think ya need ta have a talk with little Larabee there." Buck wiggled his eyebrows at him and grinned.
Chris laughed again. "Who the hell do ya think I was talkin' to? Ya got him trying to go one more round. He don't wanna admit he's been whipped."
Buck placed soft kisses along the side of Chris' neck. "Well, little Bucklin's tryin' pard but I think he needs a nap first." He laid his head back on Chris's chest and snuggled closer.
Chris reached over and grabbed the quilt, throwing it over them. "Sounds like a good idea. Need my strength to have my way with those toes of yours."
Chuckling, they both fell asleep.
Chris and Buck both rode in the wagon on the way back to town, Chris' horse tied to the back. Chris wanted to be able to be close to Buck for a while longer before they reached town. Buck held the reins in his left hand and rubbed the inside of Chris' thigh as he drove.
"That was a great idea, Chris, I'm sorry we have ta get back."
Chris ran his hand under Buck's shirt, up and down his back. "Yeah, one of my better ones." He grinned and placed a kiss on Buck's neck. "But we can go back soon. No reason to stay in town all the time."
Buck raise his hand and placed his fingers around Chris' jaw, angling him in for a long sensual kiss. "No reason I can see either."
They sat with arms and legs entwined until they came within sight of Four Corners and then Chris placed a hand on Buck's. "I need one more kiss to tide me over until tonight."
Buck's generous mouth split into a wide smile. "Happy to oblige, pard." And he pulled Chris close. Their kisses started small and then grew in intensity until they were both gasping.
"I, I think that might hold me over," Chris said breathlessly as he tugged his pants, "but I ain't gonna be able to walk right."
Buck laughed as he clicked his tongue and snapped the reins to set the horses back in motion.
They made it back to town and delivered the wagon back to the livery stables first. They stopped off at the jail but no one was there, and then headed across the street to the saloon.
"Feels different being back." Chris acknowledged people as they crossed the street. "I got use to it only being us."
"Yeah, would be nice if we could tell the others at least." Buck smiled over at him.
Chris gave him a small smile in return. "At least Vin and Ezra know. We'll have to wait and see about the others."
They found the other men inside the saloon as they entered through the bat-wing doors.
"Buck! Chris!" JD exclaimed as he saw them enter. "You're finally back!"
"Did ya miss us, kid?" Buck gripped JD's shoulder and then playfully tipped JD's hat down over his eyes.
"Yeah, it ain't the same without you two here and now Ezra is gone too."
"Ezra's not here?" Chris glanced at Vin who said nothing and glared at his beer.
"Where'd he go?" Buck addressed Vin.
Vin looked up and glared at both men. "How the hell should I know? Ain't my day to watch him." Vin picked up his beer and headed for the bar.
Both Chris and Buck looked at the other men questionably
Nathan and JD shook their heads. Josiah is the one who spoke. "Ezra left yesterday, he didn't tell any of use where he was going or why. He just said he would be back in a day or two."
"Not even Vin?" Buck said before he thought.
"Why would he tell Vin and not the rest of us?" Nathan asked.
"No reason, just thought he might," Buck said and motioned to Inez for two beers. They both sat at the table.
"Vin seems mad about it," Nathan continued. "He's been as ornery as a mule."
"Yeah, he's been spending a lot of time with Mrs. Travis," JD said and then put his hand over his mouth. He shot a quick look at Chris. "I didn't mean like he's courtin' her."
Chris smiled easily at JD. "I didn't think ya meant that, JD, and I ain't got no claim on Mrs. Travis."
They sat drinking and catching up on the town gossip. Vin stayed at the bar. Chris got up a few minutes later and went to stand by him.
"Whiskey please, Inez?" As she moved off, Chris turned to Vin. "So, where did Ezra go?"
Vin refused to look at him. "How the hell should I know. He don't tell me his comin's and goin's."
Chris motioned for Inez to leave the bottle. He took a small sip of his drink. "You have a fight?"
"He left, that's it. Now leave me the hell alone, Larabee." Vin tossed back his drink and headed out.
Ezra stopped to make camp later that night. He had thought about just riding through but decided there was no hurry. Maude did not know he was on his way. He sat near the fire enjoying the view of the stars, drinking a hot cup of coffee. Tonight was the new moon and the sky was covered with the tiny dots of light. It reminded him of a story Vin had told him about the Indians and how the stars were placed in the sky. The Indians had held the sun, moon and stars on a blanket. After much discussion on where they would place each in the sky, the coyote was impatient and grabbed the end of the blanket, flinging the stars up to cover the sky.
He sighed. He would have loved to have Vin here with him. He didn't know why Vin had been distant the past couple of days, or why he seemed to be spending so much time around Mary Travis, but Ezra intended to have a long talk with Vin when he returned. He hadn't wanted to tell the others where he was going or why; he still felt bad that they had to come to his rescue after his last encounter with his mother. Ezra didn't really trust how they would react, especially Vin, not that he blamed them but he wanted a chance to confront Maude first. It was another cold night. He banked the fire and buried himself under the covers wishing he was back in Four Corners with Vin.
