Ezra Standish sat silently in front of the small campfire. He took a deep breath, sucking in as much air as he could, as slowly as possible. He held it for a moment, and then let it out just as slowly as he’d breathed in. He did this several times, consciously controlling his rate of breathing, slowing his heart rate at the same time.

Ezra let his mind drift free, flowing randomly from one thought or image to another. The last few days were at the forefront of his mind. Being tied up by Hoskins’ friends, escaping, riding hard to get ahead of them, planning to capture them, bringing Hoskins and his remaining friend, Dan O’Brian, to the Sheriff of Bitter Creek.

He skipped over all that in an instant. Skimming the surface of those memories. There wasn’t much that he really wanted to dwell on about the journey from Four Corners to Bitter Creek. It was what happened in Bitter Creek, and afterwards, that he wanted to focus on. Wanted to commit permanently to his memory so that he would have them to draw on in the coming days.

He closed his eyes and smiled as those memories came. He had been dealing with his feelings for Vin Tanner for some time. Almost from the moment he’d laid eyes on the longhaired tracker, he’d found him attractive. Attractive, but untouchable.

Initially, Ezra had considered the man to be off limits. For one thing, there was the fact that a relationship between two men was generally frowned upon by good, upstanding citizens. Ezra had been thrown out of enough towns based on his chosen profession as a gambler, he had no real desire to find out if being thrown out for another, more morally offensive crime would be worse.

And for another, Ezra had planned to stay only until his thirty days were up. He wasn’t obligated to stay any longer than that. And he had been certain some one would ensure he wasn’t permitted to stay any longer than absolutely necessary. There was no point in pursuing a relationship he had been certain was destined to fail. Casual liaisons were not something Ezra made a habit of indulging in.

Now, almost a year later, as he’d gotten to know Vin and spent time with him, his attraction had become something more. Still, he hadn’t considered it a viable option. They worked together as part of the group hired to protect the town. Ezra didn’t want to upset the dynamics of their assembly. He was convinced that he would bare the brunt of the others’ displeasure if he did so. Ezra firmly believed that his position in the group was tenuous at best. He liked being with them, sharing in their camaraderie even if only on the fringe. Having something that resembled a home far too important for Ezra to want to risk it.

In addition to all that was the fact that Vin was a friend. There had been too few friendships in Ezra’s life for him to do anything to jeopardize the one he had with Vin. He thought Vin was interested only in women. Or if willing to pursue a relationship with men, he assumed Vin would be more likely to choose their dark clad leader, Chris Larabee. He didn’t want to make a fool of himself by approaching the Texan. Nor did he want to embarrass, or worse yet, offend him.

Ezra took another breath and let it out slowly. He realized he was fortunate that the course of events was not left entirely up to him. He had never expected Vin to be the one to initiate a romantic relationship. Not that Ezra had objected very much or failed to be a willing and active participant. He had been simply astounded to find that Vin shared his feelings. That he too had been hiding how he felt for some time.

While in Bitter Creek, he and Vin had explored each other’s bodies thoroughly. That exploration had continued over the last few days as they made their way back to Four Corners. What absolutely stunned, and amazed, Ezra was that their interaction was not purely physical.

He found himself sharing details about his life he’d never told anyone before. They weren’t something Ezra regarded as deep, dark secrets. They were just bits and pieces of his life no one had ever been interested enough to ask about before. Little things like books he’d read, places he’d been to, relatives he’d stayed with, when and where he learned to use dynamite.

Vin was the first person Ezra had ever met who seemed to want to know everything about him. He was also the first person Ezra trusted enough to share things with. It was a new and heady experience. Ezra realized he shouldn’t be all that surprised. He wanted to know as much about Vin as Vin seemed to want to know about him.

Ezra had been pleased to find that he and Vin had a great deal in common. More so than outward appearances might have suggested. Ezra had been delighted to learn that his mother was wrong. Appearances were not everything, not even close.

He could feel Vin watching him from the other side of the fire. He waited patiently for the question he knew was coming. Right on cue, Vin asked. "Ez, what are ya doin’?"

Ezra opened his eyes and smiled. "I am preparing myself for our return to Four Corners."

Vin frowned. "What’d ya mean?"

"We have agreed that our relationship remain between us."

"So?"

"That means, come tomorrow, when we ride into Four Corners, we must be prepared to act as though nothing has changed. That we are no more than just good friends, fellow peacekeepers."

Vin nodded. He cocked his head to one side as he studied Ezra. "Does that bother you?"

Ezra shook his head. "No. I understand the necessity."

"Ya sure?" Vin’s expression was earnest. "It ain’t that I don’t want ta tell people. Ya know that, right? It ain’t that I wanna hide us bein’ together, it’s jus’ that--"

"I know that you are no more ashamed of being with me than I am of being you." Ezra smiled softly. Vin smiled shyly back at him.

Ezra shook his head. "It is not our feelings that are the issue. It is the reaction of others that we must guard against."

"So what is it yer worried about?"

Trust you to see to the heart of the matter. Ezra frowned. He spoke carefully, picking his words. "Newborn things are fragile, vulnerable, easily damaged or destroyed. What we have started is so very new, so very young. It would not take much to do irreparable harm."

Vin moved from his side of the fire, to sit next to Ezra. He wrapped an arm around Ezra, and pulled him close. Ezra rested his head on Vin’s shoulder.

"Ya think our goin’ back will hurt us?"

Ezra sighed, and snuggled into Vin’s side. "I think the possibility exists. The last few days have been…extraordinary. Like we were the only two people in the world. I am not looking forward to having to censure my actions, or monitor myself so closely. Not when it comes to you."

"Me either."

"Will you be able to?" Ezra pulled away to make eye contact. His lover had an ingrained sense of honesty, and an innate forthright nature. It was something Ezra genuinely liked and respected about Vin. Such character traits were usually a good thing, but it could prove problematic in this case.

"You are a lousy liar, Mr. Tanner."

Vin grinned at him, blue eyes sparkling with humor. "Don’t plan ta lie."

Ezra raised an eyebrow. "Do tell?"

"Reckon I jus’ wont offer additional information."

Ezra burst out laughing, and hugged Vin hard. He couldn’t believe it was only four days ago that he had told Vin he never lied to him; he’d just said or did things to encourage a particular assumption, left out details, or simply failed to supply additional information.

"I fear that I am a bad influence on you."

"Oh yer an influence all right. Ain’t all bad either." Vin pulled back enough so he could kiss Ezra. It was a soft, warm kiss. Ezra gave himself over to it, and their tongues dueled lazily for several minutes.

Vin broke off the kiss, and cupped Ezra’s face with both hands. His eyes searched Ezra’s. "What you were doin’ before…That deep breathing? That help ya get ready ta hide how ya feel?"

"Yes." He hesitated, and then shrugged. He was finding that he couldn’t keep many secrets around Vin any more. "It isn’t always easy to hide what I feel. Especially not when I feel it so strongly."

The deep breathing was a technique he had learned a long time ago. It helped to calm his mind and focus so that he could control his thoughts and emotions. He used it to bring order to internal chaos. Usually it didn’t take very long. He could often do it with one breath. But then most situations didn’t affect him as strongly as Vin did.

Vin half smiled. "Don’t take this the wrong way, but it’s kinda reassurin’ ta know it ain’t easy."

Ezra nodded. He understood that completely. If it were easy, Vin might doubt the depth of his feelings.

Vin tilted his head to rest his forehead against Ezra’s. He rocked slightly. "We don’t have to go back."

Ezra chuckled, and smiled sadly. "I appreciate the offer, but we both know that isn’t an option. For better or for worse, we have both attempted to make a home for ourselves in Four Corners. You have friends there."

"So do you."

Ezra stifled the urge to argue that point. It was minor and didn’t matter. The others tolerated him, but they liked Vin. The town needed all seven of them as protectors. If that were not the case, Ezra knew he would have been run out on a rail a year ago. As it was, his stay was still conditional. He knew that.

At one point, Vin had suggested that they consider telling the other five, if not the rest of the town. Ezra had talked him out of it. Even if they were open to the idea of two men involved in a sexual relationship, they would likely not regard Vin’s choice of Ezra as being a good one.

He did not want their dim view of his character to reflect badly on Vin. The others were good friends to him, almost family. The last thing Ezra wanted was for his relationship with Vin to drive a wedge between him and the five men he thought of as brothers. Ezra was afraid of what would happen if Vin were forced to choose between him and the others.

It was a lose, lose situation. If Vin chose them, Ezra lost. There was no way he could stay in Four Corners if that came to pass. It would hurt far too much. If Vin chose him, Ezra feared Vin would end up blaming him for putting him in that situation in the first place, and he would still lose. I am not sufficient compensation for five men who would die for you. There is no way I could ever make up for that.

Ezra cleared his thoughts, and refocused on what Vin had said. "It wouldn’t matter where we went. The same issues and concerns would still exist." Ezra pointed out reasonably. It wasn’t just the people of Four Corners. It was people everywhere that found romantic affiliations between men highly suspect.

"Damn depressin’." Vin stated matter-of-factly. Yet somehow that lightened Ezra’s mood.

He smiled. "Indeed."

Vin’s hands moved to burrow inside Ezra’s shirt. He grinned mischievously at Ezra, blue eyes warm with affection. "We ain’t in Four Corners, yet. Still got tonight ta ourselves."

"Why, Mr. Tanner, what ever are you implying?" Ezra looked out from under his lashes. He lightly slapped at Vin’s hands. "Such forward actions are unbecoming of a gentleman, Sir."

Vin leered at him. "Good thing I ain’t a gentleman."

Oh yes, it is a very good thing. Ezra silently agreed, and moved in for another kiss. He shivered when Vin’s hands managed to find a way through his clothing.

Vin might have been a novice when it came to the specifics of male-to-male love, but Ezra had found him to be a willing, and very eager pupil. Ezra wasn’t sure what he’d say when Vin got around to asking him just how he’d come to know so much. It was a bridge he’d have to cross some day, but he wasn’t going to worry about it now. There were other things he’d rather concentrate on. Like stripping Vin of all his clothing.

Guns were placed with in easy reach. They might be alone out here, but that didn’t necessarily mean they were safe. Both men knew better than to leave themselves totally open to attack.

Vin dropped his head to suck on a spot right above Ezra’s heart. Over the past few days he had left numerous passion marks on Ezra. Ezra got the distinct impression Vin was trying to make some sort of declaration.

"Marking your territory?" Ezra gasped when Vin ran his tongue of the new mark he’d just made.

"Yep. Yer mine." Vin smiled softly. He looked up and pulled Ezra’s hand to a spot just over his own heart. "And I’m yours."

Ezra found the thought that he was wearing Vin’s mark comforting. Even if no one else would see it, he would know it was there. Even when they were forced to act as nothing more than good friends, he would have proof that they were more than that.

Ezra sighed as Vin lowered his head to lave his nipples. Ezra ran his fingers through Vin’s long, curly hair. He knew if he did it just right that he could make Vin purr. There was no other way to describe the sound of pleasure and contentment that Vin made.

Ezra had managed to remove the last of Vin’s clothing, but Vin was still struggling with the many layers, Ezra normally wore. "Ya got on too many clothes, Ez." Vin almost quivered with excitement and frustration.

Ezra chuckled. "So impatient." He quickly moved to help Vin get rid of the last of his attire. "You would think it had been days since we last did this instead of just this morning."

Vin grinned impishly, pulling Ezra close. "I’m greedy. Jus’ can’t get enough."

"Insatiable." Ezra whispered as he let his hands roam over Vin’s bare skin, enjoying the feel of warm, smooth skin beneath his finger tips. He loved the way Vin’s skin felt.

Vin frowned slightly. "Insatiable?" He repeated, carefully pronouncing the word.

Ezra smiled. "It means never satisfied." He could almost see Vin committing the word to memory.

Vin nuzzled his neck. "Oh, I’m satisfied, Ez." A soft kiss was placed at the hollow of his throat. "Very satisfied. Jus’ not fer long, is all."

Ezra shivered. He moved his fingers to ghost over Vin’s chest. He stopped to pay special attention to those sensitive, dusky nipples. The low moan he received in response seemed to travel right to his already hard shaft.

He reached for the small tin he’d placed near the fire earlier. Before leaving Bitter Creek, Ezra had made sure to replenish his supplies. He had been pleased to find a small tin of liniment that he knew would work well as a lubricant.

Two days ago they were in a position very similar to the one they were in now, when Ezra had offered it to Vin. The look he’d gotten told Ezra, Vin didn’t understand the significance of it. Ezra shook his head at his own foolish assumptions.

"You’ve never been with a man before, have you?" Ezra had questioned softly. The passionate, eager participation the night before, and following morning, hadn’t really indicated a lack of experience.

Vin blushed, and shook his head. Ezra guessed that the man’s shy nature had kept him from getting involved with very many people. It touched a chord in his chest to know this man had been willing to take that risk with him. Seemed keen to in fact.

"Would you like me to teach you?" Ezra rested a hand on Vin’s chest, patting softly. He was careful not to sound patronizing. Everyone started somewhere, and having someone show you the way made everything easier.

Ezra would love to have the opportunity to expose Vin to all the pleasure to be had, but he wasn’t going to force it. What they had been doing was more than he’d ever expected. He had said he wouldn’t ask for more than Vin was willing to give, and he meant it.

"We will do nothing you are not ready for. All you need do is tell me to stop, and I will."

Vin smiled. "I trust you."

That simple statement had the power to warm Ezra right to his toes. Ezra cleared his throat. "Do you remember last night?
Vin’s eyes widened, and his breathing quickened. "No way I’m gonna forget that. Ever."

Ezra blushed, flattered. "Yes…well do you remember the spot I pressed? Here?" Ezra had moved his hand behind Vin’s balls, to gently rub the spot he meant.

Vin moaned, his head tilting back at Ezra’s touch. "Yessss…I remember." Ezra removed his hand, and Vin whimpered.

"The pleasure you feel is much more intense if done internally." Ezra waited until Vin nodded his understanding. "Women have their own natural lubricant, that makes this," Ezra held up the tin, "unnecessary. For men, it is best to provide artificial assistance."

"It is also best to go slow. To take time to do it right. Loosen the channel gradually." Ezra had kissed Vin softly. He raised his head to make eye contact. "To rush would cause pain, and I do not want to hurt you."

Vin nodded. "Show me."

Ezra had coated one finger and gently rimmed Vin’s hole while his tongue laved one of Vin’s nipples. Vin had responded immediately with a hissed gasp of pleasure. He started rocking against Ezra’s hand.

Ezra had worked his way down Vin’s chest, licking, kissing, and nibbling. Letting his lover get lost in those sensations, feeling him relax into his touch. He carefully slid one finger inside. Vin tensed.

"Shh…it’s okay. Just relax." Ezra waited, letting Vin get used to the feeling. "Am I hurting you?"

"No….jus’ feels…different."

Ezra smiled. "Well let us endeavor, to go from different, to good." He lowered his head to take the head of Vin’s cock into his mouth. He began moving his finger in time with Vin’s lazy hip thrusts. When it felt as though Vin were totally comfortable, Ezra added a second finger. This time Vin didn’t tense up, but moaned softly. He seemed torn between thrusting into the wet heat of Ezra’s mouth, and fucking himself on Ezra’s fingers.

Like he was playing a complex musical instrument, Ezra worked his fingers, mouth and tongue together to give Vin as much pleasure as he could. He scissored his fingers, relaxing the ring of muscle. He reached for, and found that nub inside Vin. He knew he’d found it when Vin arched his back, and cried out. Ezra rubbed it again and again, until Vin was trembling and almost sobbing.

Vin had come so hard he’d nearly passed out. When he’d recovered, Vin had hesitantly asked if he could try doing to Ezra what Ezra had done to him. He didn’t have to ask twice.

Ezra handed the warm tin to Vin. Vin smiled. "Gonna get another lesson?" The question was eager.

Ezra nodded. "Yes." Ezra cupped Vin’s face. "I want you to come inside me tonight."

Vin froze for just a second. "Ya sure? Don’t want ta hurt ya, Ez. And fingers ain’t the same size as—"

"I know." Ezra halted the flow of words with a finger against Vin’s lips. "You won’t hurt me. I’ve done this before. Just take it slow." Ezra tilted Vin’s head to kiss his forehead, then placed a kiss on each cheek, finally one on his mouth. "Start with your fingers, and loosen me up a bit. You’ll need to coat your penis as well."

Vin nodded. In moments of quiet reflection, Ezra would consciously acknowledge the benefits of having a lover who was so attentive to details. At the moment, he could only revel in the physical sensations.

Vin went to work doing everything he’d noticed over the past few days that had driven Ezra wild. Tongue and teeth were artfully applied, hands roamed everywhere drawing forth moans and sighs. He left the gambler panting for breath, writhing, unable to articulate a word.

Vin slipped two fingers in easily. He stretched Ezra the way Ezra had showed him. Ezra rocked, trying to wordlessly encourage Vin to thrust deeper, harder. Vin carefully added a third finger. Ezra sighed, and let himself just enjoy the feeling. He relaxed, and let Vin open him up.

After a few minutes, Vin withdrew, and positioned his cock against Ezra’s tight, hot hole. Ezra had brought his legs up to rest his calves on Vin’s shoulders. Being limber had paid off many times in the past. Ezra was glad they could do this face to face. He wanted to see Vin.

Vin breeched his opening. He froze when Ezra sighed, and tensed. "Ya…okay?"

"Yes….just give me a moment." Ezra took a breath and relaxed. Yes, he had done this before, but it had been years since he’d done it since. He had forgotten what the initial burn would feel like.

"More, Vin…give me more." Ezra panted. He tipped his head back, eyes closed, when Vin thrust slowly forward. He took his time, letting Ezra adjust to each increment, until he was all the way in.

Vin panted. He shook with the effort of staying in control. Ezra lowered his legs to wrap them around Vin’s lean waist and hold him in place.

Vin leaned forward and kissed Ezra hard. "You feel…so good. So tight…so hot…God. Never…knew it could…be like this."

Ezra raised a hand caress Vin lightly from cheek to navel. "It will feel even better." Ezra rolled his hips, in a long, sensuous movement, squeezing lightly with internal muscles.

Vin shuddered. "God…Ez….God." He started to thrust. Slowly at first, and then gradually increasing the length of each stroke, and the speed.

Ezra shifted a bit, and changed the angle so that Vin hit is prostate every time. He shivered, and trembled in response. He forced himself to keep his eyes open. He wanted to watch the ecstasy building on Vin’s face, to see him slip over the edge.

Ezra moved a hand to fist his weeping erection. Vin slapped his hand away. "Mine. All mine." The Texan growled low in his throat.

"Yours," Ezra conceded. He shuddered when Vin wrapped his hand around his cock. The feel of that grip against his heated flesh was incredible. Vin matched his hand stroke to his hip thrusts. Ezra felt like he was caught in a whirlwind, spiraling ever higher.

"I can’t….sorry, Ez…I’m gonna…Ya feel so…good…Can’t hold…" Vin thrust forward hard several times, hips snapping violently, then his whole body went so tense he was vibrating. He tipped his head back, and howled as he came. The site of Vin lost in the throws of his own orgasm was the last straw to bring Ezra over the edge a second later.

Vin collapsed. He rested his head against Ezra’s shoulder and sucked in air like a drowning man. Ezra struggled to control his own breathing. He raised a hand, gently caressing Vin’s back. He waited for Vin to ride out the aftershocks. He had his own tremors to ride out as well.

Vin raised his head after several minutes. He cupped Ezra’s face, and kissed him deeply and thoroughly. He raised his head, and smiled. Ezra smiled back at him, amazed at the beauty of the man.

"That was incredible."

Vin nodded. "Yeah." He shook his head. "Was more’n that. But I ain’t got words."

Ezra spoke softly in French. "The little death." Seeing the questioning look on Vin’s face, Ezra obligingly translated.

Vin nodded, and grinned. "Sounds ‘bout right."

Vin moved to pull out and Ezra gasped. Vin froze, looking instantly contrite and worried. "Ya okay, Ez? I didn’t mean…I’m sorry--"

"Shh. It’s fine. I’m fine." Ezra patted Vin’s chest. "No harm done." Ezra stretched and felt muscles twinge in response. He consciously relaxed, and Vin’s soft member slid free easily.

Vin reached for a clean towel that Ezra had left near the fire when he’d placed the tin there earlier. He gently cleaned Ezra’s chest, and then himself. Ezra put the top back on the tin, and returned it to his saddlebag. Reluctantly they both got dressed. It wouldn’t do to be caught out here naked. It was too dangerous.

Vin yawned, his eyes heavy lidded. He looked like a sleepy, well fed cat. Ezra patted his lap encouraging Vin to use his as a pillow. "Lay down. I’ll keep watch."

Vin nodded. He leaned in for another kiss, before he settled in, resting his head on Ezra’s lap. Ezra combed his fingers through Vin’s hair, and he was asleep in seconds.

Ezra would keep watch until just after midnight. Then he would wake Vin, and then he would sleep a few hours until dawn. By late afternoon they would be back in Four Corners. Ezra silently prayed that he would be ready.

*******

Nathan Jackson slipped out of the clinic, and headed for Mrs. Potter’s store. Things had been reasonably quiet of late, and he took that as a sign of bad things to come, like the calm before a storm. Best to be prepared no matter what.

He had asked Gloria Potter to order some things for him. Replenish the supplies he’d used and stock up for the future. Nathan might not be a doctor, but he was the only thing close to one for several days. The people of Four Corners depended on him, and he took his duties as a healer seriously. Mrs. Potter told him she was expecting a shipment today. He was hoping the things he ordered were on it.

Nathan stepped inside the store. He noted with some surprise half a dozen children gathered in one corner. They ranged in age from six to thirteen. None of them paid any attention to him or looked up from what they were doing.

Nathan frowned. He stepped closer to see what they were up to. It wouldn’t do for them to get into mischief in Mrs. Potter store. There was no telling what kind of havoc a group of children could create.

Each child had a copybook and appeared to be engaged in some serious form of study. Little Sammy Wilson, at six years old was the youngest of the group. He was carefully writing out the alphabet. Jenny Thomas, and her sister, Sarah, eight and nine respectively, were taking turns going over a list of words. They seemed to be working on spelling. Danny Kowalski and his twin brother, David, age ten, were working with numbers. The oldest child present was Cecilia Potter. She was thirteen and seemed to be reading something quietly to herself.

Sammy looked up. "CeCe, I’m finished."

Cecilia used her finger to mark her place. She held out a hand for Sammy’s copy book. She studied it carefully. "Very good, Sammy. You got all the letters, and they are all in the right order."

Sammy beamed at her. "Mr. Ezra will be proud a me."

"Yes, I’m sure he will." Cecilia grinned.

"I learned ta sign my name. Look." The little boy proudly showed her where he had carefully written his name in large block letters on the previous page.

"Very good, Sammy."

"Mr. Ezra promised ta show me a card trick if I could sign my name by the time he got back."

Danny and David looked up from their books. The Kowalski’s moved to Four Corners just over a month ago. The two little boys had quickly become the talk of the town. To look at them it was nearly impossible to tell one from the other. Same red hair, same blue eyes, same height, they even wore matching outfits. It wasn’t until they spoke that a difference became apparent. Danny stuttered. David didn’t.

"Mr. E-e-ezra comin’ back t-t-today?"

Sarah Thomas piped up, looking very important. "I heard the sheriff tell Mr. Larabee that Mr. Vin and Mr. Ezra are due back this afternoon. They got a telegram that said so."

Nathan was surprised by how happy they all looked. Ezra does have a way with kids. But it don’t seem right that they’s waitin’ for him. Nathan didn’t know the children even knew Ezra. Or that Ezra knew them.

Man spends alla his time in the saloon. Those kids better not be hangin’ out ‘round there. Ain’t no place for children. Ezra knows better than ta let them in a place like that.

Josh Potter burst through the door. He stopped quickly, barely avoiding a collision with Nathan. "Sorry, Mr. Nathan." Josh darted around him and head for the other children.

"Mr. Ezra’s back." He announced. Sammy jumped of from his stool. Sarah and Jenny did as well. They looked ready to run out the door to see for themselves, when Cecilia stopped them.

"Children."

Nathan blinked. Her tone and inflection had been exactly like Ezra’s. "What did Mr. Ezra say?"

Sammy hung his head, and Jenny looked away. It was Sarah who answered. "He said we are to comport ourselves the way ladies and gentlemen do."

