Loving you, always (A Roaring 20's adventure) Chapter 1, a magnificent seven fanfic

He was stiff, and sore, and far more short of breath than he should be at this point. But he was home. Ezra Standish walked slowly down back lane, passing through an opening in the fence that only a handful of people were aware of. He made his way to the back entrance, again, not visible to most on first glance. Or even second. He allowed himself a smile as he slipped the key into the lock, already anticipating the comfort of his favorite chair, a good book and a glass of brandy from his private stock. For tonight, he wasn't even going to check in on the activities in the club. The speakeasy had been managing reasonably well during his unanticipated absence, and he was certain one more night wouldn't matter. The smile slipped as he felt the key catch, but not turn. He pulled it out and tried again, with the same result. Looking down, he confirmed what he already knew ï¿½ this was the right key. And the right lock. But for some reason, they didn't seem to want to cooperate with each other. He growled softly, turning on his heel and feeling a small twinge in his chest when he did.

The doctor had warned him, or more accurately threatened him, that he was pushing his recovery. The bullet that felled him came perilously close to his heart, a matter he made it a habit to avoid dwelling on. Recovery time was to be three weeks in the hospital, at a minimum. He had lasted for 9 days. The boredom was overwhelming, and the discomfort was equally disturbing. High on the list of personal preferences Ezra enjoyed was his privacy, and a hospital did not afford that luxury. Yes, he had his own room, but between doctors, nurses, orderlies and a surprising number of visitors, Ezra rarely seemed to be alone. Tiny was exhausting himself, keeping an eye on the club in the evenings, and watching over his boss during the day. Ezra had insisted such care was unnecessary, but the big guy already felt bad that he hadn't been there were the shooting happened. The fact that he'd had no idea of what Ezra had been up to didn't seem to soothe his conscience.

It was only when Josiah Sanchez and Vin Tanner began spending time at the hospital that Tiny was willing to back off. He was just as glad not to have to be there. He didn't mind keeping an eye on things but hated keeping secrets from his boss. He was no good at it, and knew it was just a matter of time before he slipped up. That would not go well. So, when the others offered to take over, he leapt at the opportunity.

All in all, it was all far more than Ezra wanted. So, as soon as he was mobile, he checked himself out, called for a taxi and headed back to the comforts of home. Being mysteriously locked out was an unwelcome delay to his plan.

Slowly he worked his way around to the front entrance, tenderly making his way up the stairs and using the handle of his walking stick (more functional than fashionable at this point) to tap on the door. He could spot the surprise on what he could see of Tiny's face.

"Mr. Standish. You ain't supposed to be here." Tiny slid the small window shut and pulled the door open.

"No, I am supposed to be settling into my room, but for some reason, am unable to access that location at the moment. Would you possibly be able to explain why?"

"Uh, well."

Ezra stood quietly, trying not to tire himself out further by loosing his patience. "Tiny."

"The locks were changed. She ordered it."

Ezra didn't bother to hide the stunned look on his face. "She? Just who the hell is 'she' and why is she ordering anything at The Ace of Spades?"

"Oh, my dear Ezra! I thought I heard your voice! How wonderful to have you home!"

Ezra fought to remain upright. He glared at Tiny, now understanding why he'd felt the man had been hiding something. He turned slowly, willing himself to keep a calm voice and manner, despite the desire to scream at the top of his lungs.

"Mother? What on earth are you doing here?"

"Well where else would I be when my darling boy needs my help."

"Strange. I don't recall seeing you at my bedside during my stay at St. Vincent's."

"Well what use would I have been to you there? This is where I was needed. I dropped everything I was doing, which I should tell you has undoubtedly resulted in a significant monetary set back on an investment I was working on, in order to come and take over matters here while you recuperated."

"I have a manger Mother, who is perfectly capable of running The Ace in my absence."

"Nonsense. You cannot trust anyone outside of family for business matters Ezra. Surely I have taught you at least that much."

Family is the last institution in which I would place my trust. Of course, voicing that thought, at least in front of others, was out of the question.

"I trust my employees Mother. Otherwise, they would not be here."

"The only employee you ever had I thought you could trust was that young woman in New Orleans. And she ran out on you."

Ezra's gaze narrowed, and Tiny took a small step back. He'd seen that look and wanted to be nowhere near it.

"That young woman did not run out Mother. She was killed in a fire, as you well know. I will thank you not to speak of her again in my presence. Or at any other time. Is that understood?"

"Really son, you shouldn't be getting yourself so worked up over nothing. You don't look at all well. Why don't you go have a bit of a rest? I have things well in hand here. Oh, you'll have to settle into that little guest room you have. I've made myself at home in your suite." She spun and strutted away before he could speak. After a moment he turned back to face an anxious looking Tiny.

"I presume you had a reason that is worth your life for failing to share this development with me?"