Ezra smelled coffee and smiled. Vin had gotten up and made breakfast. He was ready for something hot to drink. And then it hit him, he was out here alone, or rather he was.
He cautiously opened his eyes and eased his hand down to his gun. No gun. And there by the fire sat Hank River, Tom and John.
"Look who woke up, boys." Hank grinned over at him. "I didn't think that fancy lady was tellin' the truth but looks like my boyfriend here missed me, comin' back to find me." He laughed and slapped his leg.
He got up and pointed his gun at Ezra. "Now ya take it nice and easy, Ezra, and I won't tie ya up - yet." He motioned with his gun for Ezra to get up and move closer to the fire. Ezra slowly got up and went and sat where Hank pointed. Hank poured him some coffee and handed it to him.
"You and me still got some unfinished business, but we gotta get ya back to Fort Lyon first. Mr. Winston is waiting there fer ya and he ain't a happy man. Not like me." He grinned and rubbed his hand along Ezra's face. "I'm a real happy man. Got my little hellcat back."
Ezra jerked his head back. He was not going to let this man touch him again. They were still half-wits. He could feel that his shoulder rig was still in place. As long as they did not find that out, he would be ready to strike when the moment was right.
It had been two days since Ezra had left town and no one had heard from him. Vin still refused to say whether he knew or not and Chris was ready to take him out behind the livery and shoot him. Chris sat on the boardwalk and watched as Mary approached Vin and began talking exuberantly. She was smiling and gesturing and the more she talked the more depressed Vin looked, but Mary seemed to take no notice of the effect she was having on Vin. As Vin left Chris saw her turn to watch Vin walk away and she smiled, like she was pleased about something. Chris waited until she entered the Clarion before he strolled that way. She was sitting behind her desk as he entered.
"Mary." Chris removed his hat and smiled.
"Chris," she breathed, her face breaking out into a huge smile, "what can I do for you?"
"Wondered if you had time for a cup of coffee? I haven't seen you for a few days and thought we might catch up."
Her smile grew even wider if that was possible. Chris thought her head might split in two. She removed her apron and came from behind the desk.
"Why that would be lovely. Shall we go to the restaurant?"
Chris nodded as he opened the door for her.
Chris allowed a few minutes of mindless chatter to go by before he brought up the subject of Ezra. "Did Ezra happen to mention to you where he was going?" Chris noticed the flash of panic on her face before it disappeared.
"Mr. Standish? No, I have no idea where he is. " She smiled again and sipped her coffee.
"Guess he found a poker game somewhere," Chris said nonchalantly.
"Yes, that is probably it. You know how he is."
"Yeah, he never misses the chance to gamble." Chris agreed.
"Or con people, you never know what deception he has planned or who he might hurt. Like poor..." She stopped herself.
"Something happen while I was gone?" Chris asked softly.
"No! No, it was very quiet while you were away. I'm sorry but I really must go, I need to get the paper ready to print." Mary quickly stood.
Chris stood too. "Sorry you have to leave so soon. We need to do this more often, Mary." He gave her one of the sexy smiles he saved for Buck. He was pleased to see her flush.
"Why, why I'd like that." And she hurried out the door.
Chris sat back down and finished his coffee. She was up to something but he wasn't sure what. But the way his gut felt it wasn't good.
"So whadda ya wanna do, Chris?" Buck and Chris lay together in Chris' bed. No one was likely to knock on his door unless the town was on fire. Buck lay on his stomach on the bed and Chris laid beside him, propped against the headboard.
"She's up to somethin' Buck. You should have seen the look on her face when she was talking to Vin. We need to find out what she knows."
"JD said Vin had been going over there helping her with chores and eating dinner. That stopped once Ezra left. Think she's takin' a fancy to Vin?" Buck bent his knees back, moving his feet back and forth.
"No, she was practically panting when I asked her to go get coffee."
"Well, Chris, let's be fair, you get me pantin' just lookin' at me." Buck leaned over to place a kiss on Chris' chest.
"I was a bad boy, Buck," Chris said, a wide, wicked smile spreading across his face.
"You were?" Buck raised an eyebrow.
"I used my "I wanna strip you naked and pound you into the mattress" look on her."
"Oh," Buck said quietly and then he smiled. "And how did she handle it?"
"I think she wet herself."
Buck and Chris both stared at each other for a second before they burst out laughing.
"Well, Mr. Samuels, we meet again." Robert Winston sat in the Hotel Bonita restaurant.
"We can do this one of two ways, either you tell me where my money is and I turn you over to the sheriff, or I take you to meet my employer who will make you tell him where the money is."
"How about a third suggestion?"
"And that is?" Robert lightly circled the rim of his glass with his finger.
"I take you to where I left the money."
Robert lazily looked up at Ezra. He needed to get this money back; this whole fiasco had made him look like a fool, and those bumbling men he'd hired to take Ezra back to Denver had only made it worse; his employer was beginning to doubt him. He'd follow Ezra to wherever his money was and then kill him once and for all. That would be a lesson to anyone he had dealings with in the future.
"All right, you have a deal."
"One other matter must be addressed first." Ezra leaned back in his chair trying not to show his relief.