Cecilia nodded. "And that does not mean running around like hooligans." Again there was the echo of Ezra’s voice in her statement.

She closed her book, and nodded toward the books the other children had dropped in their haste. All three quickly picked them up. She smiled, suddenly looking like the thirteen-year-old girl she was, and less like the young woman she was becoming.

"Now we can go see him."

David piped up. "He’ll be in the livery. He always takes care o’ Chaucer first."

They trooped out together, leaving Nathan alone in the store, staring after them in amazement. Somewhat bemused, Nathan followed them, forgetting for them moment the supplies he’d come for. Ezra was just dismounting, and heading in the livery with Peso and Chaucer when the children reached him.

Wonder where Vin is. Horse o’ his is almost as temperamental as that one o’ Ezra’s. Only person who can handle him most o’ the time is Vin. Most people steered clear of either animal, wary of being kicked or bitten.

Ezra handed Chaucer’s reins off to Josh and Cecilia. The two Potter children smiled in response and led the gelding in to the livery. To Nathan’s surprise, the horse followed placidly. Huh. None o’ the rest o’ us can get that horse ta do that.

Ezra followed with Peso, listening as the children spoke animatedly about something. Nathan walked over curious to see what the children had to say to the gambler, and why they were so excited to have him back in town. He also wanted to find out where Vin was. If there had been trouble someone would have come for him by now. Nathan stopped just inside the door.

Josh and Cecilia had put Chaucer in his usual place. Ezra put Peso in the neighboring stall. "Thank you, Mr. Potter, Miss Cecilia. If you would be so kind as to loosen the cinch."

"Sure, Mr. Ezra." Josh nodded. "Ya want me ta put yer tack away too?"

Ezra nodded. "That would be acceptable."

Nathan frowned. Typical. Making someone else do his work for him.

Danny stepped forward. "C-c-can we b-brush him m-m-r. Ezra?"

Ezra crouched down in front of the little red haired boy, putting himself at eye level. "A gentlemen should not rush his words, Daniel." He smiled gently. "It causes him to misspeak, and to be poorly understood."

Nathan scowled. Ain’t got no call to make fun of that little boy. Thought he was a better man than ta do somethin’ like that.

"Now then, Daniel. Take a breath." The boy did so, wide eyes on Ezra the entire time. "Good. Think about what you wish to say, order the words in you mind. Have you got them the way you want them?"

Danny nodded. "Good. Now ask me your question."

"Can we brush Chaucer, Mr. Ezra?" Danny asked clearly, with no hesitation or speech impediment. Nathan raised his eyebrows. He had never heard the boy speak plainly before.

Ezra grinned, dimples readily visible, drawing a similar grin from Danny and his brother, David. "Certainly, you may. But it might be better for you to ask him, than me." Ezra gestured toward Chaucer with a graceful wave of his hand.

Danny moved to stand in front of Chaucer. He took a breath and clearly asked, "May we brush you, Chaucer?"

Nathan wasn’t sure what signal Ezra gave the horse, but Chaucer nickered and nodded his head several times. Danny shared a delighted grin with his twin, and together they raced to get the brushed that Ezra kept in his tack box just for his horse.

Nathan held his breath when the twins entered the stall. He had stepped forward to stop them, but waited. He knew Ezra would never have let them near the horse if he thought they were in any danger. He watched warily, ready to intervene if necessary. Chaucer never moved. The gelding stood very still, calmly letting Danny and David go to work. Josh and Cecilia had moved away, carrying Ezra’s tack to his box without any fear the horse would hurt them.

Sarah, Jenny and Sammy stood in front of Peso’s stall. "Can we help with him, Mr. Ezra?"

Ezra hesitated, and then shook his head. "Peso is more reserved than Chaucer, and does not enjoy the attention of so many at one time."

Sammy nodded. "Peso’s shy." He declared with sympathy.

Nathan suppressed a snort. Shy…hell. That horse is just plain mean.

Ezra tipped his head toward the three children. "And the polite thing to do would be what?"

"Not ta make him uncomfortable." Jenny stated, smiling brightly. "A lady never knowingly does anything to embarrass a guest or a friend."

"Quite correct, Miss Jennifer." Ezra nodded his approval of her answer. "So while I do appreciate the offer, it would be better for me to take care of Peso without your assistance."

Sammy sighed, clearly disappointed. He dug a furrow in the dirt with the toe of one shoe. "Wanted ta help."

Ezra raised an eyebrow. "You may help by keeping me company while I take care of Peso."

"We can do that." Sarah stated confidently.

Ezra deftly stripped Peso of Vin’s saddle and bridle. For anyone else the ornery horse would have danced and threatened with hooves and teeth. But for Ezra he stood patiently, apparently unconcerned with what was going on around him. Amazing.

"Have you all worked on your lessons in my absence?"

A chorus of eager yes’s were his answer. Nathan listened; dumbfounded to hear each child run down the list of things they had been studying. Ezra appeared to follow each child’s enthusiastic input. He seemed to know exactly what they were talking about. Asking questions occasionally that would set off another round of excited answers.

When Ezra finished with Peso, he sat down on a nearby bale of hay. Each child came forward with their copybooks, eager to show him what they had done. Ezra studied one book after another.

"Very impressive. I must commend you for keeping up with your assignments even while I was unavailable. Miss Cecilia, you did an outstanding job acting as my proxy." Cecilia blushed prettily, and then curtsied.

Man acts like he’s some kind of teacher. Guess he thinks since he was ‘the masser’ that he’s the best qualified. Won’t hurt ‘em to get some schoolin’ but I ain’t sure if Ezra’s the right man for the job. Those kids ought ta have a proper teacher not some conman with fancy airs. Have ta ask Mrs. Potter an’ Mrs. Kowalski and the other mothers if they know what that damn gambler’s been doin’.

"Will ya show me a trick now?" Sammy asked, eyes pleading. "I signed my name all by myself."

Ezra pulled a deck of cards from his pocket. He performed a trick for each child. The children watched in awe as he made the cards dance and disappear at will. Nathan was impressed as well. He knew it was all just slight of hand, but Ezra made it look like magic.

"Mr. Potter, would you bring me my saddlebags please?"

Josh nodded, and placed the bags at Ezra’s feet. Ezra opened one, and withdrew a peppermint stick for each child. He handed them out, receiving grins and thank yous as he did so.

"Now then, your mothers’ must be wondering what has become of you."
Jenny quietly asked. "Will ya be there tomorrow, Mr. Ezra?" Six other pairs of eyes fixed intently on the gambler. "Momma says travelin’ wears a body down. Jenny hesitated, but reluctantly continued. "So we’d understand if you was too tired. We could always do it another day."

Ezra smiled. "Your mother is correct, Miss Jennifer. Travel is often exhausting. However, I am not that tired. Rest assured, little ones, I will be there."

Seven children positively beamed in response. Nathan frowned. Be where? Jus’ what are you plannin’? Nathan watched the gambler with narrowed eyes. He objected on moral grounds to most of Ezra’s schemes and money making plans, but he couldn’t imagine what he might be planning that would involve children. Be best to keep an eye on him and make sure he don’t lead those kids into some kind o’ trouble.

"Off with you now before y’all are late for supper."

The children turned and dashed off. Racing past Nathan. The healer watched them leave. His attention was called back to Ezra when the cardsharp spoke to him.

"It is unseemly to lurk in shadows, Mr. Jackson." Ezra hadn’t looked up from where he was ordering his cards. He patted the deck in place and returned the cards to his jacket pocket.

Nathan blushed. How does he do that? Man never even looked my way. "Wasn’t lurking, Ezra." Nathan stepped further into the stable. "I was just waitin’ until you were done."

Ezra raised an eyebrow, but didn’t comment further. Nathan could easily read the disbelief in that silence. Somehow he and the gambler just never saw things the same way. From the day they met they seemed to be on opposite sides. Nathan liked to think things between them were improving, but at times like these he doubted that.

"Where’s Vin?"

"The last time I saw him he was conversing with Mr. Larabee at the jail." Ezra reached into his saddlebag and withdrew an apple. Both Peso and Chaucer immediately hung their heads over their stall doors, ears pricked forward, watching Ezra intently.

"I offered to attend to his faithful steed, while he attended to our illustrious leader."

Probably just tryin’ ta hide from Chris. Man wouldn’t volunteer ta do a lick a work if there wasn’t somethin’ in it for him. Wonder what he did. Maybe it’s what he’s plannin’ ta do.

The gambler pulled a knife from his boot, cut the apple in half, and handed one half to Chaucer, the other to Peso. So that’s how he gets Peso ta behave. He bribes him.

"You have any trouble getting Hoskins ta Bitter Creek?"

Ezra returned the knife to his boot, picked up his saddlebags, and rose smoothly to his feet. "Nothing that Mr. Tanner and I couldn’t handle." Ezra raised two fingers to the brim of his hat as he moved past Nathan. "Good day to you, Mr. Jackson."

Nathan was tempted to stop him, and ask what he was doing with the children, but knew the conman wouldn’t give him a straight answer. Man couldn’t tell the truth if his life depended on it. Just going to have to keep a close eye on him. Wouldn’t be right for him ta take advantage o’ those kids.

*******

Chris Larabee watched as Ezra rode away, leaving Vin to fill him in on what happened on the trip to Bitter Creek. Ezra had been quick to offer to take care of Peso. It wasn’t obvious, but Chris knew the conman was uncomfortable in his presence. Ezra never let down his guard around Chris. He wasn’t afraid, of that Chris was certain, more like wary and vigilant.

At first, Chris had wanted the gambler to be on edge. He didn’t trust the man, and wanted him to know that he was being watched, his every word and action were suspect. But lately, it had begun to bother him that one of his men would avoid him rather than ask for help. It wasn’t right that one of his men thought Chris would let him hang if push came to shove. He found it unnerving that after working with him for a year, Ezra seemed to consider him more of an enemy than an ally.

The Texan’s eyes followed Ezra to the stable. Chris frowned. "Somethin’ wrong?" I know Ezra can handle Peso. Hell, Standish is the only one other than Vin that damn horse hasn’t tried to trample.

"Nope." Vin shifted his gaze. His sky blue eyes met Chris’ darker blue gray. Chris nodded, reading the truth of Vin’s statement, but noting there was something more. Nothing was wrong, but maybe not everything is all right.

"Got a telegram from the sheriff in Bitter Creek. Said ya brought in two men." The telegram Vin had sent said only that he and Ezra had made it to Bitter Creek. The sheriff, Tom Wilton, had sent a telegram the next day giving more information and letting JD know when to expect them back.

Vin nodded. "Hoskins had friends. Met up with ‘em on the trail."

"Any trouble?" Chris hadn’t noticed any injuries on either Vin or Ezra. But knowing how well those two hid things, it wouldn’t surprise him if they had lost a limb and managed to keep it a secret.

Vin shrugged. "Nothin’ me and Ez couldn’t handle, Cowboy."

Chris nodded. He wasn’t surprised to hear that. Whatever his misgivings about Ezra the man could handle himself in firefight. "Sheriff said ya brought four dead men too."

Vin leaned against the porch railing. "Yep."

Chris let it go. He wasn’t going to get any more information from Vin. Wonder if I asked Standish if I’d get more. Man can talk like nobody’s business, but he don’t say a damn thing.

"Let’s get a drink." Vin nodded and followed Chris to the saloon.

"Anythin’ happen in town?"

Chris shook his head. "Nothing much. Things have been pretty quiet lately." Chris was hoping they would stay that way. He liked the peace and quiet.

"Buck got patrol?"

"Yeah. He should be back in another hour."

Chris and Vin stepped into the saloon. Vin sauntered over to their usual table, while Chris stopped at the bar to get a bottle of whiskey and two shot glasses from Inez. He slid into his chair and passed Vin a glass.

"Ya sign me up for the mornin’ patrol?" Vin asked as he poured himself a drink.

He nodded. Morning patrol was usually taken by Chris or Vin. Occasionally Josiah, JD or Nathan would take on that shift, but not very often. Chris used to assign the early morning shift to Ezra when he was pissed at the cardsharp. But he had finally realized that it was more aggravation than it was worth to get Ezra out of bed that early. The gambler had no problem taking late evening. In fact he was the one Chris routinely assigned the midnight to morning shift. Knowing Vin and Ezra would be back today, Chris figured he might as work them back into the rotation.

"Ya got Ez workin’ tonight then?"

"No. Josiah and JD already got it covered. Ezra has tomorrow night."

Vin nodded. He sat back, and sipped his drink. Chris noticed when he made a face. "Somethin’ wrong?"

"Not as good as brandy."

Chris didn’t quite know what to make of that comment. Brandy? What the hell? Chris shrugged mentally and let it go.

Vin tipped his chair back on two legs. Chris enjoyed the companionable silence between them. He’d missed the Texan over the last few days. He missed Vin’s calm, laid back attitude, and having someone to share his coffee with in the morning. If he were honest with himself he missed the flamboyant gambler too. The saloon didn’t seem quite the same without Ezra holding court at his usual table.

Speak of the devil. Ezra entered the saloon. He casually scanned the room. But Chris knew his study was anything but casual. Chris did the same thing often enough to know Ezra had just categorized every person in the room in terms of their identity, position, and possible threat.

Ezra headed for the bar. He spoke to Inez for a moment. She laughed lightly at something he said, and then handed him a bottle and a glass. Ezra tipped his hat to her, before making his way across the room to join Vin and Chris.

"Mr. Larabee. Mr. Tanner."

"Standish."

"Ez."

Ezra sat down in the chair next to Vin. He poured himself a glass of what Chris figured had to be Scotch. Ezra wouldn’t drink whiskey if there were Scotch on hand. Chris knew for a fact that Inez had just gotten a shipment in today. She ordered it especially for Ezra, and adamantly refused to give a bottle to anyone else. Inez said it was Ezra’s private stock.

"If you want a drink of it, you will simply have to ask Senor Standish for it." She told him tartly every time he’d ask. Chris had never asked Ezra because he was certain the man wouldn’t share.

"Ya get Peso put away okay?" Vin asked.

"Yes, Mr. Tanner. Your fractious mount is safe and sound in his own stall."

"He give ya trouble?"

Chris was surprised to hear a genuine note of concern in Vin’s voice. Normally the tracker didn’t worry much about how Peso behaved. Sometimes, Chris was convinced he encouraged that damn horse to act up.

"He was a perfect gentlemen." Ezra smirked and shot a look at Vin that Chris couldn’t interpret. "Unlike his owner."

Chris raised an eyebrow when Vin ducked his head, and blushed. Wonder what that’s all about. He couldn’t remember ever seeing Vin blush before.

Vin cleared his throat, and downed the remainder of his drink. He tipped his head toward Ezra’s bottle. "That better’n brandy?"

Ezra raised a shoulder in a move far to elegant and precise to be called a shrug. "Scotch is something of an acquired taste, Mr. Tanner. It is as different from brandy, as brandy is from the rotgut whiskey you just finished."

Vin nodded. "But is it better?"

"I prefer it, but to know for certain if you would agree with that assessment, you would have to try it for yourself. Everyone’s palate is a bit different."

Vin held his empty glass out toward Ezra. "Can I?"

Ezra tapped a finger against his lower lip. "The correct question is ‘may I?’, Mr. Tanner. And certainly you may." To Chris’ astonishment Ezra filled Vin’s glass.

Ezra raised his glass to touch Vin’s and then with a quick swallow he downed his drink. Vin cautiously sipped his drink. He smiled. "Nice. Smooth. But I think I like brandy better."

Chris stared. Ezra arched one eyebrow sardonically. "Yes, Mr. Larabee?"

What the hell? Worst he can do is say no. "May I have a drink of that?"

Ezra tipped his head, seemed to consider his request of a moment, and then filled Chris’ glass. Chris sipped it and closed his eyes. Man, that is good. Haven’t had aged scotch in years. "That’s good, Ez. Real good."

Ezra nodded, and then picked up his bottle. He stood up, adjusting his clothing with a few deft movements until they lay perfectly. "Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me, I think a bath might be in order before I partake in a game or two of chance this evening."

"Thanks for the drink, Ez."

"You are welcome, Mr. Tanner." Ezra hesitated for just a moment. He glanced toward Chris, and then turned away. Just that quickly he was gone.

Chris stared after him, and then looked at Vin. Vin continued to sip his scotch. "How did you do that?"

"Do what, Cowboy?"

"Get him to share. The selfish bastard has never offered to share a drop of his private stock before."

Vin’s eyes narrowed. "Ya ever ask him to?" His voice was cold and hard.

Chris blinked, surprised by the sudden change in Vin’s demeanor. "No."

Vin nodded. "Well then, there ya go." Vin said calmly, his tone matter of fact.

"That simple?" Chris frowned. Nothing with Standish is ever simple.

Vin shrugged. "Sometimes. Amazin’ what ya get when ya ask for it." Vin sipped his drink again. His blue eyes measured Chris with an appraising look. "Ain’t like you’ve ever bought him a drink either, Cowboy."

Chris scowled not liking where this was going. "Meaning?"

"Why should he offer ta share with ya? Ain’t like you’d be willin’ ta do the same. As it is, ya didn’t even thank him for the one he did give ya."

Chris opened his mouth to deny it, but realized Vin was right. He’d bought drinks for the others in the past. Hell, he’d just bought Vin a drink a few minutes ago. But he never once offered to buy one for Ezra. Never offered to share a bottle with him.

"Man can afford to buy his own damn drink." Chris growled, trying to justify his actions. An’ why the hell should I thank him? Man must have a dozen bottles o’ that scotch, but he’s too miserly ta share more than one drink.

Vin raised an eyebrow. "I can’t buy my own? Buck is broke? Josiah and Nathan too?"

"When Ezra takes all their money playing poker they are lucky to have two nickels to rub together."

Vin brought his chair forward, sitting squarely on all four legs. "Ez doesn’t TAKE their money. They’re dumb enough to play week after week. He don’t force them ta sit down and play. They’re grown men. They make their choices. If they wanna keep their money they ought ta know better than to gamble with it. Every game has a winner and a loser, ya’d think they’d have figured that out by now. If they ain’t prepared ta lose then they should know better than ta sit down at the table and ante up."

Chris sat back, surprised by Vin’s vehement defense of the gambler. It was also the most words he’d ever heard the reticent tracker say at one time. Ignoring for the moment the fact that the Texan was right, Chris asked, "Why are you all of a sudden defending him?"

Vin pushed his chair back. "Because it’s about damn time someone did. We’re s’posed to be a team, Cowboy." Vin got up. "Ain’t right, and it ain’t fair, ta treat Ez different than we treat each other." Vin slammed his glass down on the table, and left heading out the back way.

Chris sighed, and rubbed his forehead. That went well. Was I thinking I missed them?

He regarded the glass in front of him. With a shrug he finished, his drink enjoying the smooth taste of well-aged single malt. Vin’s right. Ezra doesn’t force the others to play with him. And before today I never thought to just ask him for a drink. Knew I treated him different, but didn’t think it was over little shit. Figured it was jus’ when it came ta the job, or money.

Chris shook his head. He wasn’t sure he knew how to fix this. Hell, until two minutes ago I didn’t even know it was broken. Chris sighed again, and successfully resisted the urge to bang his head against the table.

*******

Vin woke at his usual time shortly before dawn. He breathed in deeply before opening his eyes. He smiled, enjoying the scent of Ezra. Sandalwood, lavender, and somthin’ that is just him.

They had agreed to maintain their normal routines, so Vin had left the saloon last night at his usual hour. But instead of heading for his wagon, he had slipped up the back stairs. He snuck into Ezra’s room using the key Ezra had given him, careful to make sure no one saw him. He knew Ezra would stay in the saloon until closing time, playing poker, and then helping Inez clean up.

Vin had been stunned when Ezra offered him the key yesterday morning as they broke camp. "Won’t ya need it?"

Ezra shrugged, and grinned, dimples flashing, gold premolar visible. "I can pick the lock. I thought you might want to access my room without drawing attention by knocking." Ezra had placed a warm, gentle kiss on his lips. It was a promise of more to come.

"It wouldn’t do to have you skulking in the corridor like some villain either. And there is no reason for you not to enjoy the comforts of my bed while you await my arrival."

Vin had looped a rawhide cord through the key and hung it around his neck, tucking it safely out of view inside his shirt. Throughout the day, he raised a hand to pat it just to make certain it was still there. There was something reassuring about having real, tangible proof Ezra wanted them to continue their ‘liaison’. Not that the conman had given any indication he didn’t, it was just nice to have something solid to hold on to.

Vin had slipped silently up the stairs and into Ezra’s room unobserved. He lit the lamp on the bedside table, but kept it low. He spent several minutes just wandering around Ezra’s room. The only time he’d been there before was to wake the gambler, and that had been more of a duck and run experience, leaving him with little more of an impression rather than specific details.

Unlike the other boys, Ezra’s room was well ordered, and clean. His clothes hung neatly in the closet, or were stored in the dresser. There was nothing lying scattered around the floor. Even the bed was made.

The room should have had an impersonal feel, but it didn’t. There were traces of Ezra’s scent that lingered in the air. The rocking chair near the window added a homey touch. Vin could picture his lover sitting there reading or just watching the street. The quilt folded, and lying at the foot of the bed, was a bit frayed and looked like it had seen a lot of use. Vin ran his hands over it, and knew immediately why Ezra kept it. Soft.

Vin noticed several books stacked in one corner. Curious he’d picked up one. He’d been working diligently on learning to read with Mrs. Travis when she had time. But he found Ezra to be a better teacher.

Ezra had come to him after laughing about his poetry and apologized, repeatedly. He had been ashamed of his behavior and had wanted to make up for doing what he called an ‘unconscionable act better suited to a cretin than a comrade’. He had offered to make it up to Vin.

Vin knew the gambler had been drunk, and decided to cut him some slack. He should have known better than approach the man when he was in that state. So he asked Ezra to teach him to read as a way to make it up to him. He hadn’t honestly expected the gambler to take him up on it. To his surprise, Ezra was more than willing to do so. For several months, he had secretly helped Vin struggle with the learning process, patiently teaching him to read and write.

Vin had stopped going to Ezra when he realized that his attraction to the gambler was growing, and being alone with him made it hard to concentrate. He had decided it was better to stay away before he did something he’d regret. Before he lost control and did something that would damage the growing friendship between them.

Vin was proud of the fact that, thanks to Ezra, he could make his way through most of the Clarion now without too much difficulty. He frowned studying the book he held. He couldn’t make heads or tails of the writing on the book he held. Huh. Letters are all backwards. Vin picked up another book to compare them. He could read the title on the second book. Have ta ask Ez what the other one says.

Vin slipped out of his boots, and hung his jacket over the rocking chair. He made himself comfortable on the bed, settling in to wait for Ezra. When Ezra had slipped into the room later that night, Vin had woken from his light sleep immediately. He hadn’t recognized who Ezra was at first, and greeted him by pointing his mare’s leg at him. Ezra raised an eyebrow. Vin shrugged, unapologetic.

"Sorry, Ez. Old habit." It was a habit that had kept him alive too long to quit.

"My fault. I should have announced myself. I shall remember to do so in the future."

Vin liked the sound of that. It was tacit permission to come back as often as he liked. And Vin intended to spend a lot of time with Ezra.

"Browsing through my library?" Ezra nodded toward the books Vin had left on the bed.

"Ya don’t mind do ya?" Vin wondered if he shouldn’t have been quite so free in his examination of Ezra’s things.

"No. I don’t mind. Feel free to avail yourself to anything you find interesting." Ezra slipped out of his jacket and moved to hang it up in the closet. He undid his string tie leaving it on the dresser, and hung his hat on the mirror post. Ezra unbuttoned his cuffs, as he moved toward the bed.

"What struck your fancy?"

Vin held up the book whose title he’d been unable to read. Ezra looked at him in surprise. "I would not have thought you’d be able to read this one."

"I can’t." Vin tried to hide his embarrassment at not being able to.

Ezra reached out, putting a knuckle under Vin’s chin, gently forced his head up. "Nothing to be ashamed of. The reason you can’t read it is because it is written in Greek. Not English."

"Greek?" Vin felt better hearing that. It wasn’t his fault he couldn’t read it.

Ezra smiled softly. "Yes. It is Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. It has been translated many times, but I prefer to read the original."

Vin frowned. "Ya didn’t tell me you could speak Greek." Ezra had told him he could speak French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. He hadn’t mentioned Greek.

