Ezra walked slowly from the garage toward his club. He was trying to convince himself that he needed to actually check in for the evening but was having a hard time with the idea. He was tired and somewhat frustrated by his day. Confirming that JD had been released and was not severely injured had helped his mood, but he couldn't shake the feeling that none of that business felt right. Grabbing him had been a foolish move, and more desperate than warranted. Trouble was brewing in the so-called businessman's association. He sensed there was a power struggle coming, and he had neither the time or inclination to be in the middle.
Why couldn't life be simple, just this once? Hadn't he earned that option. Things were finally looking up in his personal life, so of course something had to go wrong to balance that out. Apparently the fates had determined he still had atoning to do, which really did not surprise him. His musing, and the overall fatigue, had him less attentive than he should be, which was why he was unpleasantly caught off guard by the sound of Rodriguez's voice.
"If you would be so kind as to step this way Señor Standish. There is a matter we need to discuss - privately."
Ezra looked around at the group of men now making their presence obvious. "Your associates rather defeat the attempt at privacy, wouldn't you say Mr. Rodriguez. Or do you once again prefer Señor?"
"I would prefer that you do what I ask."
He was still too far from the club to have even a faint hope his own people might see what was going on, which of course was no accident. He moved in the direction suggested, continuing his slow pace.
"I suppose this confirms you were lying when you indicated you had no issues with what happened to your cousin."
"What would you expect? He was family, and because of you and that bitch of a whore, he is dead." Ezra clenched his jaw, determined his antagonist not see the reaction he felt. It was a wasted effort. "Oh yes, I know. She is a lady in your eyes, but nothing more than a cheap puta to me. Once we are done here, I shall reclaim her for the family, and make good money by renting her out."
"I can promise you that will not happen." Ezra voice was cold.
"It speaks to your character that you do not understand the importance of family honour."
"Well, in the first place, you don't know my family. More to the point, it is obvious that you and your family have no honour. Ortiz kidnapped and brutalized Miss Rocios. He got far better than he deserved. It would have been a pleasure to watch him suffer."
"I don't deny he was a coward in how he did what he did. But he saw what he wanted and took it. That is the way of men."
"Of cavemen, yes. Of barbarians, yes. Of men - no. And, while we are on the subject of honour, I fail to see any in ambushing someone in an alleyway. Particularly when the odds have been slanted so favourably in your direction. Really, I suppose I am flattered you feel you need 5 extra men."
"They will not interfere, unless you give them a reason. You do have a reputation for not playing by the rules yourself. For example, the weapon in your sleeve? You will please remove it." Ezra merely smiled as he desperately tried to develop a plan. Nothing was coming to mind, so he cautiously released the mechanism and freed the weapon, tossing it aside. He was damned if he'd actually give it to the man. "And then there are your new friends, who continue to appear when least expected. These men are here in large part to guard against that happening."
"Business associates. Friends do not fit into my life - never have. Still, I will grant you that they-".
"Yes, that as well. Stalling, word games. I will not play Standish. In my country - "
"I thought this was your country?"
Rodrigues offered a scornful laugh. "Only when it comes to making money. My heritage is my homeland. Were we there, we would duel for honour."
"I'd be fine with that. Shall we take a trip?"
His laugh was more genuine this time. "Courage and bravado in the face of death. Were it not for your arrogance and the foolish act you committed, I would spare you for that alone. However…" He raised his weapon. Ezra grinned widely, which was somewhat unnerving. "You do not fear death?"
"I do not intend to die." he replied, staring over his opponent's shoulder. He couldn't believe it when Rodriguez actually took the bait and turned. It wasn't much of a stall, but it might be all he needed. Ezra grabbed at the broken crate next to him, hurdling a wooden slat with all his strength. It missed his target's head but did manage to knock the gun free. Both men dove for it, Ezra expecting to be struck down by the bodyguards. Surprisingly, that didn't happen, although he was certain if he managed to prevail, he still likely would not walk out of this alley. At least he would die with the satisfaction of taking this bastard with him, and hopefully keeping Inez safe. He fleetingly wondered if Buck would take care of that responsibility in the future.