"And what would that be?" Robert Winston raised an eyebrow. This man did have nerve; he'd give him that.
"Where is Mrs. Stuart?"
Robert tilted his head back and laughed. "She is a remarkable woman isn't she? I didn't know whether to believe her or not when she said you would be coming back here but she was quite convincing. She left this morning after you were brought to town. I paid her handsomely for the information."
Ezra could feel the color draining from his face and raised his glass to his lips to try and disguise his shock. How had his mother known he was coming to Fort Lyon? There was only one person who both knew where his mother was and had told him but why would Mary Travis inform her?
"Damn, Buck, this don't seem right." JD had his hands shoved deep in his pockets and was kicking at the dirt with his boot.
"I ain't asking ya ta kill anyone, JD. Just talk to him. Yer good at that. And ya want to help Ezra right?" Buck used his best cajoling voice.
"Yeah, but ya think he knows something?"
"Ya know he hears things. Just don't make him suspicious." Buck gave him a little shove. "Go on kid, make me proud!"
JD gave him a small smile. "Yer full of it, you know that, right?"
"Yeah, pard, I'm well aware." He laughed and turned to head back to the saloon.
JD headed down the boardwalk to the General Store where is quarry stood in front of the window looking in. "Hey, Billy!" JD called.
"Hey, JD." Billy glanced at him and then back at the candy display in the window.
"Want one of those suckers, I was just gonna go get one for myself?" JD came to stand beside him.
"Really? Yeah I'd like that."
"Come on, let's go pick one out." JD smiled down at the boy as he opened the door. Damn he felt like shit, trying to pry information out of a little kid! But he had promised Buck and if it would help Ezra. Plus he'd seen how upset Vin had been since Ezra left; the others thought he was stupid but he knew that Vin and Ezra were sleeping together. Hell, he'd come from Boston, hadn't he? He knew about the world. He and Billy picked out large red suckers and headed out the door.
"Wanna walk with me down to the livery? I need to brush out Jake."
"Sure, can I help?" Billy skipped along as he followed JD down the boardwalk.
"Course ya can."
They traveled down the boardwalk and then headed into the livery. Billy sat on a bale of hay and worked on his sucker while JD checked Jake's feet.
"Billy, you haven't seen Ezra lately have you?"
"Nah," Billy said through a mouthful of sucker.
"You know where he is?"
"Yup."
"You do? Where?"
"He went to the Lion to get married."
"Married?" JD straightened up to look at him.
"That's what my momma told Mr. Vin. Why don't Mr. Vin come have dinner with us anymore?" Billy frowned.
"I don't know, Billy. Maybe you should invite him." Married? Why would Mrs. Travis say that Ezra had gone off to get married? Lion?
"His momma's gonna be there."
"Vin's mother?"
"No," Billy laughed, "Mr. Ezra's momma. I heard her tell him that his momma was at the Lion so I guess she's there for the weddin'. I don't wanna get married to no girl." Billy made a face. "They don't like frogs or fishin' or nothing fun."
JD laughed. "They ain't all like that, Billy. You come fishin' with me and Casey sometime."
"Can I?" Billy's face broke out into a wide smile.
"You sure can." He finished checking Jake's feet. "Here, you wanna brush Jake? Sit your sucker on the fence there."
"Married?" Chris repeated in disbelief. "She told Vin that Ezra had gone to get married and he believed her?"
"Guess so." JD sipped on his mug of milk. "What did he mean by a lion?"
"I'm guessing she sent Ezra to Fort Lyon for some reason but..." Buck looked at Chris with a disgusted look on his face. "No, you don't think Maude got her to do it?"
Chris looked thoughtful for a minute and then nodded. "That would make sense, well as much sense as all this can make. Mary likes Maude, two of a kind I guess." He glared out the bat-wing doors.
"But how did she get Ezra to go?" JD looked from Chris to Buck.
"That don't matter right now. If Maude is involved, I'm betting she’s trying to get him back there because of those men she swindled. If she set him up once, she sure as hell will do it again."
They sat drinking for a minute. Chris unconsciously glanced to the table where Ezra usually played cards and then to the back table where Vin spent every evening getting drunk.
"What are we gonna do, Chris?" JD hated that his family wasn't all here. He felt safe when everyone was together and it upset him when they fought.
"JD, head over to the telegraph office, send that sheriff a cable and see if he has seen Ezra. Wait there for an answer."
JD was out the door before Chris had finished. Buck leaned his elbows on the table.
"What about him?" Buck inclined his head back towards Vin.
"Hell Buck, how could he be so stupid to think that Ezra would run off and get married?" Chris snorted in disgust.
"Love makes ya do crazy things. Kinda like when ya wanted to try it in that rocking chair of yours and we tipped it over backwards and ya..."
"Shut up Buck!" Chris growled, his facing growing redder.
"We need to talk to ya, Vin."
"Don't wanna talk, I'm drinkin'."
"We can see that, pard. Got some news for ya."
Vin turned his bleary gaze on them, looking wary.