Ezra chuckled. "That’s because I can’t. I can read it. But I am not able to speak it with any degree of fluency. Certainly not to the same extent as the other languages I’d told you about."

Probably speaks it better’n I do English. Wonder what he figures it takes to be fluent. Vin tapped the book. "What’s it about?
Ezra smiled. "The first part, the Iliad, is about a war between the Greek city-states, and Troy. The second, the Odyssey, is about one man’s long journey to get home after the war is over."

Vin frowned. "This war recent?" He’d never heard of Troy. Only war he knew anything about was the one he’d fought in.

"No. The story is ancient. A classic. Part history, part myth and legend. No one really knows for certain how much of it is real and how much is simply invention."

Vin nodded. He put the book aside. He wasn’t interested in it anymore. Not when Ezra had started undoing the buttons of his vest, and then his shirt.

Vin licked his lips remembering the bout of lovemaking they had engaged in. He stretched, easing stiff muscles, careful not to disturb Ezra. Just when he thought it couldn’t get any better, Ezra went and added something new.

Ez really has a knack for teachin’. And I mean more than just readin’. Vin grinned at that thought. He enjoyed these lessons a lot. He was looking forward to the next one.

Vin sighed. Wish our normal routine included me hangin’ out in bed with Ez. He’s right ‘bout this feather bed. Thing is real comfortable. Can see why he don’t want ta get up in the mornin’. Vin couldn’t remember sleeping better. Course it might be the company, and not jus’ the bed.

His shift on patrol would start soon, and he needed to get dressed and get moving before he was late. He didn’t want anyone to see him sneaking out of Ezra’s room. Vin reluctantly pulled away from the warm body he’d been wrapped around. Ezra made a sleepy sound of discontent. Vin placed a kiss on his shoulder.

"Shh…it’s okay."

Ezra shifted and rolled toward Vin, his green eyes opening. "Good morning." Ezra’s normally smooth drawl was rough with sleep.

Vin smiled, and ran his fingers though Ezra’s sleep tousled hair. "Mornin’."

Ezra sighed, closed his eyes, and moved closer to Vin, eliminating the distance Vin had created just a minute ago. As much as he enjoyed the feel of Ezra snuggled in close, Vin knew he couldn’t stay. "I gotta go, Ez."

"Okay." Ezra didn’t move.

"I got patrol."

"Hhmmm." Ezra nodded his head against Vin’s shoulder.

Vin chuckled, and pulled away. Ezra didn’t try to restrain him, but his green eyes opened to follow every move he made. Vin slid out of bed, and gathered up his clothes. After making sure he’d put the key around his neck for safe keeping, he quickly got dressed. Vin made a point of not looking at Ezra as he did, knowing he’d be unable to finish the job if he did.

Ezra clucked his tongue. "A shame to see such beauty hidden away from view."

Vin looked over his shoulder. "Ain’t beautiful."

Ezra arched an eyebrow. "I am afraid that I must disagree. You are the embodiment of perfection."

Vin blushed. He was flattered that Ezra thought he was nice to look at, but he didn’t think of himself that way. "Women are beautiful. Not men."

Ezra smirked at him, green eyes sparkling with amusement and affection. "Nonsense. Beauty is not limited by gender. Both men and women can be beautiful. And you, Mr. Vin Tanner, are most definitely beautiful."

Vin shrugged. "If ya say so."

Ezra nodded firmly. "I say so."

Vin pulled on his boots, and then stepped back to the bed. He leaned in and placed a warm, gentle kiss on Ezra’s lips. He was careful to keep the kiss from getting too deep or passionate. It was just a little morning hello and a tender good-bye. No point in startin’ somethin’ we can’t finish.

"When will you be back?" Ezra asked when Vin forced himself to let go.

"Should be back by noon."

Ezra stretched, and pulled the covers up as he snuggled back into the bed. He didn’t normally put in an appearance until mid-morning, so it didn’t surprise Vin that his lover looked to be settling in to stay for a while. "Vin…Would you care to meet me for lunch?"

"Would love to." It wasn’t uncommon for any or all of the seven to meet up for lunch. The two of them getting together wouldn’t seem out of the ordinary. Vin tucked the covers in closer, knowing how much Ezra hated being cold. He caressed Ezra’s cheek as he did so. "I’ll see ya soon."

Vin slipped out silently, careful to go out and down the back stairs unseen. He headed for the jail first to check in. Josiah greeted him.

"Good morning, brother Vin." The ex-preacher was sipping a cup of coffee and saluted Vin with his cup.

"Mornin’, Josiah." Vin headed to the small stove and poured a cup of coffee from the pot resting on the top. He sipped the bitter brew, mindful that it would be hot. "Things quiet?"

Josiah nodded. "Did my last round just half an hour ago. No sign of trouble."

The midnight to morning shift consisted of making regular rounds through town checking the buildings and alleys, seeing to it the saloon and its patrons shut down peacefully. Vin preferred the morning shift, not just because he was an early riser, but also because that shift usually meant riding out of town and checking the outlying ranches.

"Saloon close up okay?" If there were problems at all that was where they usually started. Vin hadn’t heard anything, and he knew Ezra would have said something last night if there had been trouble. But it was a routine question, so Vin felt obligated to ask Josiah.

"Yes. No trouble at all." Josiah smiled. "Things there are usually calmer there when Ezra is around."

Glad I’m not the only one who noticed Ezra keeps things quieter there. Ez can jus’ put a stop to it ‘fore it gets outta hand. Vin paused trying to remember the word Ezra had used. De—something. Got it. Defuse. Said it was similar ta keepin’ dynamite from explodin’.

Chris stepped through the door. Vin had already poured a cup for him and handed it to him. Chris tipped his head and nodded his thanks.

Josiah stood and stretched his arms high over his head. He scratched the stubble on his chin. "If you boys will pardon me….I’m," Josiah yawned widely, "going to bed."

"G’night, Josiah. Sleep well." Chris offered with a faint smile. The larger man just tipped his head, and headed out the door. Vin knew he would be in the church until mid-morning. Probably’ll surface ‘bout the same time as Ez.

Vin finished his coffee. He moved to follow Josiah out the door when Chris stopped him. "Vin?"

"Yeah, Cowboy?" Vin turned to look at Chris and waited.

The blond gunslinger hesitated. "I’m sorry."

Vin frowned. "Fer what?"

"Yesterday."

"Ain’t me you owe an apology to." Vin kept his voice neutral and non-judgemental.

"I know." Chris nodded. "I’m gonna try and make it up to him." Chris made a wry face. "Don’t know how, but…" Chris sipped his coffee, and shook his head. "He say somethin’ to you on that trip?"

Cowboy, you have no idea. But none o’ that has anything ta do with what yer askin’. Vin didn’t even blink at Chris’ question. He understood where the gunslinger was coming from. His defense of Ezra yesterday was bound to raise an eyebrow, but he just couldn’t sit back and let Chris belittle the gambler.

"He thinks y’all don’t trust him."

Chris sighed. "I do trust him."

"Then maybe ya should act like ya do." Vin pointed out calmly.

Chris pursed his lips thinking about that, and then nodded. "He say anythin’ else?"

"Plenty, but nothin’ I’m gonna tell you."

The gunslinger looked at Vin in surprise. Vin shrugged. "Ya want ta know somethin’, Cowboy, ask him. He might jus’ surprise ya. ‘Sides, you would do better ta hear it from him. Talkin’ ta me ain’t gonna fix the problems ya got with him."

Vin looked toward the clock. It was time he got going. "I’ll see ya later."

"Be careful." Chris warned, his expression thoughtful. Vin knew that what he’d said had hit home. Maybe he’ll set things straight with Ez. Hope so.

"Always am." Got even more reason ta make sure I come home in one piece. Ezra will be waitin’.

*******

Ezra had gotten up at eleven. He didn’t really hate mornings, he just couldn’t understand the need to be up with the sun if he didn’t have to be. It wasn’t like he’d been assigned any duties that required getting up before he felt like it. He had been conditioned for most of his life to being awake when most others were ending the day.

Since it was usual for Chris to assign him the midnight to morning shift, Ezra didn’t typically get to bed until the sun was rising. And when he hadn’t been assigned that shift, it was usually 2 am before he retired to his room. Most of the time he would spend an hour or more reading. Last night there had been more interesting activities to engage in.

Ezra smiled at his reflection thinking about what happened when he had gotten back to his room. Sleep hadn’t been a high priority at the time. He shivered, remembering just how he and Vin had spent the wee hours of the morning.

Ezra took a deep breath, and then another. With the ease of long practice he controlled his emotions, and facial expression. The man looking back from the mirror wore a pleasantly bland expression, and appeared totally at ease. Better. It would not do to give away the game. Not yet. Not ever.

Satisfied that both his room and his appearance were once more in order, Ezra headed down stairs. He sauntered over to the restaurant. With any luck Vin would arrive soon.

Ezra noticed that JD and Buck were already present. He forced himself not to show any disappointment. He knew that it was unlikely that he and Vin would be able to share the midday meal alone, but he had hoped they would have that opportunity. Ah well, perhaps another day.

He watched Buck and JD’s antics for a moment. He envied their close relationship. Ezra had never really had the opportunity to experience what it was like to have a younger brother to look out for, or have an older brother look out for him. And despite the lack of blood ties, Buck and JD were most definitely brothers.

"Hey, Ez." JD called to him.

"Mr. Dunne." Ezra nodded as he made his way to their table. "Mr. Wilmington."

"’Bout damn time you got up, Ez." Buck slid a chair toward him. "Was beginnin’ ta think you were gonna spend the whole day in bed."

Ezra rolled his eyes. "I fail to see the appeal for rising with the sun, Mr. Wilmington."

Buck grinned. "Well ya know what they say…early ta bed, early ta rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy an’ wise."

Ezra gracefully sat down, and shot a mocking look at Buck. "And tell me, Mr. Wilmington, what use have you made of all the wisdom, and wealth, this daily regimen has garnered you?"

JD laughed. "Yeah, Buck, where ya been hidin’ all that money?"

Buck stroked his mustache, and leaned back in his chair. "Well, now in ol’ Buck’s case it ain’t money or health that he gets, it’s animal magnetism. Ladies jus’ can’t resist me."

"Buck, you are so full o’ crap." JD stated firmly. Buck retaliated by trying to knock off JD’s hat. The young sheriff managed to duck out of reach just in time. He stuck his tongue out at Buck, making the tall cowboy laugh.

"If that’s the best you can do, Kid, I’m gonna have to teach you better."

Ezra didn’t want to contemplate what those lessons might entail. "Anything interesting happen in town while Mr. Tanner and I were absent?"

JD gave him a run down of who did what and went were. Ezra found it fascinating just how much the younger man could get out of one breath. He idly wondered if it were possible for someone to pass out from saying so much so fast, and breathing so little.

Ezra could tell immediately when Nathan and Josiah enter the restaurant. The ability to be aware of everyone and everything in the room while seeming to concentrate on something else was a survival trait he’d mastered years ago. He never let his guard down in a public setting, and rarely did it even in private. Ezra wouldn’t have lived as long as he had in his line of work without constantly monitoring his environment.

Buck greeted the new arrivals in his usual boisterous fashion. JD stopped relaying the latest news long enough to greet them as well. Ezra settled for tipping his head politely to both the healer and the ex-preacher.

Nathan took the seat opposite JD. Josiah clapped a hand on Ezra’s shoulder as he sat down in the vacant seat to Ezra’s right. "Ezra, son, it is good to have you back in town."

Ezra clamped down hard on his first, instinctive reaction when Josiah touched him. Over the course of his life, Ezra had found that unsolicited contact was usually the harbinger of pain. He was all too familiar with people laying hands on him to restrain, immobilize, threaten or inflict harm. Ezra could count on one hand the number of people who had touched him with the same degree of familiarity that Josiah just had, that hadn’t done so with the express intent of hurting him. Even his own mother had often only engaged in physical displays as a means of controlling him or as part of a con, not as a way of exhibiting any real maternal affection. Vin was a recent addition to the select few who’s touch he not only allowed but actively welcomed and encouraged.

Ezra forced himself to sit still, to not shy away, or violently remove the larger man’s hand from his shoulder. It was a credit to his ability to control himself that the others never saw the slight stiffening of his posture as anything more than simple annoyance. "Mr. Sanchez, I really must insist that you give up this delusion that we are somehow related."

Ezra narrowed his eyes, and looked pointedly at the hand on his shoulder. "And accosting my person will not change that fact."

Josiah laughed, patted Ezra’s shoulder and let go. Ezra knew it was futile to get the man to acknowledge his request, but he kept trying, unwilling to admit complete defeat on the issue. Why is so hard to honor a simple request? He has made it clear on more than one occasion that I am not what he would consider acceptable in a progeny, so why persist in calling me son?

Ezra studied Josiah for a moment. How can he not realize that continuing to call me son, ignoring my wishes, only serves to emphasize how little regard he has for me? If he thinks that calling me son will induce me to amend my habits and behavior in some effort to win paternal approval, he is sadly mistaken. Ezra sighed silently. It was an issue for another time.

"Hey, Ezra?"

"Yes, Mr. Dunne?"

"Tom Wilton said you and Vin brought in four dead men with ya when ya delivered Hoskins. Said ya brought in another guy too. Somebody named O’Brian."

"Yes, we did." Ezra nodded.

He tried not to think about the young man who had gasped out his last breath in Ezra’s arms. When he had devised his plan he had meant only to incapacitate Hoskins and his gang, not to kill them. In his darker moments, Ezra wondered if it made him a bad man that he regretted the death of the horse Vin had been forced to put down more than he did the death of the boy. At least the boy had a choice, the horse was never given that option.

"I thought you said you didn’t have any trouble." Nathan frowned, dark eyes watching Ezra suspiciously. "Four dead men, and an extra prisoner, don’t sound like no trouble."

"Mr. Jackson, what I said was that Mr. Tanner and I had not run into trouble we couldn’t handle." Ezra corrected Nathan quietly. "I never said there was no trouble."

"Sounds like ya handled it all right." Buck whistled clearly impressed. "If we’d known there was gonna be trouble more of us coulda gone with Vin. Don’t sound like the odds were real good."

Ezra smiled tightly, noting that Buck’s concern was for Vin not for himself. "Yes, I’m sure Mr. Tanner would no doubt have appreciated your capable assistance."

Josiah raked him from head to toe with hard blue eyes. "Either of you get hurt in this little dust up?"

"No wounds of significance were sustained by either of us."

"That isn’t the same thing as saying no, Ezra." Josiah growled.

Ezra smirked. "Most perceptive of you, Mr. Sanchez." He told Vin he never lied to him. He’d never lied to any of the others either. He just picked his words carefully.

Nathan glared at Ezra. "I haven’t seen Vin since he got back. He get hurt? That why you were takin’ care of Peso?"

Ezra cocked his head, unfazed by the black man’s hostility. "Why don’t you ask him yourself, Mr. Jackson?" Ezra casually waved a hand toward the door. Even with out looking he knew when Chris and Vin had entered.

Chris took the seat that positioned him at what could be considered the head of the table. Vin slid into the vacant chair next to Ezra’s left with his usual boneless grace. "Ask me what?"

"Did you get hurt?"

"When?" Vin looked at the healer, his expression completely innocent.

"Taking Hoskins to Bitter Creek."

"Nope." Vin looked at Nathan steadily, his clear blue eyes easily relaying the truth of that simple statement.

Josiah fixed his attention on Ezra, but directed his question to Vin. "Ezra get hurt?"

Vin shrugged one shoulder. "Jus’ a scratch. Nothin’ ta worry ‘bout." He cast a questioning look toward Ezra.

Ezra half-smiled. "It seems the good sheriff of Bitter Creek took it upon himself to inform our associates that we arrived with more in tow than just Mr. Hoskins."

"Ah." Vin nodded. His eyes sparkled with quiet humor. Ezra knew Vin was aware of the telegram Wilton sent. He’d known that the sheriff was planning to tell the others when they left Bitter Creek so they would know when to expect them back.

Chris looked around the table. "Knew ‘bout that even ‘fore ya got back. What’s the big deal?"

"No one said anything to me about four dead men and another prisoner." Buck declared, obviously put out at the thought of not being informed. "You just said they got there okay."

"And they did." Chris waved a hand to encompass both Vin and Ezra. "They got home okay too."

Nathan shook his head. "Damn, Ezra, ya could have told me that yesterday."

Ezra raised an eyebrow. "I answered the question you asked, Mr. Jackson." He kept his tone and expression blandly neutral.

Nathan muttered something darkly under his breath that Ezra chose to ignore. Vin slouched further in his chair, and moved so he could bump his knee against Ezra’s. Ezra knew he was silently asking if there was a problem. Ezra bumped him back, and shook his head just enough to signal that everything was fine.

Ezra was somewhat relieved to get through lunch. It was a subtle, and sweet torture, to be so close to Vin and not to act on the urge to touch him more blatantly, to act normally. Looking for the silver lining, Ezra decided it was a good test of his skills. It was a challenge, and a part of him honestly delighted in exercising his skills. Never had to work so hard to stay sharp before.

Buck pushed his plate away with a satisfied sigh. He patted his stomach. "Man, that was good grub." He pushed his chair from the table getting ready to leave. "Guess I better get on patrol. Vin, which way did ya ride this mornin’?"

Afternoon patrol generally consisted of visiting those ranches that weren’t already checked on that morning. Vin had circled to the west and north. Buck would take a route that went east and south.

JD got ready to leave as well, giving Buck a playful jostle as he got to his feet. "I’ll be in the jail if any o’ ya need me."

Buck shoved back. "Now why would anyone need ya kid? Town’s been quiet for more’n two weeks."

The two men left arguing good-naturedly as they did so. Ezra withdrew his pocket watch and checked the time. It was nearly one o’clock. "If you gentlemen will excuse me, I must also take my leave. I have an appointment to keep this afternoon."

Nathan pursed his lips. "Something you been plannin’ with the children?"

Ezra knew Nathan had been listening in the stable, so his question didn’t come as a surprise. "Yes, as a matter of fact."

Deciding to pre-empt any objections or condemnations from the healer, Ezra made an offer. He often found the best defense was to attack. "You are welcome to come along if you wish."

Chris regarded him with surprise. "You doin’ something with kids?"

Might as well inform everyone now. Deal with all the recriminations at once. I’m sure Vin will have no objections since he was willing to let me assist in his desire to become literate. Hmmm, I just realized he was my first pupil. But the others…well, no time like the present to find out. Let the chips fall where they may.

"Mrs. Potter was concerned that Joshua and Cecilia had not received any formal instruction for several years. She came to me and wanted to know if I would be willing to act as a temporary, surrogate instructor until a more suitable teacher could be found and induced to stay in Four Corners."

"Why’d she pick you?" Nathan asked. He looked genuinely interested and more than a little surprised.

Ezra shrugged. "You’d have to ask the lady yourself to ascertain all her reasons, but she led me to believe that she considered me to sufficiently well educated and more than able to pass on rudimentary instruction to her children."

Ezra brushed one hand down his sleeve, pretending to remove imaginary dust, but in reality, checking his derringer. It was a habit so ingrained he didn’t actually think about it. Every time he adjusted his clothing, he was routinely checked his weaponry to be sure of it was within easy reach and ready to fire. It also let him keep his hands busy without actually making any gestures that might be perceived as nervous.

"What ‘bout the others I saw ya with yesterday?"

"When several other mothers in our fair hamlet, were bemoaning the lack of a qualified teacher and the uneducated state of their children, Mrs. Potter suggested they join Joshua and Cecilia in receiving lessons from me."

Chris raised an eyebrow. "Jus’ how long have you been doing this?"

Ezra paused to consider that question. He hadn’t really even thought about it until Chris asked. He shifted a bit, and felt more relaxed when he could feel just the faintest touch of Vin’s hand on his thigh. It was reassuring to have Vin there, and know that the Texan would see nothing wrong with him teaching the children, even if the others found his actions suspect.

"The Potter children, approximately three months. Jennifer and Sarah Thomas joined in a month or so after that. The Kowalski twins were included shortly after the family arrived. Samuel Wilson is the most recent addition. His mother felt that he was now old enough to begin undertaking some form of schooling."

"Seven children in all." Josiah noted.

Chris frowned. "There are more kids in town than that."

Ezra nodded. At last count there some fifteen children in town, not to mention another twelve that lived on the outlying ranches. "Indeed. More than enough to warrant having an actual school house and a certified teacher. Mrs. Potter has assured me that she and the others are diligently working toward finding someone eminently more qualified."

Chris shook his head. "That wasn’t what I meant. I meant, why aren’t you teaching the rest of them?"

Ezra raised an eyebrow. That wasn’t a question he’d expected, not at all. He shrugged one shoulder. "I am only teaching the ones who’s mothers have requested that I do so. I was under the impression that Mrs. Potter had taken it upon herself to inform every mother in town that she had engaged my services. Having not spoken to any of the others, I can only assume they are choosing to wait for a more appropriate instructor to arrive." Someone with a less questionable profession and reputation no doubt.

Chris raised an eyebrow at that. "How long ya think it will take them to find someone?"

"I have no idea, Mr. Larabee." Ezra honestly didn’t know how one went about acquiring a certified teacher. He wasn’t even sure what channels to go through. It was why he’d left that task to someone better able to undertake it, Mrs. Potter.

"How often do you do this?"

"I have tried to spend a few hours a day with them. Allowing, of course, for my other obligations." Ezra smiled slightly and tipped his head toward Chris. He didn’t want Chris to think he had shirked the other duties he had been assigned.

"What do you teach the little ones, son?"

Ezra chose to ignore being called ‘son’. "For the most part I have focused on the basics. Reading, writing and arithmetic. Occasionally, I have discussed history and some science with them. Today we will be having a lesson in geography."

Vin spoke up for the first time. "Geography?"

"Specifically, it is the study of the earth and its topographic features, as well as man made points of interest like cities and railroads."

"Maps." Vin declared with a smile.

Ezra smiled back warmly, pleased with how quickly Vin had translated what he said into something he understood. "Exactly. In this case we will be looking at maps of the United States. Mr. Lovitt has recently acquired several new maps, and has graciously agreed to allow the children an opportunity to study them."

Nathan frowned and then raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Lovitt? The bank manager?"

"The one in the same." Ezra nodded.

"Where do you hold these classes?" Josiah questioned. He sat forward, clearly interested.

"Mrs. Potter has set up a place in her store room to accommodate the children. It is adequate until something more suitable can be constructed. Although, for today we will be utilizing Mr. Lovitt’s office."

"Yer takin’ the kids ta the bank?" Vin looked puzzled. "Wouldn’t a thought that would be a good idea."

"Ordinarily, you would be correct, but today is Wednesday." Ezra stated. "The bank usually closes early today to allow Mr. Lovitt, and his associate, Mr. Neville, the opportunity to review the books and go over the week’s business. With no customers to deal with, he seemed to think use of his office would not be a problem. And this ensures that his maps do not actually leave the premises. I have been given to understand that they are rather costly."

Ezra pushed back his chair, and moved to stand. "Now, I really must be going or I will be late. The children are expecting me."

"Ezra?"

"Yes, Mr. Jackson?"

"That invitation still open?"

Ezra wondered about the hesitant nature of the question. It wasn’t like Nathan to be unsure about much of anything. Odd. Ah well, no matter. I’m certain he wants to keep an eye on me and ensure I do not unduly corrupt the children.

"But, of course." He waved a hand toward the door, indicating Nathan should precede him. Ezra very subtly let his hand ghost across the back of Vin’s chair. His hand moving in a quick caress from one shoulder to the other as he left.

Together, he and Nathan made their way down the boardwalk to Mrs. Potter’s store. The children were all eagerly awaiting his arrival. Mrs. Potter looked up from her counter when they entered.

Mrs. Potter patted her hair in place with a quick, deft touch. She came forward from behind the counter, moving with a grace that belied her age. She held out a hand to Ezra, and he gently took it, bowing to kiss the back of her hand.

"Mrs. Potter, I see this day finds you as lovely as ever."

Mrs. Potter smiled warmly. "Mr. Standish, I’m so glad you could make it. The children were worried that you might have been unable to."

Ezra tipped his head to the seven small individuals all trying hard to restrain their excitement. He smiled to see them lined up and ready to go, each one holding their copybooks and a pencil. Rather puts me in mind of JD. I can’t remember if I was ever that eager.

"Did I not tell you I would be here?"

Jenny nodded, speaking for the group. "Yes, you did Mr. Ezra."

