"You do seem to be making a habit out of this, judge Travis," Ezra quipped as the metal clanked shut behind him.
"And do try to give an impression that you're not enjoying this, Mr Jackson."
The town healer was embarrassed more than anything else.
"I'm sorry, Ezra. I hope this gets cleared up soon," he said apologetically.
"I'm sure you do," the gambler gave a short reply.
Chris Larabee was standing at the entrance to the jail throwing final observant glances to the main street. He didn't speak, but he didn't try to hide his disapproval either. He followed the judge out of the prison and left the uncomfortable Nathan to keep first watch.
"Was that really necessary?" he asked the judge once they were outside. The evening was warm, but there was an uncomfortable humidity in the air which is why Chris suspected there weren't so many people about.
"No one in town really believes Ezra took that money. Not anymore." He found it easy to defend the gambler when he wasn't within earshot. Chris thought of him as an inseparable part of their odd bunch, but he found it hard not to get irritated by the Southerner in his presence.
"I agree," said Travis. "But this is for his own protection. He could get spooked, decide to run before he can prove his innocence. Probably confirming the opposite."
Chris nodded. The judge had undeniable logic. He also had a far better understanding of the members of the seven than Chris ever thought to give him credit for. He wondered if the judge made these conclusions based on his interaction with them or if Mary sent him regular reports. Both, probably.
Chris was glad to know that even judge Travis was warming towards Ezra who he was happy to put behind bars at their first meeting in Four Corners. It was about time. But the judge might not have factored something else in his estimate. Putting Ezra in jail over something he hadn't done could make him even more determined to escape, to prove his innocence, to execute some godawful plan to exonerate himself.
"This could backfire," he warned.
"Don't allow it to," the judge was matter of fact. Chris realised he didn't know what else the judge had on his mind. It worried him.
"So what's next?" the man in black asked.
"We wait for somebody to come forward."
"And if no one does?"
The judge's gaze got lost in the distance.
"Make sure that somebody does."