"We know where Ezra is." Chris stated as he pulled up a chair. He sat on Vin's right so he could grab Vin's mare's leg if necessary. Buck sat on the other side.
"And?" Vin mumbled into his shot glass.
"Vin," Chris said exasperated. "How could you think that Ezra had gone off to get married?"
Vin looked at Chris and then Buck. "I know he ain’t gone off and got married. It’s that damn mother of his. I just don’t know where the hell he went. How’d you find out?"
"Somehow Maude got Mary to get Ezra to go back to Fort Lyon. I sent a cable to the sheriff there. Those men who grabbed Ezra are there and so is he."
"Those men who had Ezra are there?" Vin's eyes blinked stupidly. "What about Maude?"
"Don’t know. We need to head to Fort Lyon; we’ll leave in the morning." He and Buck got up and left.
Vin went up the stairs to Ezra's room. He needed to feel close to Ezra. He had been sleeping in his wagon since Ezra had left. He fell onto the soft feather bed, the pillow furthest from the door smelled of Ezra, that was his side of the bed. He held the pillow against his chest, breathing in the scent. He drifted off to sleep without even undressing.
"You ready to go?" Chris said as Vin came down the stairs.
Chris, Buck and Josiah sat at their table finishing their coffee. Nathan had gone to the clinic and JD was checking at the telegraph office.
Vin nodded. "Just need ta saddle Peso."
"Okay, we’ll meet you at the stables."
They left as Vin sat down. Nathan came in as they were leaving.
"Nathan. " Vin motioned for Inez to bring them coffee.
"Hope it stays quiet. How long you think you’ll be gone?" Nathan picked up his cup, leaning his elbows on the table.
"Well if we ride, we can be there in a day and a half."
Nathan chuckled. "Don't see why you’re so fired up ta ride ta Ezra's rescue - again. Don't that man ever learn? And why are we suppose to go tearin' after him all the time?"
Vin felt his temper rising. Why was Nathan so quick to think the worse of Ezra?
Inez brought more coffee and set the pot on the table. "Any word from Señor Ezra? It is not like him to leave with saying anything. "
"Don't worry, Inez. Ezra always lands on his feet." Nathan grinned at her.
She frowned and headed back to the bar. Vin gulped his coffee and rose.
"See ya, Nathan."
"How much further, Mr. Samuels, until we get to where you have Mr. Winston's money?" Frank Cox sat staring at Ezra across the campfire.
"Not much further. From my calculations we should be arriving at our projected destination tomorrow night." Ezra checked his pocket watch and then glanced at the moon, another bright cloudless night.
Frank Cox moved his eyes to where Tom, John and Hank sat playing cards. Mr. Winston had sent him along to keep an eye on those three. How they had managed to lose, catch and lose this man he didn't know. He knew they weren't that bright but hell, this was one sissified gambler. Frank had also seen the looks Hank had been throwing Ezra. He knew that Hank didn't care where he poked his prick but there would be none of that until Frank got his hands on that money.
"Better be there, Samuels. Mr. Oswald isn't a man to mess with. If ya cross him, he'll hunt you down till he finds ya."
Ezra raised an eyebrow. "And how did Mrs. Stuart become acquainted with such a man?" Ezra was curious just how Maude had started this whole predicament.
"Well, I think he met her in St. Louis. She was in a high stakes poker game; Mr. Oswald wasn't playing, just watching, and he liked what he saw. She contacted him later; told him she had come across a piece of property he might be interested in. He sent Winston to meet her at Fort Lyon."
Ezra nodded. Yes, his mother had spotted a mark and followed up on it but she obviously hadn't check up on the man.
"How do you know her?" Cox looked at him shrewdly.
Ezra had no intention of telling this man how he and Maude were connected. Ezra didn't want them knowing his true name, which is why he kept to the name Samuels. "We have done business in the past."
Cox smiled. He didn't think Samuels would give too much information away. There was more this man knew than he was saying. Oswald want him killed after they got the money, but Frank had convinced Winston they needed to bring Ezra back with them, take some time in finding out just what he knew. "Best be gettin' to sleep. We’re heading out at first light."
"I bid you good evening then, Sir." Ezra stood and bowed slightly then went to his bedroll.
Cox rolled his eyes. What a highfalutin dandy.
Ezra went and lay down on his bedroll. He glanced to the horses and saw Royal working on his tied reins. He smiled. Well he would be ready too, he did not intend to lead these men back to Four Corners.
Pony perked his ears up and Chris brought him to a halt. They had decided to ride further before setting up camp for the night. Something had gotten Pony's attention. The four men ground-tied their horses and spread out. They silently crept forward, eyes and ears straining.
Josiah was the first to spot the camp. A small fire was still burning. One man gazed out into the darkness, but his back was to Josiah. Josiah could make out four other bodies around the fire. As he watched, he saw another shadowy figure moving on the other side of the camp, moonlight cutting through the trees briefly illuminated a golden head. Chris. Josiah moved closer to the horses and spotted Royal, reins already untied. He grinned. How Ezra had taught that horse so many tricks he didn't know, but it sure as hell came in handy. He looked around, trying to find Ezra among the sleeping figures.
