Family Ties
Part 3:
Ezra peered through the window of the saloon checking the set up and to see if he could spot the man in black his mother had described. He wished he was taller so he could look over the swinging doors, he would never lower himself to bend down and look under them, much undignified for a gentleman. Spotting six men sitting together, he noticed the one in black. Mother certainly described him well, he definitely looked formidable. The man slouched beside him looked like some wild ruffian, desperately in need of a bathhouse not to mention a barber. He saw Mr. Sanchez, the man that was enamored with his mother this morning and beside him a large black man. He hoped he was different from the other black people he had encountered before; most just saw him as another southern slave owner in training. Moving on he looked at the big man next to Mr. Larabee with that atrocious mustache. Goodness it looks like he stuck a caterpillar under his nose. He giggled a little to himself before he looked to the last man at the table, but he was young just barely into manhood. His clothing spoke of an eastern descent, but then he saw that awful hat, what was he thinking? Oh mother why must you torture me so? Whatever possessed her to send him to this backwater town? Stepping away from the window he took another look around the town and wondered again about the family he was staying with. Mother said there was a boy just a little older than him, he didn't hold out much hope they would get along. Past situations have proven that enough, but he couldn't help that small bubble that was there just hoping this time will be different. Brushing the dust that from his jacket he pushed open the swinging doors and entered the saloon.
Never being unaware of his surroundings, Vin had noticed the small boy peering into the saloon. He nodded his head slightly in appreciation that he took the time to check out the lay of the land before venturing forth. He wondered what was going through his head; he imagined it would be a bit frightening to be staying with someone he'd never met before. He figured he would do his best to help Chris and Ezra ease into their relationship. Seeing the boy move towards the swinging doors he nudged Chris, "Hey cowboy, got company."
Chris' breath caught as he got the first look of his little brother. He couldn't believe how much he looked like his son and couldn't help the audible Adam that slipped past his lips. He was small for an eight year old boy, looking no more than six. There were some differences from his son, but only slight. His hair had a slight reddish tint and those powerfully green eyes contrasted to his sons hazel ones. Any doubts he had that this boy was related to him vanished in that moment. .
Buck was equally shocked; there was no denying that boy as a Larabee. It was uncanny the resemblance that he had towards Adam. He looked towards Chris and could see the open wonder that engulfed his face. His voice was deep with emotion, "amazing, just amazing."
Ezra cursed himself for the slight hesitation when six set of eyes locked in his direction. If mother would have caught him he knew he would have another lesson on appearances. As he made his way over to the table his eyes locked with Mr. Larabee's, interesting he thought, the man looks as though he has seen a ghost. He watched as the shock changed into open wonderment. An odd reaction indeed. Usually he was greeted with hostility and contempt or he was simply ignored. His eyes widen a fraction when his gaze quickly took in the men sitting around the table; all had smiles on their faces ranging from the small smirk on the ruffian and the huge toothy smile of Mr. Sanchez. He stopped what he considered an appropriate distance from Mr. Larabee and his friends, just out of arms length and enough room to bolt, if need. "Mr. Larabee sir" he put just a hint of question to the name to verify he had the right man. With the lack of a negative and the slight nod he continued, "How do you do, Ezra P. Standish at your service sir."
"You can call me Chris, Ezra. Pull up a chair and join us while we wait for your mother."
He should have known mother wouldn't have told his new guardian of her departure either, better wait on that chair until I let him know first. You just never know how they are going to react. "Sorry sir, but mother will not be joining us this evening."
Chris had a sinking feeling where this was heading; he remembered how Maude had taken off on flights of fancy when she was with his father. "She left, didn't she?"
"Yes sir, mother felt it was prudent for her to return to Ridge City as soon as possible." He knew he shouldn't have fallen asleep in the hotel; mother always used any advantage she could. He'll remember his lesson for the next time and not make it so easy for her to leave without at least saying goodbye.
"It's alright son, come join us and meet everyone here." Maude certainly has changed much at all. He didn't think if his father had lived he would have been able to keep that woman around long. She was certainly a free spirited woman, like trying to catch a whirlwind.
Ezra was feeling a bit overwhelmed, the group quite gregarious towards him, he wasn't used to such treatment. After introductions were made he had learned the ruffian was Vin Tanner, an ex-bounty hunter from Texas, which also hunted buffalo. The man with the caterpillar on his lip was Buck Wilmington, he knew Maude from long ago too. He couldn't help notice how often his attention would swing to one of the ladies to wink or smile. He supposed that Mr. Wilmington considered himself a lady's man. Mr. Sanchez he had met earlier in the day. The black man was Nathan Jackson; he was a healer for the town. He didn't notice the normal frown from the man, but wondered if he was just being polite because of the company of the others. The young man he learned was JD, he was surprised that he was so naive and the towns sheriff at that. He found he liked the men around the table; it was an odd sensation as he didn't find many adults he did like. Most wanted nothing to do with him, and the others wanted to use him for his abilities.
Chris could see Ezra was feeling a bit uneasy and decided it was time that he got to know his little brother without all the other men overwhelming him anymore than he was. Chris stood and called to Ezra, "Come on son let's go pick up your things from the hotel, show you where you'll be staying and get something to eat."
"Yes sir. Gentleman it was a pleasure to meet you." He stood up and started to join Mr. Larabee; "Mr. Larabee would your wife and son be joining us for the evening repast?" It was at that point that his panic began. Mr. Larabee went still and his compatriots looked a bit wary. Ezra started backing away from the others, his eyes getting wider as the atmosphere grew even tenser. When he felt a hand settle onto his sore left shoulder he couldn't help the cry of surprise and pain. He felt the hand release as fast as it had grabbed him and wasted no time in moving out of arms reach. He pulled his sore arm close to his body and engaged his derringer, thanking his mother silently for his newly acquired gift.
