PART ONE: THE ARRIVAL
Four Corners, New Mexico 1878
Four men stood outside of the jail as the stagecoach sped into town, coming to a sudden halt in front of the hotel. The door of the coach opened almost immediately and a thin, simply dressed young woman climbed down.
Josephine McCloud exhaled sharply, trying to blow her dark auburn hair out of her face without success. She unconsciously tucked the wayward strand behind her ear as she surveyed her surroundings. Four Corners was a small town by most's standards. Josephine herself had seen better, but she's also seen worse. And right now, this town was her salvation, her opportunity for a new life. If anyone discovered the truth about Josie, it could start all over again. And all she wanted was some peace and quiet, to live her life in obscurity. She finally spotted her destination, and with the deed in one hand and her satchel in the other, she headed toward her new home.
"Well, would you look at her," Buck Wilmington said as he appraised the town's newest arrival.
"And just when you thought you'd been rejected by every female in town," JD Dunne teased as he ducked, expecting Buck to retaliate. Buck only smiled. Half the fun in their relationship was doing the opposite of what JD expected. It kept the kid on his toes.
"This is too good to pass up," Buck stated as he stepped down the two steps into the street, heading for the lady in question.
"He don't stand a chance in hell," Vin Tanner predicted as he stood from where he'd been sitting under the jailhouse window. He leaned across the boardwalk railing to get a better view.
All four men had observed the redhead exiting the stagecoach. The West was short of eligible young women. But even though she was dressed plainly enough, she carried herself regally. Hell, she didn't walk, she glided. Vin figured she was way out of their league.
"I say Buck's got a chance," JD insisted, ever faithful in his friend's abilities.
The last of the four smiled rather indulgently as he watched his friend of numerous years approach the girl. She appeared to be about 18, awfully young to be out on her own, but he shrugged off that thought. He had enough to worry about. As Buck leaned over the girl, kissing her hand, Chris Larabee envied Buck's carefree ways. Chris himself had been like that once- so long ago it seemed another lifetime.
"I just wanted to see if I could be of service, Miss McCloud," Buck explained as he leaned up from kissing her hand. Up close, she was just exquisite, with flawlessly white skin under a mass of copper curls. But it was her eyes that enticed Buck. They were a vivid shade of periwinkle.
"Are you a resident of Four Corners, Mr. Wilmington?" Josephine asked, smiling over Buck's exuberance. Like herself, he was one to enjoy every moment of life, and she liked him already.
"Why, I sure am," was his reply.
"Excellent. I was just heading to the saloon. I have a need to speak to a Mr. Ezra Standish. If you would be so good as to escort me and introduce us, I would be most appreciative."
"I would be honored." Buck laced her arm through his and took her bag from her, "Now, Miss, I could have sworn I heard a trace of an Irish accent. And please call me Buck."
"How observant of you, Buck," she said as Buck led her toward the saloon. "I was born in Ireland. Even though I have lived in this country most of my life, I still can't get rid of that last trace."
"I think it's rather charming," Buck declared as they approached the saloon doors.
"How sweet of you to say," she replied as she allowed him to lead her inside.
"Uh hell," Vin muttered, as Buck led the young woman down the street.
"Told ya," JD gloated. He ducked suddenly and just barely missed getting swatted upside the head by Vin's hat.
"I wouldn't have figured her for the type," Chris drawled, drawing the other two's attention back to the scene unfolding before them in time to see Buck leading his companion into the saloon. "How 'bout we get a drink and meet Buck's new friend." Chris was already in the street, heading toward the saloon before he finished his statement. Vin was right beside him; always anticipating Chris's every move. It took JD a moment to realize they were already gone and head to run to catch up with them.
They had just reached the saloon when they heard Ezra's raised voice. Chris jumped back, just in time to avoid getting hit by the saloon doors as Ezra stormed out, ignoring the three, and stomped away.
"What the hell was that about? Chris bellowed as he entered the saloon. Buck and the girl were standing by what Chris assumed was Ezra's empty chair. Buck was looking rather amused while his companion looked rather startled.