Rodriguez touched the gun a second before Ezra, but not with a firm grip. Ezra managed to push it further from reach, watching with a flash of panic as it slid under a trash bin, out of reach of both men. He thought immediately of his own weapon that had been tossed aside but before he could move, and elbow caught him under the chin, leaving him dazed for just an instant. He shook it off, recovering enough to spin to retrieve his weapon. He didn't see the knife, but felt it slice across his back, sending sparks of pain through him. He kept moving, falling as much as diving and feeling his hand land on the derringer. He rolled, gasping as the wound opened further. Before he could place a finger on the trigger, he heard the sound of the other weapons being drawn and made ready to fire. Then, a sound he hadn't expected.
"First one who takes this from being a fair fight is the first to die." Chris voice echoed through the alley, and no one challenged him. Rodriguez stood slowly, allowing the knife to fall to the ground and raising his hands to show them as empty.
"You heard him Señor Standish. A fair fight, and I am an unarmed man."
"As I was when you intended to shoot me. Not exactly a convincing deterrent." He raised his arm, expecting to hear from Larabee. The alley was silent as he stared down the barrel at his foe. After close to 30 seconds, he lowered his arm and stumbled back. Chris stepped forward and took the gangster roughly into his custody, making sure there were no hidden weapons.
Vin moved to help Ezra over to a crate against the wall, still keeping a careful eye on Rodriguez's men. "How are we gonna handle this?" he asked Chris. "Can you two keep them covered while I get the cops?
"No. Release him." Ezra sounded winded, but his voice was firm.
Chris glared at him. "He just tried to kill you Standish. Are you nuts?"
"I will not press charges, so there is no point in arresting him."
Rodriguez smirked as he pulled his arm free of Chris's grasp. He went to grab at him again, before accepting it was a waste of time. It didn't stop him from speaking up. "Make a move like this again, on him, on Miss Rocios, on anyone, and there won't be any warning. You understand me?"
"Are you threatening me, Señor Larabee? I could have you arrested for that." Rodriguez laughed as he walked away, not even bothering to look back.
Chris was livid as he turned to challenge Ezra. "What the hell is the matter with you Standish? You can't just let him walk away."
"Having him arrested would only strengthen his determination."
Buck shook his head. "Seems like he's pretty damned determined already."
"I will find a way to deal with him. There are ways to resolve this. Perhaps in consultation with the business association."
"You going to turn to a bunch of thugs instead of letting us help you?"
"The problem, Mr. Larabee, is that you men are seeking an honourable and lawful recourse. I am not convinced that solution is viable, or even possible. My fellow – businessmen – may be able to find an appropriate alternative, assuming they agree that this evenings actions were unwarranted." He forced himself to lift his head to look at them. "Not that I am ungrateful, but why are you here?"
Chris tried to calm himself down long enough to answer civilly, which given his anger over the whole mess was not as easy as it sounded. "Buck told us what you said, about your buddies being suspicious. With the way our luck has been running lately, figured we should make sure you got home in one piece."
"It was a fortuitous decision on your part."
Vin was noticing Ezra's speech getting weaker. "Guys, I think we should be talking about this somewhere else. Like maybe the hospital."
"I do not need any special treatment. A night's rest will suffice."
While doubting that was true, Vin knew arguing was a waste of time. He moved back to Ezra side, reaching behind him to help him stand. He pulled his hand back quickly, his face reflecting concern when he felt the sticky dampness on the Ezra's back.
"Damn it Ezra!" When he leaned around to look for the injury he could see the slashed jacket. "You've been stabbed!"
"What?" Chris was there instantly, as Buck turned to go for help.
"No. No hospital. There will be too many questions. I don't need the assistance. It is just a scratch."
"Hell of a lot of blood for a scratch Pard."
Chris had taken off his own jacket, draping it over Ezra, who was starting to tremble from the shock. He pressed firmly on the injury, eliciting some creative cursing.
"Standish…"
"They cannot know I have been injured. It will be the opening they need right now. It will be over." He tried to stand and had to be caught by Vin.
Chris didn't like it, but understood. "Buck, get the car over here. We'll take him to Nathan."
He hesitated. "Chris, Nathan's not a doctor. Fixing up JD's bruises is one thing, but this?"
