To Be Made Whole
By: KellyA
[This is a continuation of my story "The Accused."]
Part 1
Two weeks had gone by since Ezra had left Four Corners. Life went on as life usually does. The six remaining lawmen continued to break up the occasional brawl and rare bank robbery; they even took out a gang of cattle thieves who were terrorizing the surrounding ranches.
The six did their jobs as always, but the townsfolk could feel the underlining tension amongst the gunslingers. It was like waiting for the other shoe to drop. Yes, the six lawmen did their jobs, but something was missing.
Several townsfolk passing in the street paused when they heard yelling coming from the jail house. They were surprised when their young sheriff came flying out the door to land in the dirt. JD spat and rubbed his jaw as he propped himself up on an elbow as Buck glared at him from the doorway, then stormed off. Anger flashed in JD's dark eyes as he watched Buck storm away, then his gaze soften as he realized it was the first time that his friend had ever hit him out of anger.
Buck's strides were determined and fast, trying to rid himself of the frustration he felt. He couldn't believe he had hit the kid. He wasn't even sure why? Nothing felt right, his normal carefree attitude had deserted him and he felt numb, which was something the once gregarious cowboy was not use to and didn't know how to deal with.
JD slowly staggered to his feet making his way back toward the jail. He felt weak, but knew it wasn't from the punch he received from Buck. His adopted family was falling apart and he didn't know what to do about it. He watched as Buck headed toward the saloon not even turning around to look back.
Chris and Vin had words on more than one occasion. Vin would voice his concern over the blond gunslinger's excessive drinking, and Chris would inform him to mind his own business. Chris would then ask the tracker why he stayed by himself so much. These verbal barbs would usually end with Chris taking a swig of whiskey and Vin leaving in disgust.
Nathan's usually congenial bedside manner gave way to a more impersonal demeanor. He had lost interest in helping Josiah refurbish the church. In fact, none of the six men had helped in over two weeks. One day Josiah took a special dislike to a certain wall and applied a sledge hammer to it, smashing a hole big enough for his massive form to walk through. Even the extreme physical exertion failed to erase the guilt and frustration that had taken up residence in the ex-preacher's soul.
Mary felt like she was walking on eggshells whenever she was around Chris. She was also trying to deal with her own demons at how she had treated Ezra. Vin started leaving town more frequently and staying away longer. They all were withdrawing into themselves, neither one able to face the others.
The six no longer felt whole. A part of them was missing and everyone felt it but no one could understand it. Chris was the most surprised at how much Ezra's leaving affected them all. In the beginning, he had always believed that the southern gambler would be the first to leave their elite little group, but as time went by he wasn't so sure. Ezra seemed to need them as much, if not more, than they needed him. Chris knew Ezra hadn't enjoyed a good childhood, and hid his emotions behind a wall of self-absorption. Chris downed back the shot he had been holding as his mind wandered, he now carried more guilt to eat away at his already bitter soul.
The six gunfighters found themselves together one rare night, the only customers in the saloon, being that most patrons were afraid to be in the same room with all of them. They sat in silence, listening to the distant thunder of an approaching storm, all lost in their own thoughts. The batwing doors began to sway as the storm grew in intensity. Several lanterns flickered, distorting the shadows within the solemn confines of the saloon. The six men sat together in an uncomfortable silence.
Josiah's tired eyes looked over the group of disheartened men. He had always thought that they were somehow connected that fate had brought them together for a reason. Now, as he felt the emptiness inside, he knew it was true, and he knew they had to do something soon or lose everything they all once craved, and they all needed.
Early the next morning Mary smiled as she looked out her office window to see Chris crossing the street with unwavering strides, his saddlebags over his shoulder.
Just as Larabee was about to enter the stables, the doors opened and Buck came out leading his horse, followed by Vin, JD, Nathan, and Josiah. JD led two horses and handed the reins of one to Chris, who smiled at the young gunslinger.
Chris looked up at the five men as they mounted their horses and settled into their saddles for a long hard ride. His blue eyes revealed the love he had for these men and the connection they all shared.
"Well, it's about time you showed up cowboy," Vin stated with a smile that had been all too rare lately. Chris shook his head as his mouth twitched. He tied his saddlebags behind his saddle and mounted, nudging his horse to the front.
The whole town watched as the six gunslingers paraded down the street. Judge Travis stepped out onto the boardwalk. Over the past couple weeks the esteemed Judge looked like he had aged ten years. He still hadn't forgiven himself for the part he played in Standish's departure.
"Mr. Larabee, when will you return?" The Judge asked as Chris neared.
Chris kept his eyes forward, his back straight, "We won't come back without him."
The Judge frowned at this, but didn't say a word. Vin rode by next, tipping his hat. Josiah and Nathan followed, riding side by side.
"Mr. Dunne, you are still Sheriff here," Judge Travis reminded the young man.
JD pulled up his horse, causing Buck to stop behind him. Buck wouldn't blame the young man if he stayed. He had a responsibility and Buck understood how important that was to him. JD removed the tin star on his vest, dropping it at the Judge's feet. He spurred his horse forward to catch up with the others. Buck tipped his hat unable to hide the grin on his face. He was never more proud of his young friend.
TBC