And Josephine was. Oh- not over the display of anger Ezra Standish had just committed. She'd lived most of her life surrounded by men and their explosive tempers. The fact that Mr. Standish had been angry at all was what had her so astonished. She had been led to believe that Mr. Standish would not have a problem with her new acquisition.
Buck chuckled as he turned to Chris. "It seems the saloon is once again under new ownership. May I introduce Miss Josephine McCloud? Miss McCloud, these are friends of mine, Chris Larabee, Vin Tanner, and JD Dunne."
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Josephine studied each man carefully. "Buck, are you to tell me you are one of the seven peacekeepers in this town?" Josephine asked even though she'd known just who Buck was from the moment he'd introduced himself.
"That's right," he said proudly.
"How marvelous," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else. Josephine knew the problem she would encounter as a saloon owner. She would have a very difficult time fitting in with the other women. Though it was a lifestyle she was accustomed to; she'd wanted things to be different here. She knew that if she could integrate herself with the town's seven peacekeepers, she would stand a chance. She'd originally thought it would take at least a week to even get an introduction and here were four of them in front of her. Suddenly she realized all four men were staring at her curiously. "Oh pardon me. My mind sometimes wanders." Josephine unleashed a brilliant smile, which dazed at least two of the men. But then, she knew Mr. Larabee and Mr. Tanner would be tough to win over. "Mr. Larabee, I heard about the wonderful job you and your friends do for this town. I just knew this would be a safe town to live in. And there's so few of them out West." She stepped forward, hand outstretched to him. "And please call me Josie. Miss McCloud causes me to look around for my cousin, Emma. I, myself, have never been one for formalities."
Chris accepted her hand and was surprised to receive a firm handshake in return.
"So Josie, how exactly did you come by the saloon?" Vin asked as he stepped forward from where he'd been standing slightly behind Chris.
Josie smiled, recalling Ezra's reaction to her announcement. "It appears Maude Standish failed to mention upon purchasing this establishment that her son wouldn't be happy about the sale," she replied, not exactly answering Vin's question. That would have satisfied most people. But Chris Larabee was shrewder than most.
"Do you mind if I see that?" Chris asked, referring to the deed in Josie's hand.
She nodded and reluctantly handed it to him.
"It says here that Jesse McCloud owns the Standish Tavern," Chris stated. "Who's he?"
"Yes, technically that is correct. Maude acquired some financial difficulties in Rock Creek due to the fact that she'd tried to swindle a local gambler out of a sizable amount. Jesse offered to buy the tavern from her and Maude agreed. But just because I don't have full ownership doesn't mean I won't have complete control of this establishment. The name on that deed is just a technicality that will be rectified as soon as I can pay Jesse back," Josie assured strongly. She wanted everyone to know exactly how things stood. Granted, she could handle any trouble that came her way but she always looked to find a way to avoid it before it occurred if possible.
"And Jesse, he is your father? Your brother?" Chris persisted.
"Jesse?" Josie paused a moment, trying to decide exactly how to answer Chris's question. "Jesse is my brother."
"Jesse McCloud, that name sounds awfully familiar," Vin stated as Chris returned the deed to Josie. Josie shrugged, not certain how to reply.
"You are thinking of JC McCloud," JD added excitedly. He so reminded Josie of the Labrador puppy her cousin, Louise, had gotten her youngest child last Christmas. "You know, the one that tracked Wild Bill Hickok's murderer and brought him back to stand trial."
"There's a McCloud who did all that?" Josie asked, sounding quite impressed. "You'll have to tell me all about it. To think there's someone with my name out tracking hardened criminals. How exciting! Oh- and beverages on me." Josie linked her arms though JD's as he began to regale the story.
Jesse had done considerable research on the seven protectors of Four Corners before agreeing with Josie that this was the place for her. She knew JD was infatuated with the stories of the gunslingers of the West. But she hadn't realized how extensive his knowledge of the tales were and how deep his infatuation went.
"Oh Lord, here we go," Vin muttered as he followed the pair along side Chris and Buck. He seriously thought about high-tailing it out of there, but Josie had mentioned free whiskey. Vin wasn't one to let an opportunity like that pass him by. And when Chris sat beside him, Vin knew Chris was in agreement.