As he watched, he noticed one figure slowly move back his blanket. Josiah recognized Ezra's hat as the man began to unfold himself from the ground. He watched as Vin’s form materialized behind Ezra and acknowledged their presence.
They heard a soft click of a pistol.
"Going somewhere, Mr. Samuels?" Frank Cox's voice drifted over the camp.
The guard who had been smoking a cigarette and staring out into the darkness spun around. Too late though, Chris, Josiah and Buck materialized out of the darkness surrounding the camp.
"Ya plan on pulling that piece?" Vin said lazily to the guard.
He handed Ezra one of his guns and went to relieve the guard of his. The other two men awoke to find guns sticking in their noses. Buck and Josiah removed their guns.
"Gentlemen," Ezra drawled, "how nice of you to join our little party." He moved around the camp retrieving his belongings, yanking his jacket out of Hank's sweaty hands.
"We can do this two ways," Chris said as he strolled into the camp from behind Frank. He removed Frank's gun as he walked past. "We can ride out of here, leaving ya alive. Or we can leave ya dead. Either way you’re gonna leave Ezra alone."
"Yeah, we're sick of seein' yer ugly mugs. Ya know how I hate ugly, Ez." Buck grinned over at Ezra.
"Mr. Samuel's has something that belongs to my employer. He is not going to leave it alone," Cox said as he carefully lit a cigar.
They all looked to Ezra at the use of the name and Ezra gave them a slight nod.
"Mr. Samuels’ doesn't have it. You need to be looking for..."
"Mrs. Stuart has your money, as I have been telling you." Ezra cut Chris off.
Vin moved over and grabbed Royal's reins. The other men regrouped, still keeping their guns trained on the men lying on the ground.
"Take your pick," Chris said as he stared at Frank.
"I'm sure we’ll meet again," Frank stated as he blew smoke towards Chris, a tight grin on his face.
Chris smiled back. He slowly began to back up, the other men silently drifting out of camp.
The five men headed South for awhile before making camp. Chris set Josiah on first watch as the others settled down for some much-needed rest. Ezra opened his mouth to speak but Chris cut him off.
"Get some rest Ezra. We're gonna head out at first light."
Ezra nodded and lay down on this bedroll. He sighed in relief. He had never been so glad to see anyone when he looked up to see Vin standing beside him.
Ezra woke to the smell of coffee and the smell of cooking. Was this good or bad he wondered before he opened his eyes? Then he remembered the events of the night before and a smile crossed his lips.
"Damn it, Vin, ya plannin' on eating all that bacon yerself?" Buck huffed indignantly.
"Get yer own." Vin moved his plate out of Buck's long reach.
Ezra stretched and sighed. "I suppose no one is expected to sleep now that you two are up?"
"Want some coffee?"
"Yes indeed, Buck. That would be most appreciated."
Ezra rose and moved to sit beside the fire where Vin, Buck and Josiah sat. "Is Chris on watch?"
"Yeah," Buck said as he snatched a piece of bacon from Vin's plate. "He should be in soon."
Ezra poured himself a cup of coffee and inhaled the strong scent.
Chris came back into camp a few minutes later.
"So, Ezra. What made you go back to Fort Lyon?"
"Mrs. Travis showed me a cable that my mother had sent, requesting money for a real estate venture. I decided to go to Fort Lyon to confront her myself."
Chris nodded. That made sense as to how to get Ezra back to Fort Lyon.
Chris poured a cup of coffee and sat on his heels. "We need to head back to town. Don't think we should take a direct route in case those men decide to follow us. We'll take turns checking our back trail."
The other men nodded and started to clear camp, all except Ezra, who continued to sit staring at the fire, cup in hand.
How could he return to Four Corners without finding out what Maude was up to? She was right. His skills weren't sharp. He had allowed himself to be conned and by her.
"You ready, Ez?" Buck asked. He had saddled Royal, with much cursing at the ornery beast.
"No, I am not, Mr. Wilmington."
Ezra threw his coffee into the fire. He set about extinguishing the fire and then gathering his belongings. He checked Royal's saddle and mounted up.
"Okay, fellas, let's head back to town." Chris said as he mounted Pony.
"I am sorry, Mr. Larabee, but I will not be joining you."
"What are you talking about Ezra?" Chris' brow creased.
"I will not be returning to Four Corners. I am going to search for Maude. I need to find her to straighten out this predicament she has placed me in."
"What are ya talkin’ about, Ez?" Vin demanded.
"Ezra, come back to town, we can help you find her," Chris said, trying not to sound demanding.
"Yes, Ezra, you don't want to make any rash decisions, come home with us," Josiah said.
Ezra gathered Royal's reins. "I have made my decision gentlemen. I will return once I have found her," With that, he turned and spurred Royal into a gallop.
The four men watched helplessly as Ezra rode away. What were they to do? Chase after Ezra and drag him back? Chris nodded and turned Pony towards Four Corners.
"I’m gonna go try and talk some sense inta him. We’ll meet you back in town."
Vin rode off after Ezra.
Ezra turned as he heard a horse approaching. He shook his head slightly as he saw it was Vin.