"You were sick, and Mr. Sanchez and your doctor both said you couldn't really handle any shocks. I figured she qualified."

Despite himself, Ezra laughed. "Oh, that she is, and so much more. I will accept that you had my best interest in mind, but in the terrifying event that anything like this ever happens again, I am to be fully informed of any invasions. Is that understood."

"Yes sir. Can I help you up to your ï¿½ uh, to the guest rooms?"

"No. What you can do is arrange for one of the waitresses ï¿½ is Casey on duty tonight ï¿½ fine, she will do ï¿½ to go up to my room and pack my mother's belongings and move those to the guest suite. They should not be unpacked. Let me know when that is done. I will be in my office."

"Lock is changed there too boss."

"Son of a bitch." Ezra couldn't hide the fatigue and frustration any longer, and he sat down heavily in the wingback seat in the vestibule. "Get the key from her. And if she argues, throw her out."

"Uh, we have a full house of customers."

"I don't care."

"Boss?"

Ezra took a deep breath and gasped softly at the pain that resulted. Tiny was at his side instantly. "You need me to carry you up to your room? Maybe back to the hospital?"

Ezra held his hand up to stop the advance as he took a couple of shallow, calming breaths. "You are a good man Tiny. Anyone who dares to say otherwise will answer to me. I am fine and will go to the guest room for the moment. Please make the arrangements to have mother's belonging packed. If she won't give you the key, remove the door in any manner necessary."

"Yes sir." He tried to hide a small grin as he replied, but the smile faded as he watched Ezra slowly climb the stairs. He shouldn't be home yet. Tiny shook his head, then summoned Casey over to inform her of her task, before making a quick phone call. He then braced himself and searched out Mrs. Standish.

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"You still too angry with Ezra to lend a hand if I need it?" Josiah strode into the small office at the shelter, where Nathan was reviewing the finances for the month.

"Depends on what kind of help you want."

"He may need a bit of medical attention."

"You do get that he has nurses and doctors all around him for that ï¿½ right?"

Josiah shook his head. "Not anymore."

"Let me guess. The damn fool left the hospital." When he got a nodded response, he sighed. "He have a death wish or something? There's no way he should be out. Could still be bleeding, and the risk of infection is real."

"Don't tell me, tell him."

"Can't tell people like him anything. Cocky know-it-all."

"You do recall that know-it-all saved your life? Our lives?"

Nathan shrugged. "Yeah, still trying to figure out his motive."

Josiah stopped trying to be civil. "Ever occur to you his motive might have been simply saving your life? Damn it Nathan, you're a better man than this. I see you with the folks who come in here every day. You never question or challenge them, and we know at least a few have done things as bad as or worse than Ezra."

"They come in here because they are trying to change." he defended himself.

"They come in here for a free meal, and sometimes a bed. What is your problem with Ezra?"

"You're kidding me, right? The man has no morals or scruples. He is flagrant about his operations and doesn't give a rat's ass that a lot of the people he is supplying booze to shouldn't be drinking." He stared Josiah in the eye as he made the last statement.

Josiah took a small step back. "So, your issue is with me, not him. My choice to drink is just that Nathan. My choice. If not from Ezra, I would be getting it elsewhere, and you know that."

"He gives it to you at a better price, so you can buy more. You're gonna kill yourself with that Josiah."

"At least I would die happy. And, in case you hadn't noticed, I have been drinking less lately."

"Less often maybe, but you drink more when you do start up. I worry about you."

Josiah let up a bit. "And that is appreciated. But as I said, my choice. You shouldn't be blaming Ezra for it."

"Don't like his type."

He could feel Josiah's scrutiny. "Now by that do you mean criminals, or southerners?" Nathan didn't answer. "Man can't help where he's from Nathan. And in the times that he's talked with you, he never said anything out of line that I heard."

"I know how his type thinks."

"You do realize the irony ï¿½ you're judging him based solely on a fact he has no control over." Josiah reached over to the chair and grabbed his jacket. "I'm going to go make sure he's ok. If I think he needs help, can I call you?"

Nathan stared at him for a minute. "Yeah, if there's trouble, let me know. Stubborn bastard should be back in the hospital."

"Well that's one thing you got right. He is one of the most stubborn men I know."

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Ezra was dozing lightly when he heard the tap on the door. He glanced at the mantle clock and was surprised that close to an hour had passed. He stood slowly, hoping this was Tiny letting him know his own room was freed up again, but he doubted he was that lucky. Mother would be having a few words with him before that time came. He made a tentative step forward and found he had overestimated both his balance and endurance, and he cautiously reached behind him to find the chair again before he ended up on the floor.

"Come in Tiny."

The door opened enough to allow a head to peer around the corner. "Wrong guest Ezra, but I'd like to come in anyway."

"Mr. Sanchez? I see I am going to have to have words with Tiny concerning the liberties he is taking. You have wasted your time coming here sir."