As Josie brushed her wayward curls that evening before settling down for the night, she thought about the seven men- "the Magnificent Seven" as they'd been penned in a silly dime store novel written by Jock Steele. Oh- Josie was quite familiar with the exaggeration those fools who wrote those silly things came up with, one shred of truth mixed with a pack of lies. She'd seen the damage those novels created, several times in fact. But Jesse, who at the time Josie thought should have known better, scoured through that novel page by page, trying to determine fact from fiction. Then Maude had been grilled and she'd been more than willing to fill in the gapes if it meant a way out of her predicament. Jesse finally came to the conclusion that Four Corners would be a safe place for Josie, the baby of the family.
So Josie had come fairly prepared. She knew Chris Larabee was the leader of the Seven. He was a fast draw, one of the fastest in the territory, though she'd have to see for herself if he was faster than Jesse. Chris was an angry, bitter man who had been devastated at the murders of his wife and young son, and swore revenge. He was the only one Jesse had warned her away from because though he was the one Jesse admired the most, he was a walking time bomb. Upon meeting, Josie knew he was the group's foundation and if anything happened to him, the remaining six would go their separate ways. So even though Jesse had warned her to stay away, Josie knew she'd make sure Chris Larabee didn't destroy himself or his friends. Since when had Josie ever listened to Jesse anyway unless it suited her purposes? But Josie knew if she wasn't careful, though, Chris Larabee would make her forget exactly why she was hiding in Four Corners.
Vin Tanner, now Josie knew he had a story, though you were more likely to get a grizzly to dance than that man to talk. At one time he had been both a buffalo hunter and a bounty hunter. He was the group's tracker, having spent some time with the Kiowa and Comanche. And he was an excellent marksman. Exactly what he was doing in Four Corners, Josie wasn't sure, knowing full well he'd make ten times more money hunting for bounties. His was one secret she was determined to find out.
Buck Wilmington was the ladies man. He was generally a cheerful, happy-go- lucky sort of fellow, always ready to share a smile. He was one of Chris's best friends, had been since they were young. Buck had also decided it was his job to take JD under his wing so to speak, though he spent as much time driving the kid crazy as he did teaching him how to survive out west. Josie already knew she had a special fondness for Buck.
The youngest of the group, JD Dunne, was a greenhorn. Josie knew he was from somewhere back East. He had lived as a stableboy for a wealthy family and was very good with horses. He was fairly well educated like Josie herself, though he'd spent the money his dead mother had left for him to go to college to get to Four Corners. He couldn't be older than Josie's 21, though she figured he was closer to 18. He looked up to the other sex men, especially Buck and Chris. And the other men held a special fondness for him, seeing a younger version of themselves in him, and worried more about protecting him than they did the other members of the group. It was assumed every else could hold their own.
Ezra Standish was a gambler by trade, a con man until he'd hooked up with the Seven. Maude had assured that Ezra didn't want the responsibility of the Standish Tavern, that he wanted to be free to pursue his own folly. So you could have knocked Josie over when Ezra had reacted so outraged at hearing that Josie owned the saloon. Josie later learned Maude had practically stolen the saloon right out from under Ezra. Josie's sense of indignation got the best of her, and later that evening she'd offered him a partnership, of which he promised to give her an answer in the morning.
The last two members, who Josie had yet to meet, were Nathan Jackson and Josiah Sanchez. They were at a nearby Seminole village and probably wouldn't return for a few days. Nathan was the only black man in the group. He was actually the only non-white period. He had been a slave before the war and during the war, had learned his medical skills from a northern doctor. He had become the town doc, being the only person with any healing skills. Nathan was the reason the Seven were together. Chris and Vin had saved him from being lynched and that afternoon started the chain of events that brought them all together.
Josiah was probably the oldest member of the Seven. Josie knew he was an ex- priest, but apparently no one knew exactly why he'd left the Church. From the way Buck spoke of him, he was fairly philosophical. He was a spiritual man, though not really religious. He spent too much time questioning the actions of man and God's involvement in his life to be accepted in any religious establishment.