Sarah spoke up. "But sometimes yer busy doin’ other stuff."

Ezra nodded. "Very true. But a gentlemen would have sent word if he were unable to keep an appointment. It is only the polite thing to do. I do, however, apologize for my tardy arrival. I was unavoidably detained."

Sammy grinned. "I knew you were comin’."

Ezra chuckled. "I am most gratified by your faith in me, Samuel. Are you all ready then?"

"Yes, Mr. Ezra." Came from seven different voices.
"Excellent." He nodded toward Nathan. "Children, I know you all know Mr. Jackson. Would any of you have any objections if he accompanies us today?"

David Kowalski looked up at Nathan. "You wanna learn ‘bout geography too?" The child was clearly awed to find an adult wanting to learn the same things he was.

Nathan smiled at the little red haired boy. "Ezra tells me that is what y’all will be studying today. I could use a some brushin’ up on my skills, refresh my memory and the like."

Ezra looked at each child in turn. "Objections? No? Well then, let us be off." He tipped his hat to Mrs. Potter. "M’lady. I bid you good day."

Mrs. Potter nodded her head graciously. "I will be expecting them back in two hours, Mr. Standish. Josh and CeCe have some chores they need to finish."

Ezra nodded. He held out a hand and Sammy took it. Jenny took David’s hand, and Sarah took Danny’s. Josh held out an arm, offering it to Cecilia, as a young man should to escort a lady. Cecilia grinned, and curled her hand around the inside of his elbow exactly as a young lady should.

"Mr. Ezra, " Sammy pulled at his hand, "Mr. Nathan doesn’t have a partner."

Ezra cocked his head to one side. "You are correct, Samuel. That will never do." He looked to the children, and Jenny quickly moved to one side of Nathan, and David to the other. Smiling broadly, they both held out a hand for him to take.

"Excellent." Ezra grinned, sharing an amused look with Nathan. "Problem solved."

Ezra and his charges, with Nathan in the center, made their way to the First National Bank. Ezra opened the door. In another ten minutes the bank would be closing down for the day. They would have the place to themselves. More or less. Not counting Mr. Lovitt, and Mr. Neville.

Mr. Earnest Neville was in the process of ushering the remaining customers out the door. He was a slender man, shorter than Ezra by a good three inches, and nearly twice his age. He reminded Ezra of a pixie. A gentle soul, that in the past year, Ezra had never heard raise his voice, or be out right rude to anyone. Not something that was easy to do given the sometimes irate clientele he had to deal with.

"Mr. Lovitt will be with you momentarily, Mr. Standish."

Ezra nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Neville. We will wait over there." Ezra pointed to a small waiting area on the left. There were several chairs and Ezra had each child pick one, getting them to sit quietly. Nathan casually leaned against the wall.

Ezra crouched down in front of the children, putting himself at eye level. "Now, you must remember that Mr. Lovitt is a busy man. He has been very kind to allow us the use of his maps. We must remember to thank him, and above all to comport ourselves with due decorum."

"What’s d-d-decorum?" Danny asked.

"It means to act with good manners, and conform to the behavior polite society expects."

Mr. Lovitt came out of his office smiling. He was a balding, portly man, generally thought of as having a jovial nature. Ezra knew him to be a shrewd business man who’s good humor was more for show than real feeling. But he didn’t doubt the man would be cordial to the children. I’ll make certain of that.

Mr. Neville had just shooed the last customer out the door. He was getting ready to lock it when the door was suddenly, and forcefully, pushed open by a man who was easily as big as Josiah if not bigger.

"I’m sorry, sir, the bank is closed. You’ll have to--"

The large man slapped Neville nearly driving the petite man to the floor with the force of the backhanded blow. Three other men followed in close behind him. All were brandishing weapons.

The large man glared at Mr. Neville. "Don’t try anythin’ stupid, little man." He called over his shoulder. "Cal, lock that door. An’ draw them shades."

Nathan pushed off from the wall, intent on stopping them, when one of the men leveled a shotgun in his direction. Ezra was quick to note that the man was tall, and thin to the point of being emaciated. But what got his attention were the wild, crazy eyes. Not sane, this one.

Having made a living out of reading people, he knew the man was not going to stop at simply brandishing the weapon. He had every intention of firing. Ezra rushed forward, tackling Nathan just in time. Instead of killing the healer, the shotgun blast blew out the window. The sound of it reverberated around the room.

Jenny, Sarah and Cecilia screamed. All of the children slid out of their chairs to cower on the floor, and huddle close together. Mr. Lovitt ducked behind the counter. Ezra patted Nathan’s shoulder, trying to find out if he had been in time to prevent the healer any injury. He was reassured when Nathan rolled to look at him and let him know he was okay.

"Thanks, Ezra."

"Your welcome." Ezra smiled but quickly turned his attention back to the armed men in front of them. They were all young, probably in their early twenties at most. He didn’t recognize any of the men.

Good. Perhaps they will not recognize myself or Nathan either. It would not improve our situation any if they knew we were members of the peacekeeping force of this town.

"Damn it, Otis." The large man berated his wild-eyed companion. "I told you not to fire that thing ‘less ya had to."

Otis scowled. "Ya saw that nigger comin’ fer me, Clem."

The large man raised a fist as though he were going to hit Otis. He held back when Otis cowered way and whined. "Ya saw him, Clem. He was comin’ fer me."

"Cal, Jack…you two keep watch out front. Somebody will have heard that damn blast." Clem snarled. "Was gonna be simple. Jus’ come in here while the bank is closein’ up. Empty the safe, tie up the manager and the little man, and we could leave. Quiet like. No muss. No fuss. No one gets hurt. We’d be gone ‘fore anyone even knew we’d been here. But, no…you damn idiot. You gotta let the whole town know."

"Bank was s’posed to be empty, Clem." Otis whimpered. He pointed to where the children still cowered, and where Ezra and Nathan were slowly getting to their feet. "None o’ them were s’posed to be here."

Clem glared at him. He turned toward the counter. "Banker get yer ass out here where I can see ya. Keep your hands clear too."

He waited until Lovitt stood and came around the counter, before he turned his attention to Nathan and Ezra. He held a six shooter in each hand, and pointed one at each of them. "Who the hell are you?"

Ezra shifted slightly, making sure that he was between Clem and the children. He held up both hands, palms outward, showing he was unarmed. Well, at least not visibly armed. He still had is derringer, and today he had chosen to wear his Colt Richardson Conversion in its shoulder holster. His jacket effectively hid both weapons having been expertly tailored to do just that.

"Ezra Standish." He answered calmly. Ezra tipped his head toward Nathan who was also holding his hands in front of him. "And this is Nathan Jackson."

Clem grunted. He looked them both over. "Otis get the darkies’ gun."

Otis stepped forward, his expression gleeful. Nathan eyed him warily, and Ezra thought with good reason. Ezra watched the feral man the same way he would a rattlesnake. The man was even more dangerous because Ezra wasn’t sure he could predict his behavior.

Otis chortled as he took Nathan’s gun. "Uppity nigger." Otis raised a fist and punched Nathan. Ezra moved to intervene by a warning look from Clem kept him in his place. Under other circumstances he might not have been so easily dissuaded, but there were seven children behind him he wasn’t prepared to risk.

Nathan staggered from the force of the blow, but didn’t go down. He raised one hand to wipe the blood from his lip. Otis raised his fist to hit him again, when Clem yelled at him.

"Otis, enough! Damn fool. Get over there and watch the banker, and the little guy."

Ezra breathed easier when Otis moved away. He was relieved that it didn’t occur to them to search him for any weapons. At least one of us is still armed. That it better than nothing. He traded a look with Nathan.

"Mr. Jackson, are you all right?" Ezra whispered.

Nathan nodded, his tongue darting out to check his lower lip. Ezra wiggled the fingers of his right hand just enough to signal that he was still armed. Nathan tipped his head, almost imperceptibly. It was enough to let Ezra know he’d gotten the message.

Neville had moved to stand near Lovitt. Both men had their backs to the counter, and were fearfully watching the four armed men. Otis stuffed Nathan’s gun in his belt, and leveled his shotgun at them with an evil grin.

Clem glanced toward the door where Jack and Cal were watching the street. "Cal…Jack…Anyone movin’ out there?"

Ezra guessed the man who looked over his shoulder, back toward Clem to be Jack. "No one stirrin’ yet, Clem. Street is empty." His voice was high pitched and squeaky. Ezra wondered if that were his normal speaking voice or if it was a side effect of fear, or possibly excitement.

There was enough of a resemblance between Jack and Cal that Ezra suspected they might be related. Why is it always brothers? Did no one in their family have enough sense to see them employed in some other line of work?

Ezra knew the good citizens of Four Corners had weathered enough gunfights to make themselves scarce when shots were fired. At the moment, he wasn’t worried about innocent people outside the bank. He was worried about the innocents inside. He studied the robbers carefully, hoping to find a way he could extricate the children quickly and without injury.

He could hear the girls crying quietly behind him. Ezra glanced over his shoulder, and smiled at the children. He winked. He received tremulous smiles from all of them. Good. No panic yet. A truly sad state of affairs that children so young should become conditioned to violence.

Ezra forced himself to maintain his focus on the armed men. It wouldn’t do to let his concentration on the problem at hand lapse. No matter how much he would like to do more to console the children, his first priority was to get them safely away from this situation. That meant paying attention to the danger these men posed. Without ever taking his eyes off the four men, Ezra very carefully stepped back, putting himself closer to the children.

Clem threw a bag toward Neville. "Fill that." He ordered curtly. "Otis, go with him ta keep an eye one him."

Neville shakily made his way to the back of the room where the safe stood next to Mr. Lovitt’s office, its door still open. He bent down and quickly began to fill the bag. He kept shooting nervous glances towards Otis.

Clem looked Nathan and Ezra over. Dark eyes narrowed with suspicion and worry. "What are you doin’ here? Bank is supposed to be empty."

"I brought the children here to review maps recently acquired by Mr. Lovitt. They were to receive a lesson in geography." Ezra opted to answer truthfully. It seemed the wisest course of action for the moment.

Clem raised an eyebrow. "Dress pretty fancy for a teacher."

Ezra shrugged one shoulder. "It is a temporary position."

He could almost feel Nathan silently urging him not to say anything to anger the giant. The others had accused him of being unable to control his mouth, letting it get him in trouble on more than one occasion, but Ezra rarely spoke without thinking. Things in this situation were too precarious for him to push as hard as he would like to.

Risking himself was one thing. This was altogether something different. He had every intention of getting out of this alive. The children were counting on him to get them safely away. It was also his job as a peacekeeper to ensure no harm came to Mr. Lovitt, or Mr. Neville. And I have not had nearly enough time with Vin. Not even close. I intend to share a lifetime with him, and these damn miscreants are not going to deprive me of that.

Clem grunted. He frowned looking at Nathan clearly trying to figure out how a black man fit in the grand scheme of things. "You with him?" Clem pointed to Ezra with his chin.

"Yes." Nathan’s answer was simple and straightforward. He shifted so he was closer to Ezra, incidentally hiding more of the children from immediate view.

Further questions were halted when Jack called to Clem. "We got trouble. Looks like three guys out front. One is all in black, one is damn near as big as you, an’ the other one o’ ‘em is wearing a badge."

Buck is on patrol…unless he has not yet left town. He may still be close enough to have heard the shot. Sounds like Chris, Josiah, and JD are all out front. Vin…Vin will be where he can’t be seen. Up high I would imagine. Where he can get a good view and a clear field of fire. Good. Ezra sent a silent prayer to what ever god or goddess would care to listen that Vin stayed safe. He didn’t want anything to happen to the tracker. He didn’t really expect any higher deity would honor a request from him, but he hoped that by making on the tracker’s behalf one might look on it favorably.

"You in the bank!" Ezra heard Chris shout. "Come out now and no one has to get hurt. Don’t make me come in and get you!"

Ezra rolled his eyes. The fine art of diplomacy is not practiced here in Four Corners. Really, Mr. Larabee, would it kill you to learn some tact?

"Jack, you watch these two, and them kids." Clem ordered, as he moved toward the door. He opened it enough to yell back at Chris. He was careful to stay hidden from view, not giving the men outside a clear shot.

"You stay right where ya are. I got people in here, kids, and I’ll kill ‘em if you try anything. You hear me??!!. Stay where ya are, or I will kill ‘em."

"I would advice against that." Ezra said. He had heard the faint whimpers of fear behind him when Clem mentioned killing the children. He had to find a way to get them out of here. The sooner the better. And since it seems decidedly unlikely I could talk them into just giving themselves up, I suppose the next best thing is to find away to convince them they could actually escape with the money without having to hurt anyone.

Clem had stated earlier the plan was to rob the bank when there were as few people present as possible. And while he had hit Neville, and let Otis strike Nathan, he had not really undertaken this operation with the intention of major violence. With any luck he can be talked into a peaceable solution.

Clem slammed the door, and scowled at Ezra. "I didn’t ask you for your advice, fancy pants."

Ezra sighed. He carefully folded his hands in front of him, doing his best to look harmless. He ignored the warning looks Nathan was sending his way. "Hurting the children will do little more than guarantee your death warrant. It would be better to use them as a bargaining chip."

"Meaning?"

"Let them go as a show of good faith. The town may forgive the loss of its funds, but it will not allow you to leave unmolested if you harm these children."

"We can’t, Clem. They’ll rush in here if we let them kids go." Jack said, his voice squeaking even more.

"Jack’s right, Clem. We’re safe in here ‘long as we have these kids." Otis stated.

Ezra regarded Clem steadily. "And just how long do you intend to stay here?" He asked dryly. "You can ask anyone, the men outside, Mr. Larabee in particular, are not known for their patience."

Ezra cocked his head to one side, studying Clem. He hadn’t heard them ride up, and there were no horses in front of the bank when he had entered earlier. That meant the horses were stashed somewhere in town for safe keeping, most likely behind the bank. "And your horses are not likely to go unnoticed for any length of time. The longer you stay here the better the odds that your mounts will not be where you left them."

"We could jus’ use ‘em as shields when we bust outta here." Cal offered. Unlike his brother, his voice was a smooth tenor. He looked uncertain. Cal kept shooting nervous glance toward the children. He didn’t look at all that enthused about his suggestion.

Not a seasoned or hardened desperado. Even better. Ezra raised and eyebrow. "How long would you use them? You cannot hide behind them for very long."

"Don’t need them for long. Jus’ ‘til we get to our horses."

Ezra shook his head. "Do you honestly think the three men out there will simply let you ride away. That they could not or would not follow you?"

"We could jus’ take the kids with us. Make sure they don’t."

"That will only guarantee a sizeable manhunt. Surely, you aware that the good citizens will follow you with the intention of retrieving their progeny."

Clem frowned. "You think lettin’ them go will keep them from bustin’ in here?"

Ezra pursed his lips. "You would still have four hostages you could use to guarantee your safety."

"Shut the hell up, Standish." Lovitt hissed from his position near the counter.

Ezra ignored him. Under normal circumstances he could understand the man resenting being viewed as a shield, but this situation was far from normal. "A show of good faith would make them less inclined to kill you out right."

Clem sighed. He looked hard at the children where they cowered. Large frightened eyes stared back at him. Ezra could see him waffling. Especially when Sammy’s lower lip quivered, and Jenny and Sarah continued to cry quietly.

Ezra seized the opportunity to offer some words of encouragement. "It’s all right, children. Don’t worry."

Josh hugged his sister. "See, CeCe, it’ll be okay. Mr. Ezra will take care o’ us."

Ezra sincerely hoped Josh’s faith was not misplaced. Clem shifted his weight. He looked at Ezra, sizing him up. "I watched this place for two weeks so I’d know the routine. Talked ta some people casual like. Knew the Bank closed early every Wednesday. Everyone leaves. Streets are pretty much empty this time o’day. Was gonna be easy."

Clem sighed and nodded toward the children. "They weren’t s’posed ta be here."

Ezra nodded. "I know. And they shouldn’t be here now."

Clem frowned. "Don’t really hold with hurtin’ kids. Ain’t right."

"Then do the right thing and release them." Ezra urged softly.

Clem straightened his shoulders. "Okay. Fancy pants, get ‘em ready ta go. You," Clem pointed at Nathan, "go ta the door and tell ‘em we are gonna send the kids out as a show of good faith. Tell ‘em no funny business or I change my mind. Still got four of you I can kill if they get stupid."

Ezra turned to the children. "All right then, little ones, it is time to affect your emancipation. Everyone stand up."

The children stood. Ezra smiled at them gently. He handed a handkerchief to Jenny and Sarah. "Dry your eyes now, Darlin’. That’s better. Ladies such as yourselves should not be seen looking less than their best."

"Now, I want Miss Cecilia to lead the way. Behind her I want Miss Jennifer, and Miss Sarah. Samuel, Daniel and David will go next."

Ezra rested a hand on Josh’s shoulder. "You, Mr. Potter will go last. I am counting on you to ensure the rest of the children get safely away from here."

Josh straightened, squaring his shoulders to take on the responsibility Ezra had just given him. "I’ll take care o’ ‘em, Mr. Ezra."

Ezra nodded firmly. "Good man." It wasn’t hard to picture Josh as a young man in a few years. "I want all of you to stay together. When you are all outside, move down the boardwalk until you are a few buildings away. Some one will no doubt come for you. Understand?"

Ezra waited until each child nodded his or her head. He then had the children lined up according to the order he’d set. They still eyed the armed men nervously, but remained quiet. Ezra took Cecilia’s hand ready to move with her toward the door.

Clem stopped him by leveling his weapon in Ezra’s direction. "You jus’ stay right were ya are Mister." Ezra let go of Cece’s hand giving it a gentle, reassuring squeeze as he did. He could hear Nathan yelling out the door what Clem had instructed him to say.

Clem cast a glance toward the children. "You kids go ta the door. Cal, wait ‘til I tell ya ta let ‘em out."

Sammy looked at Ezra his eyes wide. He shot quick, fearful glances at Clem. "You gonna be okay, Mr. Ezra?"

Ezra was touched by the little boy’s concern for his safety. He cupped Sammy’s face with one hand. "I’ll be fine, Samuel. Just do as the man tells you and you’ll be back with your family in no time."

"What ‘bout Mr. Nathan?"

"Mr. Jackson will come to no harm." Ezra hoped he hadn’t just lied to the child. Once he got the little ones out of here then he could focus on Nathan’s safety, and his own. There was also Mr. Lovitt and Mr. Neville to consider. First things first.

Sammy nodded. Clem gave the order to Cal to open the door just enough for each child to slip out. Ezra waited silently, his face not giving away how anxious he was as each child slipped out. Please, Mr. Larabee, please don’t do anything stupid. Wait for each child to be safely away.

Ezra slowly let out the breath he had been holding. He didn’t breath again until Josh slipped out and the door was firmly closed again. Ezra had almost expected Clem or one of the others to keep a child behind. Doing so would have ensured not only his good behavior but also Nathan’s. Ezra silently thanked whatever Deity had been listening that Clem was a man of his word. Either that or simply to stupid to realize the opportunity when it presented itself. No matter. I’ll take what I can get.

He would never have forgiven himself if one of the children had come to harm because of him. It was his fault they were in the bank today. Ezra was pragmatic enough to realize there was no way he could have predicted four men would attempt to rob the bank today of all days, but he still felt responsible for putting the children in harm's way. Mrs. Potter really must find someone more suitable for this sort of thing.

*******

Chris had watched Ezra and Nathan leave the restaurant with a bemused expression. That was the first time Ezra had ever given him a straight answer. Or sat still long enough to answer so many questions at one time. Chris was somewhat stunned. Twice now it has been as simple as just asking. He looked at Vin and saw the tracker’s blue eyes were bright with amusement. He knew what the tracker was thinking. Damn if he wasn’t right. All I had to do was ask.

Josiah looked at him and chuckled. "Did you know he was teaching?" He directed his question to Vin.

"Nope."

Chris frowned. He got the distinct impression that Vin knew more than he was telling. The tracker had looked almost proud of the gambler. Not as surprised as the rest of them had been. He knew Josiah had gotten the same impression, which was why he directed the question toward Vin.

"He didn’t say if he was being paid for his services." Josiah mused.

Chris could almost feel Vin stiffen at that comment. He realized that it would be easy to take what the preacher said the wrong way. Given how quick Vin had been to defend Ezra the other day, Chris wouldn’t be surprised if Vin took that the wrong way.

Attempting to forestall any arguments, Chris asked Josiah, "Ya don’t think he deserves ta get paid? Town would have ta cough up some money for a regular teacher. Understand they don’t work for free."

Josiah blinked. "I was just making an observation, brother. It would be unlike Ezra to undertake such a task without seeking payment for his time. An’ Ezra is not a certified teacher, Chris. He’s a gambler."

"Man’s a peacekeeper too. Same as you." Vin raised an eyebrow. Chris noted his eyes had lost all trace of earlier amusement. "You think he’s not doin’ a good ‘nough job ta get paid for his time?"

Josiah sat back. "He is arguably the best educated man in town. There is little doubt about that. And he is good with children."

"But?" Vin waited.

"But showing them card tricks and playing games with them is not the same as teaching them to read and write."

Vin rolled his eyes, and pushed his chair away from the table. "Maybe ya should ask Mrs. Potter if she thinks he’s doin’ a decent job. Then ya can find out if he’s robbin’ her blind while yer at it." Vin’s voice was soft but his tone was totally disgusted.
"Vin…I didn’t mean—"

"Sure as hell sounded that way, preacher." Vin calmly cut him off as he stood to leave. "If ya got real concerns ya shoulda gone with Nate. Then the two o’ ya could a watched his every move."

As Vin walked away, Josiah shot a confused look at Chris. "What did I say?"

Chris shook his head. He wondered if he had been that clueless. No wonder Vin went off on me yesterday. Deciding he didn’t really have an answer for Josiah, Chris got up and followed Vin.

He met up with Vin on the boardwalk. Vin had stopped not too far away and was slouched against one of the support poles. Chris pulled out a cheroot, and lit it. He sat down on the nearby bench. One of the things he liked best about his friendship with Vin was that they could be silent with each other and not feel uncomfortable.

After a few minutes, Chris asked, "You okay?"

Vin smirked. "Me? I’m fine. Nobody questions why I do anythin’. Nobody second guesses me, or watches me ta see if I’m gonna slip up."

Chris sighed. Deserve that, I suppose. "Josiah didn’t mean anything by what he said. I think he was just surprised."

"Uh-hunh." Vin looked at him, his expression sarcastic. "Ya know he calls Ez son all the time, you’d think he’d have more faith in him than that."

Vin sighed heavily. "Can see why Ez don’t want him to call him son. I sure as hell hope his real daddy didn’t have so little faith in him."

Chris had never really given that much thought. They all knew about Ezra’s objection to being called ‘son’ by the big preacher. Chris had thought of it as nothing more than a term of affection the same way Buck called JD ‘kid’. Maybe Ezra doesn’t see it that way.

"Ez is a good teacher."

Chris raised an eyebrow at that. He could have sworn that Vin had told the truth when he said he didn’t know Ezra was teaching the children. "How do you know?"

"Cuz he taught me ta read."

That was said so quietly for a moment Chris wasn’t sure he’d heard Vin correctly. Chris had found out by accident that Vin couldn’t read or write when he’d walked in on one of Vin’s lessons with Mary. He’d understood the shy tracker’s wish to keep his lack of reading and writing skills a private affair. And he had respected the younger man’s desire to learn.

"I thought….I thought Mary was teaching you."

Vin shrugged one shoulder. "She’s busy with the newspaper, and her son. ‘Sides, Ez was better."

Well, that certainly explains how the two of you managed to become better friends. Wasn’t really an over night sort of thing. Wonder how I missed that. Chris considered for a moment if he should be upset that Vin hadn’t come to him. "You could have come to me. I would have helped."

Vin regarded him steadily. "No offense, Cowboy, but I don’t think ya’d have had the patience ta take me on."

Chris smiled slightly, and conceded that Vin might be right. Hard to argue that point. "Ezra was good?"

Vin nodded. "Real good. Man has a gift when it comes ta showin’ me things."

Chris’ curiosity was piqued when Vin smiled. It was a secretive little smile that hinted at more than just reading lessons. It made Chris wonder what. The sound of gun fire kept him from getting the chance to ask.

Vin immediately straightened up from his slouch, eyes moving up the street. "Came from the bank."