"Vin, what are you doing?"
"Gonna try and talk some sense inta ya and if that don’t work, I was thinkin’ on knockin’ some in ya."
Vin grinned as he walked Peso beside Royal.
"I need to do this. I need to find out why Maude..."
Vin nodded.
"I know yer mad, Ez but what good is it gonna do to go riding off? You don’t even know where ta look."
Ezra rode silently a few minutes.
"So what do you propose?"
"Think we need to head back ta town. We can try tracking her from there."
Ezra reached over and took Vin’s hand in his.
"What would I do without you?"
Vin grinned, squeezing Ezra’s hand.
"Don’t aim ta let ya find out."
***
Chris led the way into the Saloon. Nathan sat at their table. He looked up and smiled as they entered. "Ya made it back okay," he said cheerfully, but the smile quickly left at the look on the other men's faces.
"Whiskey," Chris called out to Inez as they took their places around the table. Buck sat next to Chris; JD on Buck's other side, Josiah on the other side of JD. Still no one spoke until Inez had brought several bottles of whiskey and six glasses. She looked nervously around but said nothing.
"Did ya find Ezra?" Nathan asked as Chris filled the glasses.
"Yes, we found him," Josiah said, breaking the silence. "He was fine when we left him."
"Left him?" Nathan said looking from one man to another.
"His damn mother. He went off to find her to get to the bottom of this mess," Chris said.
"Where is Vin?" JD asked.
"He stayed to try and talk to Ezra, kid."
"Vin will make him come home," JD said. "It ain’t the same without everyone here."
Buck talked JD into riding out to see Casey. He knew that JD needed some cheering up between Casey and Miss Nettie, they would comfort JD. Then he went in search of Chris. He found him in the bathhouse. Chris lay back in a steaming tub of water, bottle clutched in his hand. Buck spoke softly to the attendant and the young man willingly left. Buck went and locked the door. He walked over and pulled a chair up beside the tub. He reached over and took the bottle from Chris's hand, taking a long drink. He sighed and set the bottle down on the floor.
They sat like that for several minutes. Both men had their heads tilted back, eyes closed. Finally, Chris opened his eyes and reached out for Buck's hand. He took it in his, caressing Buck's large hand, then placing his lips to the palm and kissing it lightly. Buck sighed and stroked Chris' face.
"What are we gonna do, Buck? I wanna beat the daylights out of that woman, then I wanna drag Ezra's ass back here where he belongs."
Buck knelt down by the tub, pulling Chris' head close for a kiss. Chris' wet fingers gripped the back of Buck's head, running through his hair. Buck broke the kiss after a few minutes, sitting back on his heels. He ran his hand along Chris' cheek and down his neck. "Everything will work out, Chris. Don't ya worry."
Chris smiled softly; he knew together they could think of something. He and Buck were a powerful force.
"Don’t you think we should continue on to town tonight, Vin?"
Ezra watched as Vin made a fire. They had stopped to rest the horses by small stream.
"Think they can manage without us one night. ‘Sides, I want ya all to myself tonight. You, me and the stars."
Vin turned from the fire and gave Ezra a small half-smile. Ezra felt his groin tighten.
"I like the sound of that, Mr. Tanner. I seem to recall a few fantasies I have been having about you while I’ve been out on the trail alone."
Vin stood and walked slowly towards where Ezra sat. He unbuckled his gun belt, tossing it and his hat near their saddles.
"Fantasies, huh? Like ta hear all about those. Been gettin’ a few ideas myself."
Ezra smiled widely, his gold tooth glinting.
"Doesn’t sound like we’ll get much sleep." Ezra reached out to pull Vin’s face closer as Vin squatted down beside him.
"Ain’t tired."
Vin looked into Ezra’s eyes and then lowered his mouth to kiss him greedily.
****
Jimmy nervously headed down the boardwalk towards the jail the next afternoon. He could see Chris and Buck sitting outside playing checkers. Jimmy walked up to stand quietly by Mr. Larabee, waiting for Chris to speak.
Chris and Buck were trying to play checkers but neither could concentrate. They had hoped Vin and Ezra would have been back last night. The only one who seemed happy since their return was Mary Travis. Mary flitted through town like a pollen-crazed bee. She had asked Chris over for dinner but he had refused. It worried him that she had started giving Buck furtive glances.
Chris noticed someone out of the corner of his eye and looked up from his musings.
"Jimmy?"
Jimmy cautiously handed the paper he clutched in his hand to Chris. He didn't know how Chris was going to take this latest news and didn't want to be the messenger.
Chris glanced at the paper and to the frightened look on Jimmy's face. He didn't want to know whatever this bad news was. Chris glanced over at Buck who shrugged. Chris slowly took it.
"Thanks Jimmy," he said as Jimmy turned and sprinted back to the telegraph office. He turned the paper over but did not unfold it.
"Want me to read it?" Buck said softly.
Chris shook his head. Whatever it was, it was addressed to him and he'd deal with it first. He took a steadying breath and opened it.
Buck watched Chris' face as he read. First he saw surprise and then anger. He didn't know if he wanted to know what the cable said.