Josie had a definite hope for the future. She so many similarities between these men and her family that she didn't see how she could possibly ever get lonely. Oh, how Jesse would love discussing philosophy and religion with Josiah, and beating Ezra at cards. Colt rarely spoke and when he did, it was in half sentences. Josie figured she had the tools she learned from dealing with Colt to get Vin to open up to her. And Colt could track anything that moved. Kit, now he would give Buck a run for his money with the ladies. It was one of the reason's Josie felt such a fondness for Buck, Kit being her favorite and all. Shane and Nathan would probably wander off together to discuss medicine, Shane having learned everything he knew about plants and their medicinal purposes from his grandfather. Josie figured she was JD, the one always being babied and having to prove her worth. Then there was Slade. But just thinking about him made Josie squeeze her eyes shut and remember why she was here- to forget.
Chris and Vin were sitting at a table by themselves after Josie had closeted herself in her room upstairs. Josie had gathered her things fairly early in the evening and had retired to the room next to Ezra's. She had stated upon Buck's protests that she wanted to get an early start in the morning, to get her bearings and all.
"So what do you think of Josie McCloud?" Chris asked as he poured himself a shot of whiskey.
Ezra had been very surprised when she'd offered him a partnership in the saloon, but then she'd looked slightly surprised herself. But once the offer was out she looked determined to stick to her end of it. Vin could almost hear the wheels turning in Ezra's head as he, Buck, JD, and two patrons from the hotel played cards. Just the fact that Ezra was losing suggested his mind was elsewhere.
"Now Ezra, how do you expect to pay Miss Josie for your half of this here saloon if you keeping losing like this?" Buck teased as he raked the pot of winning in front of him.
"Buck, thank you kindly for pointing out my lapse in concentration. I will most assuredly rectify the situation with this deal," Ezra declared, eyes narrowing as he focused on the cards he was dealing.
"Aw hell, Ezra, can't ya just speak English," Buck mumbled.
"Ya know, Josie kind of talks like Ezra," JD pointed out as he picked up his hand and then he groaned.
"It's called good breeding," Ezra stated, tapping his cards on the table before looking at them.
Vin turned his attention away from their table and back to Chris, who was waiting patiently for a response. But Chris knew there was no point trying to rush Vin. He'd let you know what he was thinking when he was ready and not a minute before.
Vin downed his whiskey and poured himself another. He knew Chris was waiting for him to say something, but Chris never pushed him. Words were sometimes difficult for Vin to come by and so he liked to give some thought to what he'd say before it was spoken out loud. And Chris seemed to understand this.
"There's something about her that is rightly familiar, though I can't seem to place it. And I still can't shake the feeling that I know Jesse McCloud from my bounty hunting days," Vin replied as he leaned back in his chair.
"Someone you tracked?" Chris asked as he glanced up to the room that the female in question was occupying. Chris wasn't altogether sure he trusted her, but if Vin hadn't felt the same reservations, he'd have dropped the matter entirely. But she was far too beautiful to ignore. Not that Chris was attracted to her himself. She wasn't his type and he smiled as he thought of a particular blond newspaper lady. He shook his head as if trying to erase that particular vision and returned once more to the problem of Josie McCloud. He didn't want to see any of his friends taken in by her, though the two most probable candidates were Buck and JD.
"Naw, I don't think so. For some reason lawman comes to mind, or maybe bounty hunter."
"Is that why you are worried. You think he might come after you?" Chris asked, as he thought of the lawman that had come from Texas after Vin. But that had been a trap. Well Chris had been willing to go against the law than and he'd do it again to prevent Vin from hanging for something he didn't do.
Vin shrugged.
"You think that's why she's here, to check the place out so her brother can get a hold of you?" Chris probed, more and more unsure of the situation.
"Naw, I don't think she has any idea about me," Vin finally replied after having given it some thought. "But she's lying about something. I just can't figure out what."
"Then maybe you and I should keep an eye on her," Chris stated as he poured himself another drink.
"Can't say that will be such a bad job," Vin said with a grin.
Chris laughed. "Nope, I can't say so either."
Vin stood. "Well, I'll check and make sure everything is quiet around town. And then I'll get some shut-eye. One of is will need to be up early to keep an eye on Josie."
Chris nodded in reply, still smiling as Vin left the saloon.