Oh…shit. Ezra. Nathan. The kids. Chris was on his feet sprinting after the already moving Texan.

Vin crouched down where he could get a clear view of the bank, and still be out of sight. Chris knelt next to him. The shades were drawn. Chris was quick to note that the side window had been broken, shards of glass glittered in the alley.

"Vin, get somewhere you can get a good view. We’ll need cover fire."

When Vin didn’t respond, Chris nudged him. The tension he could feel in the younger man surprised him. He’d never know the tracker to so much as blink about an upcoming gunfight.

"Vin?" No answer. Chris jostled his friend harder. "Vin?"

Vin shook himself all over like a wet dog. "Yeah, I hear ya." As he slipped silently away, Chris wondered about the brief flashes of devastation and then rage he caught a glimpse of in the normally serene blue eyes. JD and Josiah joined Chris a moment later forcing him to let it go for the time being.

"Any idea who it is?" JD asked.

Chris shook his head. "Not yet."

"Who would rob a bank in broad daylight?" JD asked, his tone clearly stating just how stupid he thought it was to do that.

Chris resisted the urge to knock off JD’s hat. I could have sworn I just said I didn’t know. "Better question is how many people are inside?"

Josiah paled slightly. "Ezra and the children might be in there."

"Yeah. Nate too." Chris sighed. He hated situations like this.

"Ezra’s in the bank?" JD looked confused. "He’s s’posed to be teachin’."

"You knew about that?" Josiah frowned. Chris shared his confusion. JD had already left the restaurant by the time Ezra got around to mentioning having an appointment.

"Well, yeah." JD looked at them clearly mystified as to why they were surprised that he knew about Ezra teaching. "Knew ‘bout that months ago. He spends a couple hours every day with the Potter kids, and a couple others. Well, ‘cept for Sunday. Don’t teach on that day."

Chris was beginning to wonder if he was the last one to know about everything. He made a mental note to ask JD about it later. "Doesn’t matter now. He said he was takin’ the kids to study some maps at the bank. They could be in there."

"Aw hell." JD cursed softly.

Sums it up nicely. "Vin ought to be in position. Let’s go see if we can talk to these idiots."

Together the three of them stepped out into the street. Chris noticed that it hadn’t taken the good citizens of Four Corners long to vanish. One shot an’ everybody scatters. Can’t quite decide if that’s a good thing or not.

Not all the citizens had totally vanished Chris noted. He could see Mrs. Potter waiting anxiously in the doorway of her store. He was glad she had the good sense not to run head long into danger. She watched the bank with frightened eyes, her hands fisted in her apron.

"You in the bank!" Chris shouted. "Come out now and no one has to get hurt." Just for good measure he added, "Don’t make me come in and get you!"

"Keep your eyes open." He quietly instructed Josiah and JD. Chris tensed when the door opened slightly. Not enough for a clear shot.

"You stay right where ya are." The man inside yelled out to them. "I got people in here, kids, and I’ll kill ‘em if you try anything. You hear me??!! Stay where ya are, or I will kill ‘em."

Guess we know for certain now about the children being in there. Damn. Damn. So much for hoping they hadn’t gotten there yet.

JD looked to Chris. "Now what?"

Chris’ mind worked furiously. They needed an opening of some kind. He wasn’t going to put the children at risk if he could help it. Problem was, he didn’t have any idea how to get them out of there.

Chris spotted Buck out of the corner of his eye covertly moving toward them from the livery. Good ol’ Buck. Didn’t think he’d gotten too far yet. He motioned to Buck discretely with one hand to head around the side of the bank. So far the men inside had only seen three of them, and Chris wanted to keep it that way.

Chris really didn’t want to engage in a long stand off if he could help it. Laying siege to the bank wasn’t exactly the best option, but at the moment it was the only choice. "For now, we wait."

Chris glared at the shuttered bank doors wishing he could see inside. For all he knew someone could already be dead or wounded. He chose not to think about that. It wouldn’t help.

He tensed, eyes narrowed, when the door opened again. He could just barely make out Nathan. It looked like his lower lip was swollen. Some one busted him one in the mouth.

"Man says ta tell you that he’s willin’ ta let the children leave as a sign of good faith." Nathan spoke loudly, and clearly. He didn’t seem scared, but Chris could tell the man was definitely uneasy.

"Says you are not to try anything or he’ll change is mind. He don’t want to hurt the children, but he will if you make him. Says he’s keepin’ the adults to make sure ya don’t do anythin’ stupid."

Chris motioned for JD and Josiah to fall back, and to the side. It put them closer to cover, and gave them a broader view of the action. He waited where he was, in plain sight. Chris hoped that the men inside were as good as their word. They hurt any of those children and I’ll skin ‘em alive.

The next time the door opened, Cecilia Potter slipped out. She hesitated for just a second before moving to the right. She waited until Jenny and Sarah had also slipped out before moving further down the boardwalk. Sammy was next, followed quickly by Danny and David. Josh was the last one to leave.

Chris was surprised to see them all move in a calm and orderly fashion. No panicked running, no screaming. Holding hands, they moved briskly away from the bank. The children all stopped when they were two buildings away.

"JD, keep an eye on the bank, and stay behind cover." With Buck, and Vin also watching the bank, Chris felt comfortable leaving the young sheriff on his own for a few minutes. "Josiah you come with me. Wanna talk to the kids and see what they can tell us."

Chris loped over to where the children waited. He knelt down in front of them. He complimented them on being so brave. Chris let them know he approved of their behavior. He was relieved that he hadn’t had to worry about them scattering pell-mell.

"Was jus’ doin’ what Mr. Ezra told us to." Josh said. He puffed up a bit hearing Chris’ praise. "I told CeCe that Mr. Ezra would make sure nothin’ bad happened ta us. He got the bad men ta let us go."

Chris pursed his lips. Wish I had the chance to hear that conversation. I’ll have to ask about that later. More pressing things to consider here. "I know you really want to go home, but I need to ask you some questions first. Okay?"

Small heads nodded. Chris smiled slightly. "Good. How many men are there inside?"

Josh answered him. "Four. Clem is the big one. He’s bigger’n Mr. Josiah."

"Otis is the mean one." Jenny asserted. "He tried ta shoot Mr. Nathan. But Mr. Ezra stopped him."

Josiah gasped. "Was anyone hurt?"

"No. Mr. Ezra shoved Mr. Nathan outta the way. Otis shot out the window."

Josiah breathed easier. Until David spoke up. "Otis hit Mr. Nathan when he took his gun."

"Did he hurt him bad?" Nathan hadn’t looked injured, but their view through the door had been limited.

"No. Only hit ‘im one time. Clem yelled at ‘im an’ didn’t let ‘im hit Mr. Nathan again."

Chris nodded. This Clem must be the one in charge. "They didn’t take Ezra’s gun?"

Sammy shook his head, dark eyes wide and solemn. "Mr. Ezra wasn’t wearin’ it. He don’t like to wear it ‘round us. Says it makes a bad impression."

Chris raised an eyebrow at that. Ezra never goes anywhere without that derringer o’ his. And I’m pretty sure I saw his colt this morning. Come ta think of it, he wasn’t wearin’ his gun belt. Still, I’d bet money he’s armed.

"What about the other two?"

"Cal…and…Jack. They watched us…and…the door."

Chris smiled. "Thank you David."

The little red-haired boy grinned. "I’m Danny."

Chris frowned. He thought it was Danny who stuttered. Mentally he shrugged. Maybe I got it wrong.

Josh spoke up again. "Clem said they just came for the money. Said we weren’t s’posed to be there. He thought the bank would be empty, ‘cept for Mr. Neville, and Mr. Lovitt."

On any other Wednesday it would have been. "I want all of you to head for the mercantile. You stay there until it’s all clear. Y’hear?"

"Yes, Mr. Chris." Seven voices answered in unison. The all rushed off down the boardwalk. Chris shook his head. It was nothing like their previous orderly exit from the bank. He wondered if Ezra had told them what to do. Knowing the conman’s attention for detail, it wouldn’t surprise Chris if he had. What did surprise him was that they had apparently followed his instructions. Vin was right. I’ll be he is a good teacher.

Mrs. Potter enfolded both her children in a fierce hug when they reached her. She hugged all the others as well. It reminded Chris of a mother hen they way she gathered them all under her arm, and quickly ushered them into the store.

Chris straightened, relieved that the children were safely out of harm’s way. He looked at Josiah. "So…four men, no wounded. Clem’s in charge. We got lucky they were willin’ ta let the children leave."

Josiah shook his head. "It wasn’t luck, brother. It sounds like Ezra worked his usual magic." He sounded decidedly proud of the gambler.

Chris nodded. "You’re right. Damn shame he’s not out here to work it." Chris sighed. "Let’s get back with JD and see if we can’t find some way of ending this.

*******

Vin kept his gun site focused on the bank, checking the windows he could see. Waiting with the natural in born patience of a hunter for an opening he could use. He took a deep breath, and let it out very slowly. He took another breath.

Control. It’s all about control. He figured if it worked for Ezra, it might work just as well for him. And he needed to make sure his head was clear. Otherwise he wouldn’t be able to seize the opportunity when it came.

His emotions had run wild when he realized that the earlier gunshot had come from the bank. Vin had no doubts that Ezra was inside. Somehow he knew there was just no way his lover could not be involved. If there was trouble brewing it just seemed to naturally find Ezra.

For a moment his fear had left him paralyzed. All he could think was that Ezra was dead. That thought had run through his head over and over like a litany of doom.

When Chris broke through, Vin’s next thought was that if Ezra was dead, he was sure as hell going to be in a position to make them regret the day they’d been born. Rage had nearly blinded him, but he ruthlessly controlled it. If he lost his head, he couldn’t make them pay. And they were definitely going to pay if Ezra was not okay.

Vin had stopped by his wagon long enough to retrieve the rifle he’d taken from the assassin months ago. It was a beautiful weapon, ideally suited to the task at hand. He cradled it, feeling the weight and balance of it.

From his vantage point, Vin had seen Buck coming from the livery. He’d seen Chris wave him to the side. When the door of the bank opened to let Nathan announce the children were to be released, Vin had focused on trying to see beyond him. He absently noted that the healer looked to be okay. As long as he was standing, Vin wasn’t too worried.

He was looking for a flash of red. Ezra had been wearing his favorite jacket that morning. Vin didn’t know if he should be relieved or frustrated that he couldn’t spot his lover through the narrow band of the open door. As each child slipped out, Vin continued to scan the room beyond.

There. YES!! He could just catch a glimpse of Ezra. The relief he felt made him close his eyes for just a moment. He sucked in a breath so hard it was almost a sob.

Tanner, hold yourself together. He ain’t outta danger yet. Vin shook slightly with the effort to control himself. He took a deep breath, and smiled tightly when he realized it worked. Have ta tell Ez.

He refocused his attention on the bank. The door had closed without ever giving him a clear shot at any one of the robbers. Vin wished fervently that he could see through the shades. He pursed his lips, wondering what Chris was going to do.

Damn shame it ain’t Ez out here. We caught six guys with some rope, a few well tossed rocks, and three sticks o’ dynamite. I’m sure he could come up with somethin’ that would work for this situation. Vin frowned. Bet he is thinkin’ of a way ta get outta there. Need to stay sharp so I can play my part.

Vin studied the bank again, paying special attention to angles. With the shades drawn there was no way to see through the front windows. Only way out is through the front. Vin shook his head. But that don’t mean the only shot is from the front.

Vin checked his position, and shifted so that he could see the west side of the bank. The shot out window might just give him a better view. He nodded his head, satisfied that he had as clean a field of fire was he was likely to get. He had seen Buck moving toward the east side, so he figured that the ladies man would have that position covered. Chris, Josiah and JD still had the front. There was no way anyone could leave the bank without making themselves a target.

With a sigh, Vin settled in to wait. He would be ready when Ezra made his move. Just because his lover appeared to be okay, didn’t mean Vin wasn’t prepared to vent the wrath of God on the ones who’d threatened him.

*******

After the children had left, Clem had ordered Ezra, Nathan, Lovitt and Neville to stand together, backs to the counter, facing the front. It made it easier for them to be watched, and freed up Cal, and Jack to continue keeping an eye out front. Nathan noted that Clem kept a watchful eye on Otis as well.

Nathan warily watched Otis’ every move. The man had begun pacing ever since the children had been allowed to leave. It reminded Nathan of a caged tiger he’d seen once. Otis’ wild eyes just added to the overall impression because they darted around the room with each pass he made. The shotgun he regularly pointed at them kept any of the hostages from relaxing. Man is just plain crazy. Hope that Clem can control ‘im.

Nathan looked toward Ezra. The enigmatic conman had already saved his life once today. He hadn’t expected that, but he was grateful. He was also very relieved that the man had managed to talk Clem into letting the children go. The last thing he wanted was for one of them to get hurt. Thought he’d do something stupid and piss the man off. Should a known Ezra had a plan. Sure hope he’s got a plan ta get us out o’ here.

Ezra cast a glance toward him. His expression carefully neutral, green eyes calm. Not for the first time did Nathan wonder how the man could seem so unfazed by every bizarre or dangerous situation they’d somehow found themselves in over the past year. Hell, the man even managed to look at home in a dress for God’s sake.

Ezra had remained quiet for the past few minutes. He didn’t offer any more suggestions, or advice to the robbers. Nathan got the distinct impression he was just biding his time, looking for an opening. Sure hope he finds one soon. Nathan was tired of watching Otis pace.

"Otis stop doin’ that." Clem ordered tersely from his position near the side window. "It’s getting on my nerves."

Otis paused in mid stride and then turned hostile eyes on Clem. "You shouldn’t a let them kids go, Clem. They never woulda rushed us with them here. We was safe with them kids in here."

Clem frowned. "An’ jus’ how did ya think we were gonna get outta here?"

"I don’t know!" Otis snarled. "But it don’t look like you got any ideas neither."

"Well I wouldn’t need any ideas if you hadn’t fired that damn shotgun. Now would I?" Clem hissed back in outrage. "But, no, you had to go an’ let everyone in town know we was in here."

"It weren’t my fault!" Otis waved his shotgun toward Nathan. "Was that uppity nigger."

Nathan frowned. That was the second time Otis had called him that. He couldn’t understand the animosity. Otis didn’t speak like someone from the south. If Nathan had to hazard a guess, he would have said the man hailed from somewhere in the mid-west. It was unlikely the man had ever owned slaves.

Otis growled, and made a threatening move toward the healer. Nathan was stunned when Ezra stepped forward and placed himself between Nathan and Otis. "Venting your anger and frustration on this man will not solve your problem."

Otis hesitated for a second, eyeing the gambler. "Well, Mister Fancy Pants, it might not solve the problem, but it sure as hell will make me feel better to put ‘im in his place."

Ezra raised an eyebrow. "And just what is his place?"

Otis glared at Ezra. "Where ever I tell him it is." Otis shoved the shotgun into Ezra’s chest. Ezra didn’t even blink. He just calmly raised a hand and pushed the barrel away.

"You will be telling him nothing." Ezra’s voice was soft, but there was no mistaking the deadly undertone.

Nathan tensed. Don’t push this man, Ezra. Don’t push this man. Neville, and Lovitt moved ever so slightly away. Nathan knew they were expecting trouble, and were going to do their best to avoid it. He wondered if they were smarter than he was.

Surprisingly, Otis stepped back. "He belong to you? That why you defending him?"

Ezra smiled tightly. "A war was fought that established rather firmly one man can not own another."

Otis cackled. "That war don’t mean a thing. Colored folk ain’t any better than horses or cows. Deserve ta be owned."

Nathan was furious. Don’t mean a thing!! People died by the thousands and he thinks it don’t mean a thing! Deserve to be owned! You rotten bastard.

"I am a free man." Nathan hissed. He would have lunged for Otis but a firm grip on his arm kept him where he was. Glancing down, he was surprised to find Ezra’s hand holding him in place. He hadn’t even noticed when Ezra grabbed him. The subtle shake of Ezra’s head was enough to calm him somewhat. Otis, still giggling, went back to pacing.

Ezra studied Nathan for a moment. When he spoke, Ezra’s voice was a soft whisper, just loud enough for Nathan to hear, but not loud enough to carry any further. "Mr. Jackson, I consider you an intelligent man. Surely, you were aware before this moment that not all Whites from the North view Negros with esteem or respect. Not all the boys who fought for the South were from the South."

Ezra’s green eyes were hard as ice, uncompromising and direct. "Loosing your temper here will serve no purpose but to get you killed. And possibly Mr. Neville and Mr. Lovitt right along with you."

As much as it galled Nathan to be taken to task like a small child, he had to admit Ezra was right. Nathan nodded. "It won’t happen again."

"See that it doesn’t."

The last was no louder than the rest, but the order was unmistakable. Nathan stiffened, angry that Ezra thought he could order him around. He glared at Ezra, but the southerner didn’t even bat an eye. Under that steady gaze, Nathan felt his anger dissipate.

He realized with a start that if Chris had said the same thing he wouldn’t have been even half as offended. He was honest enough with himself to admit that he didn’t have any right to be angry with Ezra when just a few minutes ago he was hoping Ezra was working on a plan to get them out of here. If I expect him ta have the answer, guess I shouldn’t be too upset when the man takes charge.

Cal and Jack had stayed by the doors, watching the street, but casting fleeting looks over their shoulders. Clem had watched the whole by play silently. He looked at Ezra, and Ezra returned the look with equal measure. Ezra’s eyes flicked toward Otis and then returned to Clem. He stepped forward slightly, and Clem moved away from the window closer to Ezra.

"He is a liability." Ezra’s voice was quiet, but still loud enough to carry. Otis didn’t seem to notice that he was being talked about. Nathan kept an eye on him just in case.

Clem shrugged. "I know." The large man sighed. "Family."

"Ah." Ezra pursed his lips, his expression turning sympathetic. "I am increasingly glad I have so little."

Clem’s lips turned up in a derisive expression. He looked at Otis. "I can see where ya might." Clem shrugged. "My uncle asked me ta look after him. Weren’t no one else."

"This doesn’t have to end badly." Ezra offered.

Clem smirked. "Jus’ turn ourselves in, that it?"

Ezra raised one shoulder. "It was worth suggesting."

Nathan wasn’t surprised when Clem shook his head no. "Bad idea. Ain’t goin’ ta prison, fancy pants."

"Prison is preferable to death." Ezra stated reasonably.

Nathan wasn’t sure what Ezra was trying to do. Doubt he’ll be able ta talk them into a peaceful solution. But then I knowin’ Ezra, he has ta try.

Ezra was never one to jump into a fight without looking for another alternative. As much as his fancy speeches and large vocabulary annoyed Nathan, he had to admit that Ezra’s ability with words had worked out in his favor more than once. Nathan silently wished him luck. Would be nice to get out o’ here without any bloodshed.

Nathan went on alert when Otis stopped pacing. Otis moved closer to Clem and Ezra. He sneered at Ezra. "Don’t you be tryin’ ta talk Clem inta no more dumb ideas. Heard enough outta you."

"It was not stupid to release the children."

It hadn’t sounded like an inflammatory remark, but Otis lashed out with surprising speed. He used the stock of his shotgun to hit Ezra hard in the solar plexus. Ezra gasped, and bent over in response to the force of the blow. Otis brought the barrel down against Ezra’s unprotected back, driving him to his knees. He reached out with one hand to grab Ezra’s by the throat and jerked his head so that he was looking up.

"It was a DUMB idea!" Otis roared in his face. "I know dumb when I see it, ya over dressed popinjay."

Nathan started to move forward, intent on saving Ezra from more abuse. He’d been caught off guard when Otis lashed out. He hadn’t expected him to do more than just yell. Nathan hesitated when Clem pointed his gun at him.

"Stay right where ya are, mister."

Ezra raised both hands in an effort to break Otis’ grip. Otis shook Ezra the way a terrier shakes a rat in its teeth, his long fingers tightening their grip on Ezra’s throat. The only noticeable affect of Ezra’s attempt to break free was a further tightening of Otis’ grip.

"I ain’t stupid. But Clem don’t listen ta me. He has to listen ta the likes o’ you. Never listens ta me!"

Nathan could see Ezra’s lips starting to turn blue. He moved forward again, unwilling to let Ezra die at Otis’ hands despite the gun still trained on him. Amazingly, he wasn’t the only one. Clem had grabbed Otis by the arm, and was trying to break his grip.

"Otis, let go! Let him go!" Clem shouted, jerking on his cousin with no success.

Nathan saw Ezra make a move with his right hand, releasing the hidden derringer. He brought the gun up, placed the barrel against Otis’ chest and fired twice. The shocked look on Otis’ face might have been comical if not for the deadly nature of their situation. As it was Nathan was just relieved when the man released Ezra and stumbled back falling to his knees slowly like a felled tree.

Ezra sucked in harsh breath, coughing as he did so, leaning forward so that he rested his weight on his hands and knees. Nathan was on his knees beside him. "Easy, Ezra. Jus’ take it easy. Don’t try to breath too deeply. Shallow breaths. That’s it." Nathan rubbed small circles on Ezra’s back trying to help the smaller man catch his breath. Dark bruises in the shape of fingers were already beginning to appear on his neck.

Clem was cradling his cousin. "Otis?…Otis…talk to me you crazy son of a bitch." Otis lay in Clem’s arms gasping. Listening to him, Nathan didn’t hold out much hope for his survival. Two shots, point blank range…ain’t too likely a man can live through that. He didn’t know if the sound of those shots carried beyond the room or not. Probably not. That little gun don’t make much noise.

Ezra coughed raggedly. He looked toward Otis and Clem and then toward Nathan. Nathan was surprised to see a trace of regret in his expression. "You didn’t have a choice, Ez."

Ezra shook his head. "Always a choice…Mr. Jackson." Ezra’s voice was hoarse. Nathan knew it had to hurt him to speak at all. "Was…last resort." Ezra sucked in another breath. "Didn’t want…to kill him."

Nathan patted his back. "Well, I’m glad you chose to live. Was him or you, Ez, and I’d pick you any day."

Ezra raised an eyebrow at that. Nathan moved to help Ezra get to his feet, but stopped when he heard the cocking of a gun. He looked toward Clem, and realized the man had released Otis. Clem had gotten to his feet.

Clem’s face was set. "You shouldn’t a done that."

Ezra gently laid his derringer on the floor. Nathan was amazed that the man hadn’t dropped the weapon despite his struggle to just breathe. Ezra held up both hands, palms out, still on his knees.

"Didn’t mean….for him…to die." Ezra’s voice sounded like metal wheels on gravel. It made Nathan wince to hear him.

"You had that pop gun on you the whole time?"

Ezra nodded. Clem scowled. He looked toward where Otis lay. "He wasn’t right in the head. Never was. Even when he was little. I was s’posed to look out for him. Was my job to take care of him."

Clem shifted. He moved so that he was squarely facing Ezra and Nathan, a move that incidentally positioned him so that he was framed by the shot out window. He raised his gun.

"Weren’t right what you did. You gotta pay for that."

Nathan moved to push Ezra out of the way, not wanting to see his friend hurt. His action proved to be unnecessary. A loud crack from a high-powered rifle echoed sharply for a moment. A shot, Nathan knew only Vin Tanner could have made, hit Clem in the chest. The force of it spun the large man around and dropped him like a marionette with its strings cut.

Nathan dove for the shotgun Otis had dropped when Ezra shot him. He snatched it up and pointed it toward the door where Cal and Jack were still standing. Ezra had pulled his Colt Remington from its shoulder holster. Now this is much better.

*******

Vin kept a careful watch on the bank. He pictured the lay out in his head, and tried to envision the position of the men inside. Vin knew there was at least on man stationed near the door. The shade still blocked most of the window, but it was pulled enough to one side to suggest a man was there watching the street. Besides it made sense that someone was keeping an eye on Josiah, JD and Chris.

From his vantage point, Vin could see the large man watching out the side window. All Vin saw was the side of his face, but enough to know for certain where he was. Vin would also catch glimpses of another. He’d lose sight of a tall, thin man at regular intervals, which let Vin know the man was pacing. That’s three.

Chris had let him know earlier, via hand signals, that there were four men. Vin wasn’t sure where the fourth man was. That worried him. He was fairly certain that the hostages must be lined up along the counter. He couldn’t be sure, but it made sense that would be where they would be. The fourth man could be watching them.

He noticed a break in the pacer’s pattern. Hmmm…man either stopped or moved away. Now where did he go? Vin kept a sharp eye out for the missing man. Mentally he counted off the seconds. He listened for any sound or movement that might give him a clue. Vin breathed easier when he saw him resume pacing.