Vin and Ezra rode into town later that evening. Ezra noticed Mary staring at him and he tipped his hat and smiled. They left the horses in Yosemite’s able care and then headed toward the saloon.
"Vin! Ezra! You’re back!" JD beamed as they walked through the bat-wing doors.
"The prodigal sons return." Josiah smiled as he pushed out two chairs.
"Ezra, did Vin talk sense into ya or did he have to knock ya around?"
Ezra grinned at Buck as he sat down. "Mr. Tanner can be very persuasive when he sets his mind to it." He smiled at Vin and nudged his leg under the table.
"Bet he is, Ezra." Buck winked.
"Got a telegram from the sheriff over at Fort Lyon, Ezra." Chris said.
Ezra noticed Vin sit up at these words.
"What’d he say?" Vin demanded.
"Looks like Maude is back in town."
Vin turned to Ezra. "You ain’t going back there."
"Vin, I need to talk to her, find out what this is all about."
"Tell that sheriff to contact that Winston guy. Let him deal with her."
"Vin-"
"Damn it, Ezra. When are you gonna learn?"
Vin got up and stormed out the front. Ezra glanced around the table to see everyone looking at him.
"Chris, could you ask the sheriff to detain her?"
"Sure, Ezra. We can go with you."
Ezra shook his head and glanced toward Nathan. "I don’t think this trip calls for more than two people." He tipped his hat and headed out after Vin.
Ezra found Vin in the livery brushing Peso. He stood at the door a few moments watching him. He loved watching Vin, he moved in a slow, sensual way. Like a cat.
Ezra leaned on the door drinking in the sight.
"You gonna stand there gawking at me?" Vin said as he continued to brush Peso.
Ezra smiled. "I was thinking about it."
Vin tried not to grin but failed. "You turning inta one of those, what was the word? Those people you said watched?"
"Voyeur?"
"Yeah, that’s it."
"Hmm, if it involves looking at you, then yes I guess I am."
Vin felt his face getting hot. Ezra could get him hard with just a glance but when his voice got slow and husky, like now, he didn’t stand a chance. Vin cleared his throat.
"So..." he cleared his throat again. "So, whadda ya gonna do about Maude?"
"I was hoping you’d accompany me to see her. Chris is going to wire the sheriff and make sure she doesn’t slip away again."
Vin turned to look at him.
"Ya want me to go?"
"Yes, I was hoping you would. That is if you want to."
Ezra moved to stand outside Peso’s stall. Peso nudged Ezra’s arm and smiling Ezra dug out a sugar cube and gave it to him.
"Of course I’ll go with ya, Ez. Don’t want ya going no-where without me."
Ezra leaned over the stall door and tugged on Vin’s coat, pulling him closer. He placed a hand on Vin’s jaw kissed him lightly.
"There’s no where I’d rather be than with you."
****
"You gonna let the sheriff hand her over to that Winston fella?"
"No, I can’t do that, Vin."
"Why not? She didn’t have no problem turning you over to them, twice!"
"She is still my mother, Vin. You wouldn’t want me to start acting like her would you?"
Vin pulled his hat off and beat out some of the dust on the horse railing in front of the jail.
"Course I don’t. It’s just-" He put his hat back on and sighed. "Can I talk to her first?"
Ezra blinked in surprise. "You? You want to talk to my mother?"
"Yeah, got a few things I wanna say."
Ezra studied him. "All right. But if I hear gun-fire, I am coming in." He smiled.
"Want me ta leave my gun out here?" Vin grinned back at him.
"No, I do not think that will be necessary."
Vin entered the jail and asked the sheriff if he would step outside. After he had left, Vin headed back to the cells.
He saw Maude watch him as he approached. She sat back and straightened her skirts.
"You are from Four Corners, are you not? I do not recall your name."
Vin mentally shook his head. He wasn’t surprised that Maude didn’t remember his name. She was only concerned about remembering people who had money. Ezra had to tell her everyone’s name each time she returned to town.
"Name’s Vin. I’m a friend of Ezra’s."
She nodded. "Is my son here?" She looked past him.
"Yeah, he’s here, just wanted ta talk to you myself first."
He saw the look of curiosity on her face. She crossed her arms. He stood there a few minutes trying to think of exactly what he wanted to say. This was probably the only opportunity he would have to talk to her. He saw her smile falter as he continued to stare at her. Was she worried?
"Ez, he’s more forgiving than I am. I just wanna let you know, you ever try anything like that again, you’ll be answering ta me."
"Will I now? Just what are you referring to?"
"Don’t be trying to drag Ezra into one of your schemes; in fact, don’t even be asking him for help getting yer self out of one. You ain’t using him no more. Like I said, Ez is more forgiving than me, especially since you’re his ma. Not that you act like one."
Maude looked at him shrewdly.
"You care for Ezra?"
"Yeah, I do."
She smiled.
"We got an understandin’?"
"Oh yes, I understand you."
Vin nodded and turned to leave. "I’ll send Ezra in."
Vin headed out the door and to where Ezra stood on the boardwalk. "She’s waiting on ya."