Four Corners, New Mexico 1878
Four men stood outside of the jail as the stagecoach sped into town, coming to a sudden halt in front of the hotel. The door of the coach opened almost immediately and a thin, simply dressed young woman climbed down.
Josephine McCloud exhaled sharply, trying to blow her dark auburn hair out of her face without success. She unconsciously tucked the wayward strand behind her ear as she surveyed her surroundings. Four Corners was a small town by most's standards. Josephine herself had seen better, but she's also seen worse. And right now, this town was her salvation, her opportunity for a new life. If anyone discovered the truth about Josie, it could start all over again. And all she wanted was some peace and quiet, to live her life in obscurity. She finally spotted her destination, and with the deed in one hand and her satchel in the other, she headed toward her new home.
"Well, would you look at her," Buck Wilmington said as he appraised the town's newest arrival.
"And just when you thought you'd been rejected by every female in town," JD Dunne teased as he ducked, expecting Buck to retaliate. Buck only smiled. Half the fun in their relationship was doing the opposite of what JD expected. It kept the kid on his toes.
"This is too good to pass up," Buck stated as he stepped down the two steps into the street, heading for the lady in question.
"He don't stand a chance in hell," Vin Tanner predicted as he stood from where he'd been sitting under the jailhouse window. He leaned across the boardwalk railing to get a better view.
All four men had observed the redhead exiting the stagecoach. The West was short of eligible young women. But even though she was dressed plainly enough, she carried herself regally. Hell, she didn't walk, she glided. Vin figured she was way out of their league.
"I say Buck's got a chance," JD insisted, ever faithful in his friend's abilities.
The last of the four smiled rather indulgently as he watched his friend of numerous years approach the girl. She appeared to be about 18, awfully young to be out on her own, but he shrugged off that thought. He had enough to worry about. As Buck leaned over the girl, kissing her hand, Chris Larabee envied Buck's carefree ways. Chris himself had been like that once- so long ago it seemed another lifetime.
"I just wanted to see if I could be of service, Miss McCloud," Buck explained as he leaned up from kissing her hand. Up close, she was just exquisite, with flawlessly white skin under a mass of copper curls. But it was her eyes that enticed Buck. They were a vivid shade of periwinkle.
"Are you a resident of Four Corners, Mr. Wilmington?" Josephine asked, smiling over Buck's exuberance. Like herself, he was one to enjoy every moment of life, and she liked him already.
"Why, I sure am," was his reply.
"Excellent. I was just heading to the saloon. I have a need to speak to a Mr. Ezra Standish. If you would be so good as to escort me and introduce us, I would be most appreciative."
"I would be honored." Buck laced her arm through his and took her bag from her, "Now, Miss, I could have sworn I heard a trace of an Irish accent. And please call me Buck."
"How observant of you, Buck," she said as Buck led her toward the saloon. "I was born in Ireland. Even though I have lived in this country most of my life, I still can't get rid of that last trace."
"I think it's rather charming," Buck declared as they approached the saloon doors.
"How sweet of you to say," she replied as she allowed him to lead her inside.
"Uh hell," Vin muttered, as Buck led the young woman down the street.
"Told ya," JD gloated. He ducked suddenly and just barely missed getting swatted upside the head by Vin's hat.
"I wouldn't have figured her for the type," Chris drawled, drawing the other two's attention back to the scene unfolding before them in time to see Buck leading his companion into the saloon. "How 'bout we get a drink and meet Buck's new friend." Chris was already in the street, heading toward the saloon before he finished his statement. Vin was right beside him; always anticipating Chris's every move. It took JD a moment to realize they were already gone and head to run to catch up with them.
They had just reached the saloon when they heard Ezra's raised voice. Chris jumped back, just in time to avoid getting hit by the saloon doors as Ezra stormed out, ignoring the three, and stomped away.
"What the hell was that about? Chris bellowed as he entered the saloon. Buck and the girl were standing by what Chris assumed was Ezra's empty chair. Buck was looking rather amused while his companion looked rather startled.