A flash of red immediately got his attention. Ezra! Thank God.

The big man near the window had stepped away and headed for where Vin could just make out Ezra. Vin found it reassuring that his lover still looked to be all right. He was talking, and if Vin had to guess he was working on trying to get the big man to let them go. Vin hoped he’d be able to work his magic a second time in one day.

Despite his desire to stay focused on Ezra, Vin forced himself to keep his gun sight on the large man. The conversation seemed amiable. Vin smiled thinking he’d just used one of Ezra’s words.

The thin man approached. Vin couldn’t make out much of what happened next, but cursed when he lost sight of Ezra. He’d seen the thin man raise his shotgun and swing it toward where he’d last seen Ezra. He hadn’t fired it, but Vin knew that gun could make one hell of a club.

Vin frantically looked for a clear shot, but wasn’t willing to risk it until he knew for sure where Ezra was. The big man had his gun pointed toward where Vin suspected the hostages were, evidently keeping one or more of them in place. Then he seemed to be wrestling with the thin man.

Vin could just make out the sound of Ezra’s derringer. He’d heard it enough over the past year that the sound, no matter how muffled, was unmistakable. He was heartened by the sound knowing it meant Ezra was still in the game.

The thin man fell back, and his body language was enough to tell Vin he’d been shot. A man didn’t end up looking like he’d suddenly lost complete use of his limbs for any other reason. Most likely it was Ez’s little pop gun that got him. Good.

Vin kept a sharp eye out for Ezra. He hadn’t heard any more shots, but that didn’t mean Ezra was okay. Don’t mean he’s hurt, either. That little gun ain’t got but two bullets. Vin was still worried. He knew Ezra wouldn’t have risked using the derringer, possibly putting the others and himself, in danger, unless he absolutely had to.

The big man was back in view. It was the clearest shot Vin had gotten yet. He was talking, looked toward the floor and then toward where Vin had last seen Ezra. The man raised his gun. Vin took a breath, held it, and released it slowly, finger tightening on the trigger. There was no way in hell he was going to risk Ezra getting hurt by not taking this shot. He aimed carefully and took the shot.

He nodded in satisfaction when the big man went down. Two down, two ta go. No one tries ta take what’s mine, ya rat bastard. No one.

He breathed easier, tension draining from his shoulders, when Ezra stood in the window, clearly visible from where Vin was. Ezra raised a hand, and gave Vin his casual two-finger salute. Vin took a deep breath. Must have the other two covered. He knew his lover wouldn’t have risked exposing himself so openly if they weren’t.

Vin stood and tipped his hat to Ezra. Now ta get down from here. Gotta make sure he’s really okay. Vin sought out the quickest route to the ground, and headed down.

*******

Chris heard the report of Vin’s rifle. He knew Vin wouldn’t have fired if he didn’t have a clear shot and reason to do so. That fact worried him more than anything. From where he was he couldn’t tell what was going on inside the bank. Vin had a better view, and for him to shoot meant something was happening.

He motioned to Buck who was peeking around the corner of the bank. Buck slide forward around the side. He moved into a crouched position close to the door. From there he might be able to at least hear, if not see, what was happening.

Realistically, Chris knew it hadn’t been that long since the children had been released. Less than half an hour really, but to him it felt interminable. He hated waiting. He was the sort who made things happen, not the type who just waited for events to engulf him.

Buck signaled a warning to him. The door was opening. "JD…Josiah…keep your eyes open."

Chris watched tensely, gun drawn and ready. Two men stepped out, their hands empty and raised to shoulder level. Chris shook his head, and felt a grin break loose when Nathan and Ezra stepped out behind them. Little bastard managed to do it again.

Chris came forward, as did Josiah, and JD. Buck straightened up from behind them. "Shoot, boys, you didn’t even let us join the party." Buck declared with a smile, startling the two strangers. He kept his gun trained on Cal and Jack. The fun loving ladies man shook his head in disgust. "I hung around special, jus’ ta get a chance to dance at this little soirée, and y’all went and left me out."

Ezra casually glanced over his shoulder. He winked at Buck. "Perhaps…next time. Hang on…to your…dance card."

Chris winced hearing Ezra speak. The dark bruises on his fair skin stood out in stark contrast. He easily recognized the marks as someone having tried to strangle the gambler. Chris narrowly eyed the two captives in front of him.

"What the hell happened to you?" Chris directed the question toward Ezra but never took his eyes off the two would be bank robbers. Josiah seemed to be just as anxious to hear the story as Chris was. The preacher kept sending concerned looks toward the gambler.

Nathan answered for Ezra giving them a run down of what had happened inside the bank. Chris noticed when Vin seemed to appear out of thin air. He hadn’t expected him to show up so quickly. Must have jumped off the roof rather than climb down ta get here so fast.

The tracker never took his eyes off Ezra. Chris was startled to hear a low growl come from his friend as Nathan finished telling how Otis had hit Ezra and then throttled him. He cast a speculative look at Vin.

"Otis dead?" Vin asked quietly. There was no disguising the deadly, murderous tone in that question. Chris got the distinct impression if Otis wasn’t dead yet he soon would be. Hell, if Vin doesn’t finish him off, Josiah will.

Ezra nodded an affirmative. He popped the derringer from his place in his sleeve, held it for a moment, and then returned it. Chris knew that little gun had proved it’s worth more than once. He found it hard to believe a gun that small could kill a man, but seeing is believing, and Ezra had made enough good use of it in the past to convince Chris that it was indeed a deadly fire arm despite its size.

A look passed between Ezra and Vin. Chris frowned. He hadn’t noticed that they seemed to be able to communicate without words. He realized that questions were being asked and assurances were given all with nothing more than a few subtle facial movements. Wonder when they started doing that.

Vin smiled ever so slightly. "Wasn’t one a yer better plans, Ez."

Ezra shrugged, and smirked. "Improvisation is…not an exact…science."

Vin frowned hearing Ezra speak. "Ya better let Nate look ya over, Ez."

Ezra rolled his eyes. He made an elegant hand gesture toward the two men still standing in front of him. Green eyes calmly looked at JD, and he raised an eyebrow. "Sheriff?"

JD started then blushed slightly. "Oh yeah, sorry Ez." JD waved his gun at the two men indicating they should head down the street. "You two come with me ta the jail. Got a cell jus’ waitin’ for ya."

"Buck go with him." Chris ordered. The lanky ladies man nodded, and headed with JD toward the jail.

"Josiah, see to the Lovitt and Neville. Make sure they’re okay. And then get Ben Johnson to come take care of Clem and Otis." Undertaker is gonna be busy today.

Josiah nodded. He raised a hand to pat Ezra on the shoulder as he walked by. "Ya did good, son."

Ezra neatly sidestepped his reach. He raised two fingers to the brim of his hat in acknowledgement of Josiah’s compliment. Ezra holstered his colt, and brushed a hand down the sleeve of his jacket, and adjusted the front lapels to again conceal the weapon.

"Nathan, take Ezra ta the clinic and look him over."

Ezra opened his mouth to protest, but Vin laid a hand on his arm. Vin shook his head. "Don’t argue, Ez."

Ezra looked at Vin for a moment. Unlike Josiah, Ezra didn’t moved to avoid the tracker’s touch, nor did he attempt to shake him off. Chris wondered about that. Normally the gambler went out of his way to avoid contact. Touchy as an angry rattlesnake most o’ the time.

Ezra took a breath, and nodded resignedly. Vin smiled. "Cowboy, I’ll go with Ez and Nate."

Chris knew that wasn’t really a suggestion, and that Vin would go with Ezra and Nate even if he did voice an objection. So Chris just waved a hand motioning them toward the clinic. He caught Vin’s eye before the young man moved away. They would talk about this.

Something was definitely going on between Vin and Ezra. It was something more than just Ezra teaching Vin to read. He couldn’t be absolutely certain, but Chris knew it was a recent development. Most likely it was something that happened on the trip to Bitter Creek and back. Chris didn’t like mysteries. Not one damn bit.

*******

Nathan was pleased that Ezra didn’t put up a fight about coming to the clinic. He really did just want to help, and it always bothered him when one of the others shied away from him. In his darker moments, he assumed they did so because he really wasn’t a doctor, or in Ezra’s case, because he was colored. He had come to realize their reluctance had little to do with him, and everything to do with their desire to stay in control. Too independent and stubborn ta know what’s good for ‘em.

Nathan opened the door to the clinic, with Vin and Ezra trailing in behind him. He had been somewhat surprised by Vin choosing to come along, but had long since given up trying to figure out what motivated the quiet tracker. Nathan waved a hand toward the chair.

"Ezra, go ahead and sit down. Need for you ta removed yer jacket, and open your shirt."

Ezra shrugged out of his jacket in a neat, elegant move that Nathan envied. He had to admit that the gambler did nearly everything with a certain flare and style. Ezra hung his jacket carefully on the chair before he sat down. Nimble fingers unbuttoned his vest, and then the first few buttons of his shirt.

He sat down. Green eyes warily watched Nathan. Nathan smiled. "I ain’t gonna hurt ya, Ez."

The raising of one eyebrow was a blatant sign of disbelief. From where he slouched in a seemingly boneless lean against the wall near the door, Vin watched him with an intensity that made Nathan nervous. The only time Vin had ever watched him that closely before was when Chris had been hurt.

Nathan offered a small reassuring smile to the tracker before moving to stand before Ezra. He placed a hand on Ezra’s chin and gently turned his head to one side and then the other. Nathan pursed his lips. The bruising was extensive, looking worse as time passed and more bruises rose to the surface, but he didn’t think Ezra had suffered any permanent damage.

He felt Ezra tense a bit under his hand, and let go. "Does it hurt for you to talk?" Has to or he’d have been saying a hell of a lot more than he has been.

Ezra shrugged one shoulder. "Some." Nathan was pleased to note that even though Ezra’s voice was still raspy, it didn’t sound as bad as it had right after Otis had attacked him. It was starting to sound more like he was suffering from a severe cold than that he’d nearly been strangled to death.

"You have any trouble breathing?"

"No."

"Hurt to swallow?"

Ezra nodded. He raised a hand to rub at his throat, but Nathan intercepted him. "Leave it be, Ez. Will just make it worse."

Green eyes narrowed, but Ezra lowered his hand. Nathan moved to boil some water. He usually kept the fire burning and water in the kettle at all times, just in case. "I’ve got something that should help ease the soreness a bit."

Ezra grimaced. "Vile concoctions."

Nathan chuckled. "Not this time. Trust me."

"I do."

Nathan froze for a moment. That simple statement caught him off guard. He was not expecting any sort of declaration, and certainly not from Ezra. Nathan thought back to what Ezra had said in the bank.

‘Surely, you were aware before this moment that not all Whites from the North view Negros with esteem or respect. Not all the boys who fought for the South were from the South.’ Guess the opposite o’ that is also true. Not all Whites from the south think colored folks is beneath them. Shaking his head, Nathan put the kettle on, and stoked the flames a bit. He turned back toward Ezra.

"Now, while we wait for that ta boil, why don’t you let me take a look at your other bruises."

"Not necessary." Ezra shook his head firmly.

Nathan rolled his eyes. "C’mon, Ezra. I know he hit ya pretty hard. Just want ta make sure nothin’ is broken."

"Nothing is…broken." Ezra stated.

Nathan ignored that, and stepped forward determined to see for himself. Should have checked everything ‘fore he got his back up. Knew him behaving was too good to last.

Ezra stiffened. His jaw tightened, and shifted in the chair, ready to get to his feet. He would have lunged away from Nathan if Vin hadn’t come forward. Vin placed his hand on Ezra shoulder, gently holding him in place. He rubbed lightly, like he was soothing a skittish colt.

The look Vin sent Nathan kept the healer from moving any closer. Nathan watched quiet Texan with some trepidation. The look he’d gotten clearly stated he would keep Nathan at a distance, by force if necessary.

"Ya sure nothin’ is broken?" Vin asked quietly.

Ezra took a breath and nodded. "Been hit…before. Know what broken…feels like." Ezra kept a watchful eye on Nathan. "Just sore…will be stiff tomorrow."

Vin nodded, and patted his shoulder reassuringly. He shook his head at Nathan. Nathan sighed in annoyance. He gave Ezra a hard look.

"I thought you said you trusted me."

Ezra stared at him, jade green eyes unwavering. Nathan found it unnerving to be the focus of that flat, assessing gaze. It bothered him that he felt like he’d just been judged and found wanting.

"Trust you." Ezra smirked. "You do not…trust me. You question…my judgement."

"Just about your health, Ezra. You aren’t always the best judge of that." Nathan offered, keeping his tone reasonable. "About everything else, you are usually right on the money."

Green eyes widened slightly. It was the only indication that Ezra was surprised by what Nathan had said. He looked toward Vin. Nathan wasn’t sure what passed between them, but Ezra nodded.

"You may…continue with…your examination."

Vin stepped back, and Nathan breathed easier. He was quick, and kept his touch gentle. He opened another button or two, and ran his fingers lightly down both sides of Ezra’s torso. Ezra flinched when Nathan tapped his abdomen where a dark bruise shaped like a gun stock was forming. Nathan was relieved to not that muscles were not swollen or unyielding, indicating no sign of internal bleeding.

He frowned when he noticed a faint bruise mark further up on Ezra’s chest, almost directly over his heart. Looking at it, Nathan realized it was a passion mark, not a bruise. He’d seen enough of them to know.

Hell, I’ll bet Buck is usually sportin’ half a dozen on any given day, but I don’t remember seein’ Ezra with a woman lately. Course, he was gone most of the week. Mighta found himself a lady friend in Bitter Creek. No matter.

Nathan continued with his examination. Ezra flinched again when Nathan ran his hand down his back. The bruise there matched the size and dimensions of the shotgun barrel. That one would likely be present for several days.

Nathan nodded. "You were right, nothing is broken. But you should probably not be on patrol tonight."

"I am capable…of performing…my duties…as assigned, Mr. Jackson."

Nathan sighed. The gambler was a mess of contradictions. Normally he’d be looking for a way to get out of doing his job. Now that he’s got a good reason ta just take it easy, he fights me. I will never understand this man.

"Mr. Larabee—"

"I’ll talk ta Chris. He can find someone else ta take your shift."

Ezra frowned. He opened his mouth to say something else, but Vin’s hand on his shoulder effectively silenced him. Nathan was beginning to think it might be useful to have Vin around every time he had to treat Ezra. Wonder if Ezra will have the same affect on Vin. He can be the worst of the lot when it comes to being patched up. Even Chris can’t keep him totally in line.

Ezra buttoned up his shirt, and vest. With a few smoothing hand gestures he again had his clothing in order. Nathan rolled his eyes, thinking Ezra spent more time worrying about his appearance than anyone else he’d ever met.

The teakettle whistled shrilly. Nathan moved to get it. He poured a cup and added some tea, letting it steep for several minutes. Once it had steeped long enough, Nathan used a strainer to remove most of the leaves. He added honey and a little lemon before he offered the cup to Ezra.

Ezra sniffed it carefully. He raised an eyebrow before cautiously taking a sip. He smiled in surprise, dimples showing. "This is good."

Nathan grinned. "Told ya it wouldn’t be bad."

"What…is it?" Ezra took another sip.

"Chamomile, with honey and lemon. It’s good for sore throats." Nathan had watched to make sure Ezra wasn’t having trouble swallowing the liquid before he had answered.

"Indeed. Very good." Ezra saluted him with the cup.

"I want you to drink all of that. And you should have another cup in a few hours. No whiskey." Nathan caught a flicker in Ezra’s eyes. "No scotch either. Will just make your throat worse."

Ezra sighed, and waved a hand in an elegant gesture of submission. He finished the cup of tea and offered it to Nathan. He stood and grabbed his jacket. He slipped into it with the same style and grace that he’d used to remove it.

"Ezra?" Ezra turned and looked at Nathan, his expression one of inquiry. "Jus’ wanted ta say thanks for savin’ my life when we were the bank."

"You already…thanked me."

"The first time, yeah, but not for the second. You were right. If I had lost my temper I coulda got us all killed."

"It was understandable. Otis’ remarks…were inflammatory." Ezra shook his head. His voice was a little better, but it obviously pained him to speak. "It was not…right for you…to have to…suffer such…insults…or to allow them…to go unanswered…but circumstances dictated that you do…so. You handled…yourself…and the situation…well."

Nathan felt his face warm at hearing Ezra’s compliment. He wasn’t so sure he’d agree with Ezra’s assessment that he handled himself well. "Thanks, just the same."

"You are welcome."

"An’ you did a good job getting those children out safely. Don’t’ think any o’ the rest of us could have done it as quick or as smooth as you did."

Ezra made a dismissive gesture. "They would…never have…been endangered…were it not for me." He turned away and headed for the door.

Nathan knew better than to push the issue. He got the feeling it was an argument Ezra wasn’t going to hang around long enough to let him win. "Vin, why don’t you take Ezra to his room and see if you can convince him to lay down for a bit. A little rest would probably do him good, and he don’t need to be talking any more than necessary."

Vin smiled, and raised a finger to the brim of his hat. "Will do, Nate."

Nathan followed them out to the landing. "I’ll bring by another cup of tea for ya, Ezra, in an hour or so."

Ezra gave him a two finger salute, and continued down the stairs with Vin following. Nathan sighed and went back inside. Never know quite what a day will bring ‘round here. Sure does keep it interesting.

*******

Vin followed Ezra down the stairs. When Ezra paused at the bottom, Vin placed a hand at the small of his back. Ezra cast a sly look over his shoulder at Vin, and a small smile, but didn’t say anything.

Vin wasn’t entirely convinced that Ezra was all right. Nathan didn’t seem to think there was anything serious wrong, and he usually trusted the healer’s judgement, but this was Ezra, and he wanted to be absolutely certain. "You okay?"

"Fine." Green eyes met his. "Honestly."

Vin nodded. "Okay. Lets go get ya settled in yer room. Ya can take a nap like Nate said."

Ezra gave a raspy chuckle. "I have not…napped in the…afternoon since…I was a child."

"Well, then I guess yer due."

Ezra grinned at him, and Vin caught his breath, once more stunned by how beautiful the man was when he let his emotions show. The sparkle in his eyes, the open expression of amusement and joy were treasures that Vin never expected to be given to him. Ezra reached out to touch his arm. He looked concerned. "You okay?"

Vin shook himself. "Yeah, yeah. Fine."

Ezra gave him a hard look. "You were not…injured?"

Vin smiled. "No." He supposed his sudden stop and stupid look might have been cause for concern. Vin felt a blush warm his cheeks. "Jus’ kind o’ gets to me when you smile."

Ezra shyly dipped his head, and Vin was delighted to see a faint blush on Ezra’s cheeks too. Oh we’ve got it so bad. Vin shook himself, and gestured for Ezra to continue down the boardwalk. Together they headed toward the saloon, and Ezra’s room.

They made it as far as the Potter’s store before being stopped. Seven anxious little faces were waiting there for them. "Mr. Ezra…Mr. Ezra…Mr. Ezra…Are you okay?"

Ezra smiled, and crouched down in front of the children. "Yes. I’m fine. There is…no cause…for alarm."

Cecilia Potter looked doubtful when she heard him speak, as did the other children. Her blue eyes shot worried glances to where the bruises around Ezra’s throat were visible above the collar of his shirt. She looked toward Vin. "Mr. Vin?"

Vin smiled at her, touched by the children’s obvious concern for Ezra. "Jus’ some bruises is all CeCe. Nathan says Ez will be fine. Says he’s not s’posed to talk too much for awhile."

Danny and David nodded in unison. "Mr. Ezra, you sound like Danny did when he had a bad cold. Momma said he’d be fine in a few days." David grinned. "And he was."

"Momma g-g-g-"

Ezra held up a hand, and stopped Danny’s efforts to speak. He made eye contact with the little boy, and held it for a moment. Danny took a breath, and smiled.

"Momma gave me lemon drops. She said they would help."

Vin was amazed to hear the little boy speak clearly. Must a been somethin’ Ez taught him. Vin was proud of Ezra for finding away to help Danny. He knew how easy it would be for the other children to make fun of Danny’s speech impediment. Kids, hell even adults, tend ta make fun of anyone who’s different. Glad Danny ain’t gotta suffer with that.

Danny looked from Ezra to Vin. "Do you think l-l-lemon d-drops would help Mr. Ezra?"

Vin shrugged. "Can’t think they’d do any harm."

Josh tugged on Ezra’s hand. "C’mon, Mr. Ezra, I bet Momma has some." The children eagerly pulled Ezra toward the door.

Ezra followed them in only to be swept up in a fierce hug by Mrs. Potter. "Thank you, Mr. Standish. Thank you. I knew you would take care of my babies. I knew you would."

Ezra, caught off guard, looked to Vin for help, but Vin simply held up both hands palms up. He winked at Ezra when Ezra threw him a disgusted look. With a silent sigh, Ezra returned her hug, and then made gentle, but firm efforts to pull away. He raised one finger to carefully wipe the tears away from Mrs. Potter’s face.

"There…there….It’s all right." He soothed trying to calm her down.

Jenny tugged at Ezra’s sleeve and offered him a handkerchief. Vin recognized it as one of Ezra’s own fine linen ones that he normally carried. Ezra in turn offered the handkerchief to Mrs. Potter. Mrs. Potter dabbed at her eyes, blushing furiously, clearly embarrassed by her loss of control.

She straightened, and patted Ezra’s arm. "My apologies, Mr. Standish, for subjecting you to my most undignified display."

Ezra smiled slightly. "Quite all right." He lightly rubbed her arm in simple gesture of consolation and understanding.

She took a closer look at him. "Oh my….what happened?"

Vin jumped in before Ezra could answer, mindful of what Nathan had said about not letting Ezra talk more than he had to. "One of the robbers tried to choke ‘im, Ma’am."

David piped up. "His throat hurts, and we thought some lemon drops might help."

Mrs. Potter nodded. "Yes, yes, of course. I’m sure I still have some in stock. It won’t take me but a moment to get them. Wait right here."

She bustled off quickly. In no time she had returned with a small sack. She offered it to Ezra. When he took the candy, she wrapped her hand around his. "Now if you need more, you let me know."

Ezra tipped his head. He reached into his pocket to pay her, but Mrs. Potter shook her head. "For looking after the little ones." She squeezed the hand she still held. "I know it isn’t much, but please, let me offer this as thanks. You took good care of them, and I want you to know I am grateful for that."

Ezra nodded, and bent to please a quick kiss on her cheek. "Thank you."

No one else might have noticed, but Vin could tell just how hard it was for Ezra to maintain his composure. He knew Ezra didn’t normally have trouble being the center of attention. Hell he all but dresses just to attract attention.

But this situation was different. This sort of focus wasn’t the type Ezra usually found himself in the middle of. He wasn’t used to people thanking him. First Nathan, and now Mrs. Potter.

Vin stepped forward. ’Bout time I got him outta here. He cleared his throat slightly trying to get their attention away from Ezra and focused on him. "Now, I know y’all were worried ‘bout Ezra, but he’s gonna be fine. Nathan said so. Said he needs ta just take it easy for a bit. "

He carefully maneuvered himself between small bodies so he could stand next to Ezra, trying to offer support just by being close. "You kids, need at run along and get ta where ever yer s’posed to be, cause I’m sure yer Momma’s are all frettin’ ‘bout you, jus’ like you was about Ezra. Ya can talk ta Ez tomorrow."

Mrs. Potter nodded, once again firmly back in control of herself. "Quite right. I’m sure your parents want to know that all of you are all safe and sound."

The children all managed to hug Ezra in one fashion or another before bolting out the door. Josh and Cecilia headed for the back room, where Vin suspected they had chores of some kind to finish. Vin shook his head slightly wondering if he’d been that resilient at their ages. At their ages I was already on my own, so I guess I must have been.

Mrs. Potter let go of Ezra’s hand. "Now, you take it easy like, Mr. Jackson says. If you need anything, just let me know."

"Will do, Ma’am." Vin raised a finger to the brim of his hat, and he saw Ezra do the same. Together they headed out of the store and toward the saloon. Or at least Vin had intended to, but Ezra pointed toward the alley.

"Back way." Ezra shuddered. "No more well…wishers."

