Ezra woke and turned on the light in the hotel room. He picked up his watch and was alarmed to see the time was much later than anticipated. He leapt out of bed, waking Buck in the next bed in the process.

 

“I’m late for my appointment with Mr. Larabee,” Ezra said.

 

He got dressed hastily and then hurried to his car. He drove quickly and arrived at his rendezvous half an hour later.

 

“Mr. Larabaee will crucify me.” His boss, however, was not to be seen. “Oh, dear he got tired of waiting.”

 

He heard a vehicle approaching and he turned to find Chris pulling up.

 

“You’re real early, Ez,” the blond observed.

 

“No, I’m rather late.” Ezra showed the blond the time on his watch.

 

“It’s an hour fast, Ez.”

 

Buck climbed out of the Ram with a grin. “Wanted to make sure you got here on time, pard, so I changed the time on your watch last night,” he said with a loud guffaw.