And Josephine was. Oh- not over the display of anger Ezra Standish had just committed. She'd lived most of her life surrounded by men and their explosive tempers. The fact that Mr. Standish had been angry at all was what had her so astonished. She had been led to believe that Mr. Standish would not have a problem with her new acquisition.
Buck chuckled as he turned to Chris. "It seems the saloon is once again under new ownership. May I introduce Miss Josephine McCloud? Miss McCloud, these are friends of mine, Chris Larabee, Vin Tanner, and JD Dunne."
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Josephine studied each man carefully. "Buck, are you to tell me you are one of the seven peacekeepers in this town?" Josephine asked even though she'd known just who Buck was from the moment he'd introduced himself.
"That's right," he said proudly.
"How marvelous," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else. Josephine knew the problem she would encounter as a saloon owner. She would have a very difficult time fitting in with the other women. Though it was a lifestyle she was accustomed to; she'd wanted things to be different here. She knew that if she could integrate herself with the town's seven peacekeepers, she would stand a chance. She'd originally thought it would take at least a week to even get an introduction and here were four of them in front of her. Suddenly she realized all four men were staring at her curiously. "Oh pardon me. My mind sometimes wanders." Josephine unleashed a brilliant smile, which dazed at least two of the men. But then, she knew Mr. Larabee and Mr. Tanner would be tough to win over. "Mr. Larabee, I heard about the wonderful job you and your friends do for this town. I just knew this would be a safe town to live in. And there's so few of them out West." She stepped forward, hand outstretched to him. "And please call me Josie. Miss McCloud causes me to look around for my cousin, Emma. I, myself, have never been one for formalities."
Chris accepted her hand and was surprised to receive a firm handshake in return.
"So Josie, how exactly did you come by the saloon?" Vin asked as he stepped forward from where he'd been standing slightly behind Chris.
Josie smiled, recalling Ezra's reaction to her announcement. "It appears Maude Standish failed to mention upon purchasing this establishment that her son wouldn't be happy about the sale," she replied, not exactly answering Vin's question. That would have satisfied most people. But Chris Larabee was shrewder than most.
"Do you mind if I see that?" Chris asked, referring to the deed in Josie's hand.
She nodded and reluctantly handed it to him.
"It says here that Jesse McCloud owns the Standish Tavern," Chris stated. "Who's he?"
"Yes, technically that is correct. Maude acquired some financial difficulties in Rock Creek due to the fact that she'd tried to swindle a local gambler out of a sizable amount. Jesse offered to buy the tavern from her and Maude agreed. But just because I don't have full ownership doesn't mean I won't have complete control of this establishment. The name on that deed is just a technicality that will be rectified as soon as I can pay Jesse back," Josie assured strongly. She wanted everyone to know exactly how things stood. Granted, she could handle any trouble that came her way but she always looked to find a way to avoid it before it occurred if possible.
"And Jesse, he is your father? Your brother?" Chris persisted.
"Jesse?" Josie paused a moment, trying to decide exactly how to answer Chris's question. "Jesse is my brother."
"Jesse McCloud, that name sounds awfully familiar," Vin stated as Chris returned the deed to Josie. Josie shrugged, not certain how to reply.
"You are thinking of JC McCloud," JD added excitedly. He so reminded Josie of the Labrador puppy her cousin, Louise, had gotten her youngest child last Christmas. "You know, the one that tracked Wild Bill Hickok's murderer and brought him back to stand trial."
"There's a McCloud who did all that?" Josie asked, sounding quite impressed. "You'll have to tell me all about it. To think there's someone with my name out tracking hardened criminals. How exciting! Oh- and beverages on me." Josie linked her arms though JD's as he began to regale the story.
Jesse had done considerable research on the seven protectors of Four Corners before agreeing with Josie that this was the place for her. She knew JD was infatuated with the stories of the gunslingers of the West. But she hadn't realized how extensive his knowledge of the tales were and how deep his infatuation went.
"Oh Lord, here we go," Vin muttered as he followed the pair along side Chris and Buck. He seriously thought about high-tailing it out of there, but Josie had mentioned free whiskey. Vin wasn't one to let an opportunity like that pass him by. And when Chris sat beside him, Vin knew Chris was in agreement.