Vin chuckled. "Okay." He knew the shudder had been more for affect than anything else. And he didn’t have a problem with going up to Ezra’s room the back way. He suspected Chris and the others would be hanging out in the main room. They usually met up there once things calmed down. Longer I avoid him, longer I can come up with what the hell I’m gonna say when he starts askin’ questions. And I know he will start askin’. Look he gave me was pretty clear ‘bout that.

Vin breathed a sigh of relief when they made it to Ezra’s room without running into anyone else, or being seen. Not that he didn’t have a legitimate excuse to see Ezra to his room it was just better not to have to explain it. And if no one saw him enter, then no one would know how long he’d been there. And Vin didn’t plan to leave any time soon.

Once inside, with the door securely locked, Vin pulled Ezra into a tight hug. He’d wanted to do that ever since he’d seen Ezra’s salute through the window. He wanted to hold him close and never let go. Hardest thing he’d ever done was to simply stand by and wait for them to be alone.

"God, Ez…you scared me half ta death." Vin whispered.

Ezra hugged him just as hard as Vin was hugging him. "Scared…myself."

Vin rested his head on Ezra’s shoulder, breathing in the gambler’s scent. He couldn’t believe it was just that morning that he had been lying in bed reveling in that same fragrance. How can so much happen in one day?

Vin wanted to feel all of Ezra against him, to know that he was safe and sound. Needed to reassure himself that his lover was indeed alive and well. He’d only just gotten the chance to be with him, and he wasn’t ready go back to being on his own. I’ll never be ready for that.

"Was so scared when I heard that shot from the bank. Knew you were there. Knew you were there. Thought you went and got yerself killed."

He could feel Ezra’s hands moving up and down his back trying to sooth him. Vin placed a kiss on the side Ezra’s neck. He could feel Ezra’s heart beat strong and steady against his lips. He pulled away enough to kiss Ezra’s lips. He had meant to keep the kiss gentle, but it ended up hungry, deep, hard, wet and demanding. He wanted to map every aspect of Ezra’s mouth. Vin wanted to memorize every detail.

He raised his hands to cup Ezra’s face. Blue eyes met green. "Don’t do that again."

"I shall…try not to."

Vin nodded, knowing that given what they did for a living, that was as good a promise as he was going to get. Vin threw off his hat, and shrugged carelessly out of his buffalo coat. He needed to reconnect with Ezra. Needed this now.

"What about the…others?" Ezra was busy with his own clothes, not taking his usual care, but haphazardly discarding them as Vin pulled him toward the bed.

"What about them?" Vin toed out of his boots.

Ezra may have been uncharacteristically careless with his clothes, but he made sure the shoulder holster hung from the headboard within easy reach. And the derringer was carefully placed on the bedside table. "Won’t your absence…be noted?"

Vin shrugged. "Don’t know. Don’t care." He looked at Ezra. "Need this. Need you. Deal with them later."

Ezra smiled, green eyes bright with love and amusement. "A plan?"

Vin laughed lightly, shimmying quickly out of his pants. "I’m improvising."

He pulled Ezra on to the bed with him, sighing when warm, naked flesh met his. The weight of Ezra against him, alive and well, felt very satisfying. This is good. Vin let his hands roam freely over Ezra. Man has the most amazing skin. Never felt anything so good before.

Ezra sighed and relaxed under his touch. It reminded Vin of petting a cat. He nuzzled the spot under Ezra chin. He immediately felt Ezra tense and pull away. Damn. Forgot ‘bout the bruises.

"Sorry, Ez." Vin mentally slapped himself hard.

Ezra shook his head, and placed a finger against Vin’s lips. "It’s okay." Ezra moved his finger to place a gentle kiss against Vin’s lips. "It’s okay."

Vin nodded. Still gotta make it up to him. "How ‘bout I kiss it an’ make it better like my Ma used to?"

Ezra chuckled. "By all…means." The rough quality of Ezra’s voice was beginning to sound less like damage and more like passion.

Vin very carefully, tenderly, placed soft kisses on each finger shaped bruise. He rolled them over so he could place a kiss on Ezra’s abdomen. Just for good measure he laved Ezra’s nipples as well.

Ezra arched his back in response to his touch. "No bruises…there."

Vin grinned at him. "Well, now, I need to do a thorough examination, Ez. Nate might a missed somethin’."

"Can’t have that…now, can we?" Ezra waved his hand in a gesture of capitulation, smiling as he did so.

"No, we certainly can’t." Vin went back to work, carefully checking every inch of his lover, placing kisses as he went. Ezra tasted as good as he smelled. Vin idly wondered if that was his own natural flavor or a by-product of the soap he used. Have to ask him later. Much later.

Vin worked his way down Ezra’s torso toward his groin. He grinned up at Ezra as he wrapped his hand around Ezra’s leaking shaft, stroking lightly up and down. "Looks like ya got some swellin’ here, Ez. Reckon I oughta take care o’ that?"

Ezra took a shuddering breath. He opened eyes heavy lidded with passion, the pupils so large on a faint trace of green was visible. His answer came out in a long sigh of yes.

Vin loved seeing Ezra like this. His breathing ragged, his skin flushed, hair messed up, expression open and honest, eyes revealing everything. No one else got to see him this way. This was his Ezra.

Vin lowered his head, and took Ezra’s erection into his mouth. He tried to remember the things Ezra had done to him, all those things that felt so very good. Vin wanted this to be as good for Ezra as it had been for him.

His tongue ran over the head, tasting him. Hmmmm…salty, bit bitter…not bad though. Vin sucked gently. He moved a hand to play gently with Ezra’s balls, getting a rough moan in reply to his touch.

Little sighs, and whimpers let him know how much Ezra enjoyed what he was doing. He curled his tongue around one side and then the other, careful not to let his teeth do any damage. He hadn’t figured out how to take all of Ezra into his mouth without gagging, but Ezra didn’t seem to mind.

Vin increased his speed. He hummed lightly, remembering how intense that had felt when Ezra did it to him. Vin leaned more of his weight across Ezra’s hips keeping him from thrusting, letting Vin control the depth and pace.

He could feel Ezra shaking. He knew his lover was close. Just listening to those mewling sounds of pleasure, knowing he was the one who’d caused them had gotten him close as well.

Vin let go of Ezra’s balls, and grabbed himself, unable to ignore his own arousal any longer. Ezra moved a hand to cup his face, halting him. Vin looked up in surprise, wondering if he’d done something wrong. Ezra smiled at him, reassurance and an invitation.

"C’mere, Vin."

Vin obeyed, raising his head and releasing Ezra with one last, long lick like a child with a sucker. He moved to kiss Ezra. He moaned into Ezra’s mouth as Ezra’s hands went exploring.

"Want you to…come with me." Ezra panted. "Not just me. Both of us."

Vin nodded. He shifted so that their cocks aligned. He couldn’t keep himself from thrusting in response to that contact. Ezra’s hips rose to meet him. They kept moving together, both enjoying the friction being created between them.

"So good….Ez…so good."

He felt Ezra running his fingers through his hair. He shivered, and fisted his hands in the blanket. There was something about having Ezra play with his hair that got to him every time. He let go of the blanket to move his hands over Ezra again. He slid them down Ezra’s sides to cup Ezra’s ass, kneading those firm, beautiful spheres, encouraging him to thrust harder and faster.

Vin could feel his own orgasm building. It was like riding a wave, one he knew wouldn’t last but felt incredible while it did. He dropped his head to Ezra’s shoulder, biting his knuckles to keep from shouting as he came. No noise…no noise.

He felt Ezra go taut under him, his head tipped back, and whole body arching off the bed. His hands clenched in to fists in Vin’s hair. Ezra’s breath escaped in a hiss, coming out between tightly clenched teeth.

When his breathing and heart rate returned to normal, Vin raised his head from where he had let it rest on Ezra’s shoulder. He raised a hand to caresses Ezra’s cheek with the back of his fingers. Ezra opened his eyes, and grinned at him.

Vin kissed him before he got up to find something to clean them up with. Can’t leave us a sticky mess. He grinned at the thought, briefly wishing he could do just that. They really didn’t have enough time to enjoy the afterglow.

He handed Ezra his pants and shirt, then grabbed his own clothes, intent on getting dressed. Vin wasn’t sure when Nathan would be by with more tea, and he didn’t want to be caught naked. Last thing we need.

He slipped back into his pants. Vin could feel Ezra’s eyes on him as he did. He tried to ignore that intense look. He could literally feel Ezra’s eyes on his skin like a ghost of a caress. "Stop doin’ that." He growled.

Ezra sent him a look of complete innocence that would have been totally believable if Vin didn’t know Ezra as well as he did. "And don’t try that ‘butter wouldn’t melt in my mouth’ look on me Ezra P. Standish. You know ‘xactly what I’m talkin’ about."

Ezra sighed. "Spoilsport." Ezra had finished putting on his clothes, and checked his appearance in the mirror, running a brush through his messy hair bring the curls back in line. He looked like he was preparing to leave.

Vin shook his head. Stubborn. "Might as well lay back down. Yer s’posed to be resting. An’ I’m s’posed ta see to it that ya do."

Ezra sighed heavily sounding very put upon, and rolled his eyes. But he didn’t argue. Ezra moved back toward the bed and pulled the pillows from under the covers. He laid down on his side, facing Vin. "Will you…stay?"

Vin nodded. "Planned to." He wasn’t ready to leave yet.

"Good."

Vin opened the window slightly before joining Ezra on the bed. Ezra raised an eyebrow. "Don’t want Nate ta know what we was doin’. Figure some fresh air wouldn’t hurt."

Ezra chuckled, green eyes dancing with mischief. "Good idea."

Vin laid down. Ezra turned so he could rest his head on Vin’s shoulder, snuggling in close, one leg drawn up over Vin’s. To Vin this was the best part. This was the part where he got to be held, and to hold in return. There hadn’t been a lot of moments like these in his life. Moments of simple physical comfort, of knowing that you were cared for, that you cared about someone else as well. And from what Ezra had told him of his past there hadn’t been many in his life either. Nice. Very nice.

Vin raised a hand to cradle Ezra’s head, his fingers gently massaging Ezra’s scalp. He could feel Ezra going boneless against him, his breathing becoming slow, deep and even. It had been a taxing day for both of them. Vin closed his eyes and just let himself enjoy this.

*******

Chris made himself comfortable at the seven’s usual table. He sighed heavily. How can a day go from sugar to shit so fast? One minute things are quiet, the next we got bank robbers and kids held at gun point.

Chris poured himself a drink from the bottle he’d gotten when he entered. Least no one important ended up dead. Guess that’s the best you can hope for some days. He looked up from his drink as JD wandered through the batwing doors. JD got himself a mug of milk from the bar before he joined Chris. JD slid into his usual chair.

"Buck on patrol?"

"Yeah. He just left a few minutes ago. Figured it was better late than never." JD swallowed a mouthful of milk.

Chris nodded. He had known that Buck would head out once the prisoners got settled. No matter what happened they still had a job to do. "Find out who the two ya put in jail are?"

"Cal and Jack Sanders. Not wanted for anything that I could find. Didn’t put up much of a fuss." JD shook his head. "Just don’t seem like the type ta be robbing banks."

Chris raised an eyebrow. "The type?"

JD shrugged. "Chris, they apologized for causing us trouble. Said they were glad Clem let the kids go. Heck, they even asked if Ezra was all right." JD looked amazed. "Just don’t act like the sort of desperados we usually get."

Kid’s got a point. The kind we normally get usually try ta kill us. Hell, I didn’t even get shot at today. "JD, even the hardest criminal has got there start somewhere."

JD nodded. "I know." He grinned. "We jus’ don’t usually get the beginners."

Chris chuckled, and raised his glass. JD tapped it lightly with his mug. "Here’s to greenhorns."

Chris looked at JD. No time like the present to ask. "You said you knew months ago that Ezra was teaching."

JD looked at him is surprise. "Yeah. So?"

"How did you find out?"

"Well, jeez, Chris, it’s my job ta know what’s goin’ on in town. Wouldn’t be much of a sheriff if I didn’t." JD said it like it he was saying the sky was blue and that it should be obvious to anyone. He sipped his milk.

"Saw Ez spending time in Mrs. Potter’s store every day after lunch. Ain’t enough in there ta look at for more than one day, much less a couple a hours almost every day. Store just isn’t that big. An’ everybody knows when she gets a new shipment, so it weren’t like Ez woulda been hanging around for no reason. He ain’t the type ta waste his time that way."

JD shrugged. "So I asked him what he was doing."

Chris frowned. "And he told you?"

JD looked at him with a puzzled expression. "Course he did. Ezra always answers a question. Just gotta remember ta ask the right one is all. Sides, it weren’t like he was doing anything wrong or had something ta hide. Heck, Ezra even asked me help out a few times." The last was said with pride.

"Was kind of fun it ya wanna know the truth. Don’t remember my schooling being anywhere near as much fun. Ezra’s got all kinds of word and number games. Stuff isn’t nearly so boring if ya can play with it. Kids seem to really like it too."

Chris was still trying to get a handle on the ‘Ezra always answers a question’ bit. Don’t remember the man answering me. But then before today, I guess I never really asked the man much, I just assumed. Or maybe I asked the wrong questions.

JD studied Chris. He looked faintly apprehensive. "You don’t think Ez is doing something wrong, do ya? I mean, I know he ain’t like a real teacher, but there ain’t anyone better in town ta do the job. Ezra’s the smartest guy I’ve ever met. And it wouldn’t be right for those kids ta grow up not knowing how ta read and write."

"No. He isn’t doing anything wrong." Chris shook his head. "I just didn’t know about him teaching until today." Chris looked hard at JD. "He ask you not to say anything?"

"Nope." JD shrugged one shoulder. "Weren’t like it was a big secret. Figured you already knew." JD grinned in sudden delight. "Hey, I knew something you didn’t know."

Chris rolled his eyes. "Well, don’t expect it to happen often."

JD laughed. "Heck, I’m surprised it happened at all." The younger man was still grinning when Josiah came in.

Josiah sat down in his usual chair. He raised eyebrows seeing JD’s grin, but didn’t ask. JD just chuckled. He finished his milk. "See ya around." And with that the kid was out the door.

Chris shook his head. "You remember having that kind of energy?"

Josiah sighed. "No."

"Me neither."

Inez came over with a mug of beer for Josiah. She took JD’s mug away with her when she left. Chris knocked back the remainder of his drink.

"Johnson get Clem and Otis taken care of?"

Josiah nodded tiredly. "Yeah. He’s got them over at his place as we speak."

"The bankers?"

"Brother Lovitt is a bit shaken. As is Neville. But neither one has suffered much in the way of ill effects from today."

Chris nodded. "Good." One less thing to worry about.

"Neville put the money back in the vault, but Mr. Lovitt is worried about how secure the bank will be with a busted window."

Chris grimaced. "Don’t suppose just boarding it up occurred to him?"

Josiah chuckled. "To him, no. To me, yes."

He filled his glass again. "Good. Glad someone has some sense."

"Amen, brother, amen."

"Have you seen Ezra?"

"Not since he went up to Nate’s to get looked over." Hmmm…come to think of it, I haven’t seen Vin since then either. Wonder where he went.

Josiah frowned, his blue eyes worried. "Sure do hope that boy is all right."

Chris pursed his lips. "I’m sure if there was something wrong we’d have heard about it by now." He didn’t think Ezra could be too badly hurt since he was moving under his own power.

Josiah nodded, but still looked worried. He smiled suddenly. "Can’t believe he got them to let the children go."

Chris chuckled. "Would have loved to have heard that conversation."

"Indeed." Josiah sipped his beer. "That boy does have a way with words. Have to ask Nate what he said."

"Why not ask Ezra?" Maybe I’m not the only one who thinks he can’t get a straight answer out of the man.

"From the way he sounded, I don’t think he’ll be up to talking much. Be easier on him to let Nate tell us."

Chris considered that. Trust Josiah to have a practical reason for everything. They sat in companionable silence for several minutes, just relaxing and letting go of the recent stress.

Chris glanced up when he saw Nathan enter. Nathan was carrying a small teapot. It was the one he normally used to bring medicine to someone when injured. Chris had mentally dubbed it the mobile pot. It seemed like Nathan never went anywhere without the thing.

Nathan headed toward their table. "Chris. Josiah."

"Nate."

Josiah looked at the pot. "Something for Ezra?"

"Yeah. He’s supposed to be resting in his room. Told him I’d bring this by."

Josiah looked at him in surprise. "And you honestly think he’s up there?" Chris thought that was a valid question given how easily, and how often, the gambler could simply disappear.

Nathan grinned. "Vin said he’d make sure Ezra went. Kinda got the impression that Ezra wouldn’t sass Vin much."

And why not? Man sasses everyone else. Maybe Ezra is hurt worse than I thought./ "Ezra all right?" Chris asked quietly.

"Should be fine in a day or so. Didn’t do any permanent damage. But it’s gonna hurt for him to talk for a bit. Told him I didn’t think he should be on patrol tonight." Nathan’s dark brown eyes met Chris’ dark blue ones. "Told him that I’d let you know."

Chris nodded. He had figured as much. He cast a questioning glance toward Josiah. The big man shrugged. "I can cover it for another day. Or night, as the case may be."

Josiah looked toward the stairs. "You going up now?" He asked Nathan.

"Yeah. Figured I might as well see if the stubborn southern fool is really doing what I told him to. He might not sass Vin, but that don’t mean he didn’t give him the slip as soon as he could."

"I believe I’ll come along."

"Suit yourself."

Nathan headed upstairs. Josiah followed. Chris sighed, downed the drink he still had sitting in front of him, and moved to go with them. Might as well see for myself that he’s okay. Maybe Ezra knows where Vin went.

Nathan gently rapped his knuckles against Ezra’s door. He stood off to the side as he did so. Chris thought that a wise choice since it didn’t seem to matter what time of day, Ezra could be rather violent about letting someone know he wasn’t welcome. The small bullet holes that he’d seen on the door jam were testimony to that. It was one of the reasons Chris usually sent someone else to wake the gambler.

"Ez…it’s Nate. I brought ya another cup of tea."

The door opened, but instead of it being Ezra it was Vin. The tracker raised a finger to his lips. "He’s sleepin’." Vin said quietly.

"Not any more…Mr. Tanner." A roughened, southern drawl came from the bed behind Vin. "You may…allow Mr. Jackson… to enter."

With a shrug, Vin let them in. Ezra raised an eyebrow at seeing Chris and Josiah. He didn’t comment, but simply returned his colt to the holster hanging from the bedpost. He pulled the pillows behind him and casually leaned back against them.

Chris let out a low whistle when he saw just how livid the bruises on Ezra’s throat had become. He rubbed his own throat in sympathy. "Damn, Ez, didn’t think they were that bad."

"You sure you’re all right, Son?" Josiah inquired, his expression earnestly concerned.

Ezra shot him a withering glance. "I’m fine." His gaze shifted toward Chris. "Bruises…always look worse…later, Mr. Larabee."

Nathan picked up a cup from Ezra’s bedside table and filled it. Ezra took the cup when Nathan held out to him. To Chris’ surprise, Ezra drank it without complaint. Must not be the usual stuff. Nobody drinks that willingly.

Nathan watched him swallow carefully. "Still breathing all right?"

Ezra nodded. Nathan took the cup when Ezra handed it back to him. "Still hurt to speak? To swallow?"

"A bit."

Chris figured the short answers were proof enough that it hurt Ezra to speak. Man uses more words than anyone else I know. Must be the first time I’ve ever heard him give a short answer.

Nathan nodded. "Should be better tomorrow, Ezra." He gave Ezra a stern look. "Remember, no whiskey. No scotch either. Don’t want to aggravate your throat any more than necessary."

Vin picked up a small paper bag, and casually tossed to Ezra who neatly caught it with one hand. He opened the bag, pulled out a lemon drop, and popped it in his mouth. He carelessly tossed the bag back to Vin who also took a piece of candy out.

"Lemon drops?" Nathan raised his eyebrows. Vin was infamous for his sweet tooth, and seemed to have candy on him somewhere all the time. But Ezra wasn’t the sort to normally eat candy. Dessert, oh yes, he loved pie, but not candy.

"The kids caught up with us on our way here. Danny and David seemed ta think they would help." Vin said, lemon dropped tucked securely in one cheek. "Mrs. Potter wouldn’t let us leave without takin’ some."

Nathan pursed his lips in thought. He nodded once. "Can’t hurt." He gave Ezra a hard look. "I’ll check on you tomorrow."

Ezra’s expression took on a stubborn cast. Chris fully expected him to rebel, and evidently so had Nathan based on the look he’d given Ezra. But a look passed between Ezra and Vin. Ezra sighed. He nodded toward Nathan. "Tomorrow…Mr. Jackson."

Wonder what the hell just happened here. Chris tipped his head toward Ezra. "Josiah will take your patrol tonight."

Ezra nodded. He raised a hand to rub at his eyes. It surprised Chris to see the man actually look tired. In all the time he’d know Ezra the man never looked like he wasn’t ready to take on the world. It didn’t matter if he’d been up at the tables all night, or had spent the entire day in the saddle, he always looked ready for anything.

Never realized that was just an illusion. Christ, what kind of leader doesn’t realize when his men get tired. How many times have I picked Ezra ta do something just because he didn’t look done in? Damn. Thought I was smarter than that.

Chris could hear Maude’s voice in his head telling Ezra that appearances were everything. He had thought it nothing more than a line, a con that worked on fools. Guess I just found out I’m as big a fool as the next man.

Nathan made a shooing motion toward Chris, Josiah and Vin. "Let’s let the man rest." His voice clearly indicated he would brook no argument from them. Everyone but Ezra would be leaving whether he liked it or not.

Vin headed for the door only after he and Ezra shared another look. All right, damn it, I want to know what’s going on. Now.

Chris waited for Josiah and Nathan to head down the hall in front of him. He grabbed Vin’s arm as they moved toward the stairs, and stopped him. "Cowboy, we need to talk."

Vin looked pointedly at Chris’ hand, and then shrugged out of his grip. "Sure."

Chris tipped his head toward the backstairs, and moved toward them. This time of day the hallway was deserted, and the top of the stairs gave them a good view of the entire floor. Chris wasn’t sure but he had a pretty good idea that Vin wasn’t going to talk to him unless they had some privacy.

Best place would be the roof of the building. Only people who are ever up there are Vin and Ezra. Damn mountain goats. Since I ain’t planning ta break my neck falling of some roof, guess the livery will have to do.

Chris leaned against the wall, and steadily regarded the man he thought of as his brother. "Wanna tell me just what is going on between you and Ezra?"

Vin leaned against on of the opposite wall. He met Chris’ gaze, his expression completely neutral. It was a fair imitation of Ezra’s poker face. "What makes you think there is somethin’ goin’ on?"

Chris glared at him. "Don’t give me that!" Chris hissed, careful not to raise his voice. "He’s sharing his scotch with you, and teaching you to read. You let him take care of that ornery horse of yours. You’re suddenly touchy about everything any one says about Ezra. You lit into me, and Josiah."

Chris frowned. "You froze outside the bank today…something I have never known you to do. Then you tell Ezra to let Nathan look him over, and he does it without so much as a single argument. And you actually got him to stay in his room and rest. The man lets you touch him when he shies away from anyone else like a skittish horse. He was even sharing candy with you not two minutes ago."

Chris waved a hand in frustration. "For crying out loud, you two are having whole conversations without saying a single word. Now, Tell. Me. What. Is. Going. On."

Vin’s eyes narrowed, and he regarded Chris warily. He looked way, biting his lower lip. Chris could almost see him thinking about what to say. Apprehensive, uncertain blue eyes met his for a moment.

"Anyone else notice anything?"

Chris shrugged. "I don’t think so." But then, I seem to be the last one to find out about anything important lately, so I could be wrong about that. "I know Nate noticed that Ezra didn’t sass you earlier, and actually went without fighting the way he normally does. But I’m not sure that anyone else has noticed the rest."

Vin seemed to be weighing something in his mind. The longer he stayed quiet the more concerned Chris got. "This thing between you and Ez…it is something bad?" Chris watched Vin carefully. Wouldn’t have thought so, but with these two you can never be certain of anything.

Vin shrugged one shoulder. "I think it’s a good thing. So does Ez. But not everybody would see it that way." Vin squared his shoulders a bit, and looked Chris in the eye. "You might have a problem with it."

Vin sighed and shifted his weight slightly. Chris was suddenly conscious of how young the other man was. Hell, he isn’t but a few years older than JD.

"Sides, story ain’t just mine ta tell. Decision ain’t just mine ta share it either."