Ezra lightly touched Vin on the arm and smiled before he went inside.
"Mother," he said as he entered the cell area.
"Ezra, dear."
"I want to know why you started this whole predicament. Why have those men come after me, why throw me to the wolves?"
Maude gave a little sigh.
"You made the problem worse, Ezra. You allowed yourself to be captured. Haven’t I taught you better? If you had disappeared as you should have, instead of trying to return to that hell hole you live in, none of this would have happened."
"Disappeared? Where was I to go? I like living in Four Corners and do not wish to disappear."
"Are you going to have them release me or not?"
"Yes, mother I suppose I am."
She smiled. "I knew you would, Ezra darlin’. I met your little – friend. Lovely young man. Is that why you stay in that dusty little town? Mary Travis hinted as much, I see she was correct."
Ezra looked at her sharply and her smiled widened.
"He seemed quite protective of you, as if you need protection from me. I found it very touching."
"Mother-"
"Don’t use that tone with me, Ezra. I am your mother and have your best interests at heart."
"Oh, really? And how is it in my best interest for you to place the blame on me for your indiscretions? Then for you to have them waiting here for my return?"
She waved her hand in dismissal. "I knew you would manage to extricate yourself. There was no harm done."
"No harm? No harm to you perhaps."
"Did your friend," she stressed the word, "come to your aid? I would have hoped you would be more discreet, my dear. It is obvious to me of your, shall we say dalliances? How would it look it people from that town you live in learned of your degradation? And that you corrupted poor, what’s his name, Vin? I do not believe he would have the forethought to consider the consequences of his actions."
She stepped back unconsciously at the look on Ezra’s face as he approached the bars.
"Don’t you dare threaten Vin. I may let you get away with your mistreatment of me, but I swear I will make you pay if you try anything. If I hear one whisper of slander against him, I will comb the globe looking for you."
Ezra turned to leave.
"I wouldn’t come back to Four Corners if I were you, you will not find yourself welcome."
He tipped his hat and left, slamming the door behind him. The sheriff stood leaning again the railing beside Vin as Ezra approached.
"Sheriff Armstrong, if you don’t mind, would you please inform Mr. Winston that she is here. Once he arrives, you can release her."
"Yeah, I can do that. I’ll just make myself scarce until then. She’s a mite bitchy."
Ezra and Vin laughed.
"Yes, she can be. Thank you sheriff, we will be leaving shortly."
They headed down the boardwalk toward the General Store.
"We staying the night, Ez?"
Ezra glanced at Vin briefly as they walk. "I thought we might head back before she is released, unless you prefer to stay?"
"Naw, thought a room might be nice. I think we better get the hell out ‘fore she does."
Ezra smiled. "A room would be nice but I promise to make it up to you."
It was Vin’s turn to smile.
"I like the sound of that. Let’s get a few supplies and head out."
****
The sheriff left the boardwalk near the jail to meet them as they were riding out of town.
"Got some bad news."
Ezra and Vin pulled up their horses.
"Mrs. Stuart escaped."
"What?" Ezra and Vin said together.
"She musta picked the lock. I went out to send a cable to that Winston fella and when I got back-" He shrugged.
"Thank you, sheriff. I’m sure she will turn up again," Ezra said. He touched his brim and he and Vin continued out of town.
***
The night was chilly and the small fire cast a soft glow to the night. Ezra and Vin had their bedrolls near the fire; the tiny sliver of moon didn’t cast much light. Ezra lay on his back, Vin snuggled up to his side, his head on Ezra’s shoulder. Vin wrapped an arm around Ezra’s waist and positioned a leg between his.
Vin sighed as he tried to move closer. "Wish we could be naked under these covers but don’t think that’s too good an idea out here."
Ezra ran his fingers through Vin’s long hair causing Vin to sigh deeply.
"Yes, I don’t think it would be prudent." He turned and placed a kiss on Vin’s temple. "As I said, I’ll make it up to you."
Vin turned and wiggled up so he could kiss Ezra lightly on the mouth. "Long as I’m with you, it’s fine by me." He kissed him again and began to kiss slowly down Ezra’s neck. He felt Ezra shiver and smiled.
"I love ya, Ez. Don’t forget that."
"And I love you, Vin Tanner. Very, very much."
Vin paused in his kisses.
"Whadda we gonna do about Maude?"
Ezra shrugged one shoulder and drew Vin closer. He sighed.
"Not much we can do. As I said to the sheriff, I am sure she will make her presence known when she is ready. I hope she refrains from coming back to Four Corners."
"Just as long as she leaves you alone."
Ezra grinned and placed a kiss lightly on Vin’s mouth.
"I wish that, too."
Ezra sighed in contentment as Vin resumed his kisses on Ezra’s neck. A frown crossed Ezra’s face momentarily. He hoped Maude left Vin alone, and what had she meant by that comment about Mary?
Soon all thought of anything but Vin left him as Vin unbuttoned Ezra’s shirt and continued his trail of kisses down Ezra’s chest. He ran his hands down Vin’s back.
As long as they were together, Ezra was sure they could weather any storm.
The End