As Josie brushed her wayward curls that evening before settling down for the night, she thought about the seven men- "the Magnificent Seven" as they'd been penned in a silly dime store novel written by Jock Steele. Oh- Josie was quite familiar with the exaggeration those fools who wrote those silly things came up with, one shred of truth mixed with a pack of lies. She'd seen the damage those novels created, several times in fact. But Jesse, who at the time Josie thought should have known better, scoured through that novel page by page, trying to determine fact from fiction. Then Maude had been grilled and she'd been more than willing to fill in the gapes if it meant a way out of her predicament. Jesse finally came to the conclusion that Four Corners would be a safe place for Josie, the baby of the family.
So Josie had come fairly prepared. She knew Chris Larabee was the leader of the Seven. He was a fast draw, one of the fastest in the territory, though she'd have to see for herself if he was faster than Jesse. Chris was an angry, bitter man who had been devastated at the murders of his wife and young son, and swore revenge. He was the only one Jesse had warned her away from because though he was the one Jesse admired the most, he was a walking time bomb. Upon meeting, Josie knew he was the group's foundation and if anything happened to him, the remaining six would go their separate ways. So even though Jesse had warned her to stay away, Josie knew she'd make sure Chris Larabee didn't destroy himself or his friends. Since when had Josie ever listened to Jesse anyway unless it suited her purposes? But Josie knew if she wasn't careful, though, Chris Larabee would make her forget exactly why she was hiding in Four Corners.
Vin Tanner, now Josie knew he had a story, though you were more likely to get a grizzly to dance than that man to talk. At one time he had been both a buffalo hunter and a bounty hunter. He was the group's tracker, having spent some time with the Kiowa and Comanche. And he was an excellent marksman. Exactly what he was doing in Four Corners, Josie wasn't sure, knowing full well he'd make ten times more money hunting for bounties. His was one secret she was determined to find out.
Buck Wilmington was the ladies man. He was generally a cheerful, happy-go- lucky sort of fellow, always ready to share a smile. He was one of Chris's best friends, had been since they were young. Buck had also decided it was his job to take JD under his wing so to speak, though he spent as much time driving the kid crazy as he did teaching him how to survive out west. Josie already knew she had a special fondness for Buck.
The youngest of the group, JD Dunne, was a greenhorn. Josie knew he was from somewhere back East. He had lived as a stableboy for a wealthy family and was very good with horses. He was fairly well educated like Josie herself, though he'd spent the money his dead mother had left for him to go to college to get to Four Corners. He couldn't be older than Josie's 21, though she figured he was closer to 18. He looked up to the other sex men, especially Buck and Chris. And the other men held a special fondness for him, seeing a younger version of themselves in him, and worried more about protecting him than they did the other members of the group. It was assumed every else could hold their own.
Ezra Standish was a gambler by trade, a con man until he'd hooked up with the Seven. Maude had assured that Ezra didn't want the responsibility of the Standish Tavern, that he wanted to be free to pursue his own folly. So you could have knocked Josie over when Ezra had reacted so outraged at hearing that Josie owned the saloon. Josie later learned Maude had practically stolen the saloon right out from under Ezra. Josie's sense of indignation got the best of her, and later that evening she'd offered him a partnership, of which he promised to give her an answer in the morning.
The last two members, who Josie had yet to meet, were Nathan Jackson and Josiah Sanchez. They were at a nearby Seminole village and probably wouldn't return for a few days. Nathan was the only black man in the group. He was actually the only non-white period. He had been a slave before the war and during the war, had learned his medical skills from a northern doctor. He had become the town doc, being the only person with any healing skills. Nathan was the reason the Seven were together. Chris and Vin had saved him from being lynched and that afternoon started the chain of events that brought them all together.
Josiah was probably the oldest member of the Seven. Josie knew he was an ex- priest, but apparently no one knew exactly why he'd left the Church. From the way Buck spoke of him, he was fairly philosophical. He was a spiritual man, though not really religious. He spent too much time questioning the actions of man and God's involvement in his life to be accepted in any religious establishment.