"Checking in on a friend is not a waste of my time. You should be lying down. In a hospital."

"Don't you start. I have already heard that from numerous sources. I am an adult capable of making my own decisions."

"You stand up, you're going to land flat on your face. That sound like someone who should be up and about?"

"I assure you, I had no intentions of doing anything but recuperating in the comfort, and privacy, of my own quarters. Sadly, fate has intervened in that design."

"Fate ï¿½". Josiah's comment was interrupted by the rapid clicking of high heels on from the hallway. The door opened without any further notice.

"Ezra P. Standish, how dare you presume ï¿½"

He didn't bother to try to get up. "Mind yourself mother. We have company. Mr. Sanchez, allow me to present Maude Standish. It is still Standish, isn't it mother?"

She cast him an angry glare before turning her charm on for their guest. "Why Mr. Sanchez, what a delight to make your acquaintance. My darling Ezra has so many intriguing friends, but I dare say few are as handsome and distinguished as yourself."

"Save your energy Mother. The man is quite literally as poor as a church mouse. If not worse."

Josiah was struck dumb as he took the offered hand and gallantly place a gentle kiss on the back. He smiled, his eyes darting quickly over to see the phony grin on Ezra's face. Clearly the younger man was upset by even the simple display of courtesy. The look was enough to snap him back to awareness.

"The pleasure is mine Ma'am. I was unaware you had come to offer assistance to your son during this difficult time. He must find your presence a great comfort."

Ezra choked slightly at the words, but Maude merely grinned. "Yes, you would assume that to be the case, wouldn't you?" She turned to look at her son. "Now Ezra, what is this nonsense about having my belongings packed and moved out of your suite."

Josiah was quick to see the problem. "Yes, it does seem like a selfless action on his part, doesn't it? I'm sure you would far prefer to stay in the suite with him, to provide the care and nurturing he will need over the next several days. Leave it to Ezra to think more of your comfort, granting you the privacy of this space, and so much closer to ground level for you. I can only imagine how difficult those stairs would be to climb in those heels."

"Yes, quite." Maude was momentarily flummoxed by the big man. "I suppose he would rest more away from the noise from the club. And he never has liked it when I hovered over him, making a fuss. Very well, I shall accept your offer to relocate my things Ezra. But not to this ï¿½ space. Perhaps I shall look into an alternate accommodation. The mayor did offer me the use of his guest home when he was in here a few nights ago."

"I should think that would be very much to your liking mother. It would give you ample opportunity to be away from here for a change of pace. I'll have Tiny bring the Alfa Romeo around to take you there. We can have your things sent over later."

Realizing she'd been boxed into her choice, Maude elected to succumb with grace, saving her retribution against Ezra for a future time. "I trust I shall have the opportunity to become better acquainted with you in the future Mr. Sanchez. What is it you do for a living?"

Ezra grinned in anticipation of the answer and watched his mother closely as Josiah spoke. "I run a shelter for homeless vets and others who are down on their luck. There but for the grace of Godï¿½and all that."

"Uh, yes, Indeed. How ï¿½ noble." She smiled stiffly and turned to Ezra. "You get some rest now darling, and I will be back tomorrow. I have noticed a few details about your business while I have been staying here that I think we should discuss."

"Of course Mother. Have a pleasant drive." He watched as she left.

"If it were not for the fact I love that car, I would suggest Tiny be less than cautious in his driving. Although I certainly would not want to see him injured."

"Ezra! That is no way to talk about your mother." Josiah's tone did not match the words. "She is a striking woman though."

"Save yourself Josiah. Mr. Sanchez. Run, don't walk, in the opposite direction the next time you see her. It is your only hope."

"You don't think she lost interest when I mentioned the destitute of our community."

"She will organize a fund raiser for your cause, then leave town, forgetting to transfer the funds. Might be worth it to have her gone."

He slumped back into the seat, exhausted by the days activity. Josiah took the few quick steps needed to get next to him and knelt down. "You should be back ï¿½"

"Please, don't say it."

"I could get Nathan over here to check on you."

"I would not dream of subjecting him to such a fate. He would sooner walk into a viper's den than darken the doors of a speakeasy."

"Said he would come if you needed him."

Ezra arched an eyebrow in surprise. "Extend my gratitude, and my apology for cast aspersions on his character by implying he would do less than was needed. But I do not require anything beyond a good night of sleep, a decent meal, and a snifter of brandy."

"Should probably avoid that last one till you're feeling stronger, but the others sound like a good idea. I'll come by in the morning and see how your doing."

"That will not be necessary. Yes, I know that is not enough to stop you. Will you desist if I offer my assurances I will contact you if your services are required?"

Josiah shrugged. "If it's what you really want."

Ezra just nodded as he closed his eyes and leaned further back into the seat. He was already snoring softly be the time Josiah closed the door behind himself.

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