"Meaning?"

"Meanin’ if you wanna know yer gonna have to ask me, and Ezra."

"Well, I already asked you." Chris ground out.

Vin rolled his eyes. "You know what I mean." He moved back toward Ezra’s room, and Chris followed. He expected Vin to knock, because he was sure that Ezra would have locked the door. The man always did. Vin reached inside his shirt and removed a key.

"You have a key to Ezra’s room?" Chris asked in surprise.

"No, this is a key to the room down the hall." Vin’s voice was as dry as the desert. "I just thought I’d see if it worked in Ezra’s door."

Chris sighed. Ask a stupid question Larabee, you shouldn’t be surprised when you get a stupid answer. And now he’s even doing Ezra’s sarcasm. God help us all.

Ezra was still sitting on the bed. He had a book in one hand, and his colt in the other. When he saw Vin, Ezra smiled and lowered the gun. Chris was stunned for a moment seeing that open expression of welcome, and delight. It was a look he’d never seen on the gambler before.

The minute Ezra realized Vin wasn’t alone his expression was schooled into the bland, pleasant expression Chris knew far to well. The gun came back up and was aimed at Chris. The transformation didn’t take any longer than it took to blink, and for a moment Chris doubted he’d even seen it.

"Mr. Larabee….I was…not expecting anyone…to return so soon." Ezra closed his book, but didn’t lower the gun. He looked from Vin to Chris. "Trouble?"

Vin shook his head. "Not exactly, Ez. Leastwise, not that kind yer gonna need a gun for."

Ezra nodded, and holstered his gun. He waved a hand toward the rocker, and moved to sit up further, freeing space at the foot of the bed. Chris wasn’t surprised when Vin took the bed, and left the rocker for him.

Ezra waited, green eyes firmly on Chris. Chris shook his head slightly. Guess he’s sure the trouble is me and not Vin. Chris couldn’t decided if he was amused or hurt by that.

Never one to mince words, Chris got right to the point. "What is going on between you and Vin?"

Ezra frowned. He looked toward Vin. Vin shrugged. "He noticed. Sorry, Ez."

Hard green eyes returned to Chris. They assessed him from head to toe. Chris suppressed a shiver he felt under that icy gaze. He was not afraid of Ezra, but that look let him know that Ezra was, and always would be, a dangerous man in his own right, so he would be wise to tread lightly.

"And…just what have…you noticed, Mr. Larabee?" Despite the hoarse quality to his voice, and injury induced hesitation, there was no mistaking the almost defiant nature of that question.
Chris went through the same list he’d given Vin earlier. He added to it the fact that Vin had a key to Ezra’s room. Looking at Ezra he couldn’t tell a thing from the man’s face. Chris might have just as easily been talking about the weather for all the more response he got from Ezra.

Ezra looked to Vin again. "Yes or no?"

Chris couldn’t make heads or tails of the question, but Vin didn’t seem to have any trouble. He took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. "Shouldn’t be just my choice. Should be our choice."

Ezra half smiled. "Your friend. Best friend. You have…more to lose…makes it your…choice."

Chris frowned. I’m not just Vin’s friend. I’m yours too, Ezra. Before he could voice that sentiment Vin had come to a decision and nodded his head.

"He asked an honest question. Man deserves an honest answer. Plan was ta not offer any more information than they asked for, but he asked." Vin looked troubled. "Wouldn’t be right ta lie, Ez. An’ I really don’t want to."

"Then don’t." Ezra reached over and gently squeezed Vin’s shoulder. With a soft reassuring smile, he waved a hand toward Chris clearly offering to let Vin tell him. Vin scowled at him, but his eyes were bright with affection. "Next time you get to do it."

Ezra chuckled. "Fair enough."

Vin looked at Chris, and cleared his throat. "Not exactly sure how ta go about this, Cowboy."

Chris sat back and tried to look relaxed. He hoped that by looking at ease, he could help reduce some of the tension he saw in the younger man. He smiled slightly. "Best place to start would probably be the beginning."

Vin snorted. "The beginning? Hell, that would be damn near a year ago."

"A year?"

"Well, yeah. That’s when we first met."

"You and me?"

"Yeah. An’ me and Ez."

Chris frowned. "But what’s going on is recent, right?" Chris felt a momentary flash of panic. Have I missed this for that long?

He breathed easier when Vin nodded. "Yeah. It’s recent. Since we went to Bitter Creek." Vin sighed. "Well, leastwise some of it its recent. Been buildin’ for awhile, just didn’t do anythin’ about it until then. Finally got the courage up ta quit dancing around."

Chris rolled his eyes, and held up a hand, stopping Vin’s flow of words. He looked pointedly at Ezra. "Maybe this would work better if you told me."

Ezra looked to Vin, and waited. Vin waved a hand, clearly gesturing for Ezra to take over. "Words never were my forte, Ez."

Ezra grinned at the last word. Chris knew it had to be one Vin learned from Ezra. The gambler nodded. "You do the next one then."

The tracker nodded with a small smile. "Sure, Ez."

With a small jerk of his head, Ezra pointed with his chin toward the dresser, and Vin got up. The tracker retrieved the small bag of lemon drops Chris had seen earlier. He handed one to Ezra.

"Thank you." Ezra popped on in his mouth, and turned on the bed so he squarely faced Chris. Chris noted that Vin had narrowed the space between himself and Ezra when he had sat back down on the bed. Their shoulders were close enough to touch. Chris got the impression he was facing a united front. It was disconcerting.

"For some time, practically since…the day we met….I have been…attracted to Mr. Tanner."

Ezra’s green eyes were calm, and watchful. Chris got the feeling he wasn’t going to be making a single move that Ezra wasn’t waiting for. He made a ‘go on’ motion with his hand, not entirely certain of where Ezra was headed.

"I was attracted to him…the way a man…is usually…attracted to a woman. You understand me, yes?"

Chris felt his mouth drop open. He looked from Ezra to Vin. Vin shrugged. "An’ I was attracted ta Ez the same way, Cowboy."

Okay. Not what I expected. "I don’t…" Chris licked his lips, cleared his throat, and tried again. "I didn’t know that either of you were, well, like that."

Ezra raised an eyebrow. "You weren’t…meant to. It is not as if…the fact was blatantly advertised."

It wasn’t an entirely foreign concept to Chris. During the war he’d known a few men who’d sought out the company of other men. For the most part he didn’t care what they did or who they did it with, as long as they managed to do their job. Man has to make allowances during a war. Does strange things to you, and I can understand looking for comfort and release where ever you can find it. But, hell we ain’t at war, and I never thought Vin or Ezra were interested in men like that..

"But you both like women." Chris insisted still trying to wrap his mind around the idea of two men involved in a sexual relationship by choice and not out of necessity.

Ezra cocked his head to one side, and studied Chris. "You base this assumption on what, Mr. Larabee?" His voice was still rough, but he seemed to be speaking with less pain, or at the very least he seemed to find it easier to talk.

Maybe those lemon drops really do help. Chris frowned, and refocused his thoughts on Ezra’s question. He’d seen Ezra flirt with half the women in town. But flirting is all he does. Man never seems to go anywhere with it. Even when they are clearly offering more. Chris had to admit he’d never seen the man spend any length of time with a woman. Well except for that little Chinese girl, and hell, even I know Ezra didn’t do anything with her. She was just a child and he was trying to help her out.

Chris looked toward Vin. "What about Charlotte?"

Vin sighed heavily. "Was a mistake." His expression took on a rueful mien. "Huge mistake. Even you couldn’t argue that I was makin’ the right choice there."

Chris had to admit Vin had a point. He hadn’t approved of Vin’s involvement with Mrs. Richmond, but he hadn’t stood between them either. He figured that Vin was a grown man, capable of making his own decisions, and sometimes it was best to let people make their own mistakes. It seemed to be the only way some people ever learned. Chris got up to pace. Sometimes he thought better on his feet.

"Okay. Let me see if I got this." He looked toward Ezra. "You’ve always been attracted to men?"

Ezra shrugged one shoulder. "Not always. And not exclusively. But for the most part you would be correct."

"And you?" Chris waved a hand toward Vin.

"Wasn’t really interested in men that way ‘til I met Ez." A faint blush dusted Vin’s cheeks, but he didn’t look away.

Chris’ eyes narrowed. Wasn’t interested in men…Ezra said he was attracted to men before, and to Vin from the beginning, so maybe he’s just some dog looking for a leg to hump. Although, I gotta admit that’s a thought more worthy of Buck, than Ezra. Still… "You sure this isn’t some con? Some sort of scam?"

Chris knew a lot of what he was thinking had to have come through the tone of those questions, and probably the look on his face as well. Blue eyes spit fire at him, and Vin would have lunged at him, if Ezra had not put a restraining hand on his arm. Ezra shook his head slightly at Vin.

"It is a valid question, Vin."

Chris was surprised that Ezra used Vin’s first name. He doesn’t call any of us by our first names. He was also surprised that Ezra didn’t appear offended by the question. He knew the conman hadn’t missed what he implied. Implied hell, I came right out and said it.

"No, it ain’t." Vin declared hotly. "He knows you better’n that. Least he ought to." Vin glared at Chris. "And he sure as hell ought to know me better’n that."

The tracker’s eyes raked Chris from head to toe. "You think I’m that stupid? That I couldn’t see through a con?"

Vin shook his head in disgust. "Hell, Chris, I’ve been around enough ta know when someone jus’ wants ta get in my pants. Women have been tryin’ to do that since I old enough ta shave. ‘Sides, I see through everythin’ else Ez does, you really think this would be any different?"

"Okay." Chris held up both hands, palms out. "It was a stupid question."

"Damn right it was." Vin snarled at him, clearly not yet appeased. Ezra tapped his arm, and got his attention.

"He didn’t know there was more, Vin."

"Well, then he shoulda waited for us ta tell him everythin’." Vin insisted stubbornly. He sent another dark look toward Chris. "Ain’t just about sex, Chris. Never was. It’s more than that. I love Ez, and he loves me."

More than that? "You can’t be serious! I mean, it isn’t like the two of you have a lot in common." Chris looked at them still sitting side by side. One well educated, southern gentleman, and a scruffy, former bounty hunter.

They look like opposite ends of the spectrum. How the hell can there be more to what they are doing than the physical? His brief understanding of men involved with other men never covered anything else. None of those men ever formed long lasting pairs.

Ezra smirked at him. "We probably have more in common than you and Mrs. Travis do, but that has not stopped your pursuit of the lady."

Chris lowed one hand to his gun. "Care to explain that?"

Ezra regarded him mildly, not the least bit intimidated by his action. "She is a hard working, business woman. A well-respected pillar of the community who’s past and present are well known. She is concerned for this town, and the people in it. Devoted mother. A refined, elegant lady who’s outspoken zeal for her ideals very nearly got her killed."

Ezra waved an elegant hand that encompassed Chris. "You still mourn the loss of your family. You cared for no one when you came here. Hoard your past like a miser hoards gold. You are a hired gun. A killer." Ezra raised an eyebrow. "The bad element, I believe, you told her."

Chris sighed. Hard to argue with him there. Never really thought about it, but on the surface, Mary and I don’t have a lot in common.

"Fortunately, there is more to each of us than what resides on the surface." Ezra stated, clearly seeing what Chris was thinking. "Appearances are far from everything, Mr. Larabee. You and Mrs. Travis are building a firm relationship. There is no reason to think Vin and I could not do likewise despite the outward differences."

"Despite outward differences." Chris repeated incredulous. "Ezra, it is more than that and you know it."

"No." Ezra said firmly. "I do not know that."

"Don’t be coy." Chris snapped. "It ain’t like you two can get married."

"And it isn’t like Buck intends to marry every women he attempts to seduce either. But I do not see you interfering with his private affairs." Ezra’s voice was hard and cold.

"That’s different."

"Really. Care to explain how?"

Chris glared at him. "It’s normal."

"Ah. Normal." Ezra shot him a condescending look. "So it would be perfectly acceptable to for us to mindlessly fornicate like weasels in heat with any and every woman we meet, but not to establish a long term relationship with each other base on mutual respect and love. Is that what you are saying?"

Chris scowled. It wasn’t what he’d meant but in some ways it had been exactly what he was thinking. And he had to admit that Buck’s approach to women wasn’t exactly normal either. It was just something he was used to, and made allowances for because Buck was an old friend, and it just seemed to be part of his nature.

"You accused me of simply using Vin to satisfy my carnal desires. And to be honest, I found that just as insulting as Vin did. I have never used another person that way, as if he or she were simply an object to satisfy my needs. It is demeaning to do so."

Green eyes studied him coldly. "What was even more insulting, is that you seemed to have found the idea of my using him as a whore, to be more acceptable than our wanting to establish a long term relationship with one another."

"Enough!" Chris snapped at him. "Enough." He said again quietly, striving for a more reasonable tone. Chris rubbed a hand over his face, realizing that Ezra was right. Damn Ezra doesn’t pull his punches when he’s pissed.

"I’m sorry." He looked at Vin then at Ezra. "Really. I am sorry. I didn’t mean to…well, I didn’t mean to insult either of you. This was not what I was expecting, and I’m…well, I think we can agree that I’m not exactly handling it well."

Ezra nodded. He smiled sadly. "Were it solely my decision, I would have lied to you, and avoided all of this."

Chris nodded. "Yeah. Almost wish you had, but I’m glad you didn’t."

Ezra tipped his head in acknowledgement. He studied Chris for several minutes. "What will you do now?"

Chris frowned. "What’d ya mean?"

"As Vin alluded to earlier, we did not plan to tell anyone." Ezra shrugged one shoulder. "We planned to continue as though nothing had changed. We both are aware that our relationship is not the sort well regarded by good, upstanding, Christian people." There was just the trace of a sneer in the last bit.

Ezra sighed tiredly. "But you asked, and now you know. The next move is yours, Mr. Larabee."

Chris moved back toward the rocker and sat down again. He looked from Ezra to Vin and back. "You both sure this is something you want?"

Vin nodded. "Yeah."

"Yes, Mr. Larabee."

"This isn’t something either of you entered into lightly?" Chris wanted to be absolutely certain. Please tell me you didn’t just jump into this.

"I can assure, Mr. Larabee, neither of us undertook this liaison without due consideration."

Chris nodded. "This isn’t going to change how you work together?"

"It should not interfere with our duties."

Chris looked toward Vin. He had not forgotten the way Vin had frozen briefly outside the bank. Vin quirked an eyebrow letting Chris know he hadn’t forgotten it either. He nodded slightly assuring Chris that it wouldn’t happen again.

Deciding to test the waters Chris asked, "If I said I thought this was wrong, and you should put a stop to it now?"

Ezra looked away and didn’t answer, but Chris could see the tension radiating off the man. Vin laid a hand on Ezra’s arm, his long fingers encircling the smaller man’s wrist. Vin looked at Chris, his expression calm. There was no doubt his mind was already made up. "We’d leave."

For just a moment Chris was stunned. Somehow that wasn’t the answer he’d been expecting. Oddly enough he wasn’t disappointed by it either. "That serious, Cowboy?"

Vin nodded. "That serious. Wouldn’t give him up for you or this town."

"Are you happy?"

Vin smiled. It was nearly blinding so much joy did it radiate. "Very."

"Ezra?"

"Yes, Mr. Larabee?" Ezra raised his eyes to meet Chris’.

"Are you happy?"
"Ecstatic." Ezra looked at him, and for once his expression was completely open and honest. Chris sucked in a breath, stunned by what he saw. My god, I never realized how expressive his eyes can be. There was no doubt that Ezra was every bit as happy with Vin as Vin was with him.

"You really love each other?"

Vin and Ezra shared a look, and then nodded, answering him together.

"Okay then."

Ezra raised an eyebrow. "Okay what?"

Chris chuckled. "You were right. You’re both adults. And I’m in no position to judge either of you. I make allowances for Buck’s behavior around women because he’s an old friend, and he’s always been like that. I make allowances for JD because he’s young. I put up with Josiah’s parables, and Nathan’s stinky teas. I should be able to make allowances for both of you as well."

He hesitated for a second. "And for what it’s worth, I am happy that you’ve both found someone who makes you happy." He smiled slightly, a bit hesitant. "Even if who you found ended up surprising the hell out of me."

Vin grinned. He stood up and offered his hand to Chris. Chris rose and reached out to grasp Vin’s forearm. The then pulled the younger man into a tight hug. "You could have told me this, ya know?"

Vin chuckled as he pulled away. "Did tell ya."

Chris held out a hand to Ezra. Ezra hesitantly took it. Chris was pleased with the firm, solid handshake he received. He looked Ezra squarely in the eye. "You hurt him, and I’ll make your life a living hell."

Ezra nodded seriously. "I would expect no less from you, Mr. Larabee." Chris knew Ezra was aware that it was more than a threat. It was a promise.

"What about the others?"

"What about them?" Ezra raised an eyebrow.

"Are you going to tell them, too?"
Ezra bit his lower lip and looked toward Vin. Chris clamped down hard on the urge to demand that they actually talk when they spoke to each other. He mustered his patience and waited.

"No."

"No?" Chris looked at Vin.

"No." Vin sighed. "Cowboy, we didn’t really plan ta tell anyone. Might just as well wait and see if they ask."

"Why wait until they ask?" Chris figured while he was getting answers he might as well go for broke. "You do that with everything, Ezra. Wouldn’t it be easier to just spit it out and be done with it."

Ezra grinned at him, eyes just a bit mischievous. "Because by the time they ask the question, they are already thinking. When one knows which question to ask, one is already half way to finding the right answer." Ezra shrugged one shoulder. "If you can not be bothered to take the time to think or to seek out the answers, why should I be obliged to provide you with information you seem to neither want nor need."

Fair enough. Chris had never really thought about it, but Ezra did have a point. JD had already made that observation earlier when he said Ezra would always answer a question. You just had to be sure to ask the right one to find out what you really wanted to know.

Ezra’s expression sobered, eyes once again shuttered and unreadable. "And in this case, there is the additional concern of what will happen, Mr. Larabee, if even one of our little band proves to be less accepting of this situation than you have been. I have no desire to create discord or a permanent rift among us."

"You don’t know that any of them would object." Chris felt compelled to point out.

"And you don’t know, that all of them, will accept us," Ezra waved a hand toward himself, and then toward Vin. "You very nearly didn’t. It is not, as you said earlier, normal."

Ezra wore a wry expression for a moment. "The dynamics of our groups has enough difficulties, it may not be wise to add yet another obstacle."

Chris had to admit Ezra might very well be right. Each of them were unique with their own personal quirks and foibles, viewpoints and attitudes. It would be impossible to predict how any one of the others might react. And it would take only one of them reacting badly to have the potential to do irreparable harm.

"Wild cards." Ezra stated firmly, evidently finding it far easier to read Chris, than Chris found reading him. "Each and every one of them." He shook his head. "It is a gamble, that at this point in time, I am simply unwilling to take."

Chris half smiled. "You, not willing to gamble?"

Ezra’s lips quirked slightly. "I told you before, I abhor gambling, sir, and as such, leave nothing to chance."

Eyes that were far older than his years regarded Chris solemnly. "There is a great deal at stake here. Much could be won or lost. And until I am ready, and Vin is ready, to deal with either outcome, it is best not to put our money on the table."

Chris was reminded of something Vin said the other day. ‘Every game has a winner and a loser, ya’d think they could have figured that out by now. If they ain’t prepared ta lose then they should know better than ta sit down at the table and ante up.’ Never really thought of life as a game before, but the concept works. Can’t really argue either, because I’m not sure I’m ready to deal with the fall out if one of the others gets a burr under his saddle over this.

"It’s your call. I’ll play this however you want." Vin looked relieved, but Chris couldn’t read the Ezra’s expression at all. "What will you do if they ask?"

"IF they ask, Mr. Larabee, an answer will be given." Ezra glanced at Vin briefly before looking back at Chris. "No lies. On that you have my word."

Chris nodded. "All right then. As long as this doesn’t interfere with getting the job done, I’ll leave it up to you how and when you decide to tell anyone else."

"Thank you, Mr. Larabee."

"I oughta thank you." Ezra looked at him quizzically. Chris laughed dryly. "First time today that I don’t feel like the last one to know something."

"Amazin’ what ya get when ya ask. Ain’t it?" Vin looked at him, blue eyes warm with quiet amusement.

Chris rolled his eyes. Yeah. And sometimes you get more than you bargain for. Guess that just serves as a reminder to be ready for the answer if I’m gonna ask the question.

He headed for the door. "I’ll see you boys later." He opened the door, and looked back of his shoulder. "Vin you’ve got the morning patrol."

"Figured."

"Don’t be late."

"Won’t be."

Chris nodded, and quietly closed the door behind him. He headed down the stairs. I think I need a drink. A stiff drink.

*******

Vin stepped over to the door, and made sure it was locked. He leaned against it for a moment, head bowed. His knees were shaking. That went better than I thought it would. A lot better.

He turned around to say as much to Ezra. Ezra was sitting on the bed staring off at nothing. "Ez?" No answer. Vin moved until he crouched in front of him. "Ezra? You with me here, pard?"

Ezra took a shuddering breath, and focused on Vin. "I’m here."

"You okay?" Vin watched Ezra carefully.

"I think so." Ezra shook himself. "That conversation was just a bit surreal, and it has taken me a moment to fully comprehend and process it."

"Surreal?" Vin raised his brows.

"Dreamlike." Ezra clarified with a small, shaky smile. "I never…expected, not even in my dreams, to have that conversation. And certainly not have it go so well."

"Ah." Vin could understand that. "Me either." He wasn’t entirely sure just what he expected, but what had just happened wasn’t it.

"I anticipated…violence. Was prepared for that eventuality." Ezra shook his head, green eyes a bit dazed. "I had envisioned the need to run, or at the very least to hide. This…This I was not expecting."

Ezra raised a hand to cup Vin’s face. Vin could feel the fine tremors running through that connection. He knew Chris hadn’t been able to tell but Ezra had been scared to death when the man asked what they would do if he told them to end their relationship. But Vin had known. He could feel it pouring off Ezra in waves the whole time he’d been sitting next to him.

Vin knew the tremors he could feel in Ezra now were the left over affects of dealing with so many emotions at once. Fear, anger, outrage, determination, and relief had all run their course in a very short time frame. He’d felt them all, just as he knew Ezra had. Vin moved so he could join Ezra on the bed.

He pulled Ezra into a gentle hug, rocking slightly. "It’s okay. Ez. We’re okay."

Ezra nodded his head against Vin’s shoulder. "I know." He sighed. "It seems decidedly foolish to loose control now."

"Not foolish." Vin tenderly placed a kiss in Ezra’s soft brown curls. "Didn’t you tell me the only time to loose control is when you don’t need it?"

"Yes." Ezra whispered.

"Well, there ya go then." Vin pulled Ezra closer to him. He moved so that could rest against the headboard and cradle Ezra against him. Vin was pleased to note that Ezra wasn’t trembling any more. He just held him for several minutes.

"Ez, you jus’ gotta remember there isn’t anythin’ we can’t handle. Together we could take on the world. "

"Indeed." Ezra relaxed a bit more. Vin could hear the smile in his voice even if he couldn’t see it. "Together we are invincible."

"Damn right." Vin nodded.

Ezra swallowed hard. "I though perhaps you would end it rather—"

"Never, Ez." Vin captured Ezra’s hand, and entwined their fingers. "We’re together now, and we’re gonna stay that way."

"Today was not at all what I had planned." Ezra said that softly, offering it up almost as a confession, now totally relaxed, letting his weight rest completely against Vin.

"Weren’t quite what I’d planned either." Vin shrugged. "But I can’t really complain ‘bout how it all worked out."

"Nor can I."

Vin grinned. "Probably wouldn’t hurt if worked on this plannin’ thing a bit."

Ezra laughed lightly, and hugged Vin hard. "Yes. I think we really should focus a bit more on that, Mr. Tanner."

"Let’s do it tomorrow." Vin offered. "Will that be okay with you?"

"Tomorrow will be soon enough." Ezra lifted his head, and kissed Vin softly. "Have I told you lately that I love you?"

"Not lately." Vin said with a smile.

"I love you."

"Love you too, Ez." Vin returned Ezra’s kiss. For now, he was content to know that Ezra was okay. That Chris was okay with him and Ezra. The rest could wait. They’d figure it out. Just need ta get a little more of this improvising under our belts an’ we’ll be fine.

*******The End*******