Josie had a definite hope for the future. She so many similarities between these men and her family that she didn't see how she could possibly ever get lonely. Oh, how Jesse would love discussing philosophy and religion with Josiah, and beating Ezra at cards. Colt rarely spoke and when he did, it was in half sentences. Josie figured she had the tools she learned from dealing with Colt to get Vin to open up to her. And Colt could track anything that moved. Kit, now he would give Buck a run for his money with the ladies. It was one of the reason's Josie felt such a fondness for Buck, Kit being her favorite and all. Shane and Nathan would probably wander off together to discuss medicine, Shane having learned everything he knew about plants and their medicinal purposes from his grandfather. Josie figured she was JD, the one always being babied and having to prove her worth. Then there was Slade. But just thinking about him made Josie squeeze her eyes shut and remember why she was here- to forget.
Chris and Vin were sitting at a table by themselves after Josie had closeted herself in her room upstairs. Josie had gathered her things fairly early in the evening and had retired to the room next to Ezra's. She had stated upon Buck's protests that she wanted to get an early start in the morning, to get her bearings and all.
"So what do you think of Josie McCloud?" Chris asked as he poured himself a shot of whiskey.
Ezra had been very surprised when she'd offered him a partnership in the saloon, but then she'd looked slightly surprised herself. But once the offer was out she looked determined to stick to her end of it. Vin could almost hear the wheels turning in Ezra's head as he, Buck, JD, and two patrons from the hotel played cards. Just the fact that Ezra was losing suggested his mind was elsewhere.
"Now Ezra, how do you expect to pay Miss Josie for your half of this here saloon if you keeping losing like this?" Buck teased as he raked the pot of winning in front of him.
"Buck, thank you kindly for pointing out my lapse in concentration. I will most assuredly rectify the situation with this deal," Ezra declared, eyes narrowing as he focused on the cards he was dealing.
"Aw hell, Ezra, can't ya just speak English," Buck mumbled.
"Ya know, Josie kind of talks like Ezra," JD pointed out as he picked up his hand and then he groaned.
"It's called good breeding," Ezra stated, tapping his cards on the table before looking at them.
Vin turned his attention away from their table and back to Chris, who was waiting patiently for a response. But Chris knew there was no point trying to rush Vin. He'd let you know what he was thinking when he was ready and not a minute before.
Vin downed his whiskey and poured himself another. He knew Chris was waiting for him to say something, but Chris never pushed him. Words were sometimes difficult for Vin to come by and so he liked to give some thought to what he'd say before it was spoken out loud. And Chris seemed to understand this.
"There's something about her that is rightly familiar, though I can't seem to place it. And I still can't shake the feeling that I know Jesse McCloud from my bounty hunting days," Vin replied as he leaned back in his chair.
"Someone you tracked?" Chris asked as he glanced up to the room that the female in question was occupying. Chris wasn't altogether sure he trusted her, but if Vin hadn't felt the same reservations, he'd have dropped the matter entirely. But she was far too beautiful to ignore. Not that Chris was attracted to her himself. She wasn't his type and he smiled as he thought of a particular blond newspaper lady. He shook his head as if trying to erase that particular vision and returned once more to the problem of Josie McCloud. He didn't want to see any of his friends taken in by her, though the two most probable candidates were Buck and JD.
"Naw, I don't think so. For some reason lawman comes to mind, or maybe bounty hunter."
"Is that why you are worried. You think he might come after you?" Chris asked, as he thought of the lawman that had come from Texas after Vin. But that had been a trap. Well Chris had been willing to go against the law than and he'd do it again to prevent Vin from hanging for something he didn't do.
Vin shrugged.
"You think that's why she's here, to check the place out so her brother can get a hold of you?" Chris probed, more and more unsure of the situation.
"Naw, I don't think she has any idea about me," Vin finally replied after having given it some thought. "But she's lying about something. I just can't figure out what."
"Then maybe you and I should keep an eye on her," Chris stated as he poured himself another drink.
"Can't say that will be such a bad job," Vin said with a grin.
Chris laughed. "Nope, I can't say so either."
Vin stood. "Well, I'll check and make sure everything is quiet around town. And then I'll get some shut-eye. One of is will need to be up early to keep an eye on Josie."
Chris nodded in reply, still smiling as Vin left the saloon.