"He's likely fixed worse in the past. Last thing anybody needs is a turf war starting up. If Nathan can't do anything, we'll do what we have to, but let's give him a chance first."
"Home. You have to take me home. Bring Mr. Jackson to me. Please." He could barely keep himself upright as he leaned heavily into Vin.
"You stay with us Ezra."
"It is not that serious a wound Mr. Tanner."
"You ever gonna call us by our first names?"
He grinned shakily. "I suppose I could consider reviewing that option." He tried to stand again as he saw the car come into view. Chris and Vin grabbed him as he fell forward.
"Still say Nathan's?" Buck asked as they settled the almost unconscious man into the back.
Chris shook his head and Buck was relieved as he started planning the fastest route to the hospital. "He wants to go home – we take him home. Vin – get Nathan over there as fast as you can."
Buck stared in disbelief for a moment, before speeding off without speaking any further.
7-7-7-7-7-7-7
Ezra stayed conscious long enough to direct them to the back entrance and ring the hidden buzzer. When Tiny opened the door, he said nothing but scooped his boss into his arms and carried him upstairs as if it was something he did every day, which they were beginning to think might be close to the truth. Chris and Buck followed silently, waiting until Ezra was settled on his bed before filling Tiny in on the details.
"I'll wait outside to bring the others up quietly. You stay with him." There was a grim determination in his voice that set Chris on edge.
"You alright Tiny?"
"I will be. Stay with Mr. Standish please."
"Of course." Chris looked over to Buck when they were alone. "Someday, we are going to have to find out the history there."
Buck looked down at their restless charge. "He does seem to inspire a fierce loyalty, doesn't he?" Chris checked to make sure there was still enough pressure on the wound, but beyond that they did nothing, waiting for Nathan.
In far less time than it should have taken, the door opened. Nathan looked queasy as he made his way to the side of the bed, Vin just a few steps behind.
"Nathan?" Chris asked, suspecting the cause of the unsteadiness.
"Thought I told you not to send him for me. He drives a motorcycle like a man possessed."
"No, last time you said the devil was chasing him."
"Well, he caught up, though I'm damned if I can figure out how. I am never doing that again. Standish really get stabbed in the back?" he asked, rolling him slowly.
"Slashed is more like it. We've tried to stop the bleeding."
"He's just barely back from the last injury. Damn fool." He examined the wound and the amount of staining on the clothing and bandage. "That's a fair bit of blood, but I think he'll survive it. Needs stitches. Don't think there's a lot of damage, but it's gonna hurt like hell for a few days. More worried about infection, given how dirty everything looks to be."
"Happened in an alley." Vin offered as explanation.
Nathan reached for his bag and pulled out a few items. "Need some boiling water to clean things up, and enough to make him some tea."
Buck couldn't stop himself from laughing. "Not sure I've ever seen him drink tea."
"Herbal blend. Helps with fevers and such. Will help him sleep too."
Chris and Buck cleared out to let Nathan work, with Vin staying close to help out. An hour later Ezra was settled back in his bed. He was resting on his side, pillows propping him up to keep him from rolling. It had taken no small amount for coaxing, cajoling and threatening to get him to drink Nathan's "toxic brew", but eventually they got most of it into him. He began drifting off to sleep almost immediately. Nathan settled a chair next to the bed.
"You folks gonna keep calling me out like this, I'm gonna need to get myself some kind of clinic on wheels – and it won't be you driving it Tanner."
Vin shrugged. "We were in a hurry to get here."
"Wouldn't have been much help to him if you crashed."
"I don't crash."
"Don't crash." Ezra mumbled softly.
"Shhh, Ezra." Vin quieted his voice. "Go back to sleep."
"Clinic on wheels" he muttered as he drifted off again.
Vin looked up with the question clear on his face. It was Nathan's turn to shrug. "I've stitched and cleaned as best I could. As long as there's no infection, he should be fine. Would help if he could go a few weeks without any more injuries."
"Does seem prone to them, doesn't he?"
They were interrupted by a soft, rapid knock at the door. It opened slightly, and Inez looked in. Her face fell at the sight.
"Madre de Dios, no. Señor Tiny said he needed rest. What happened? Is he…?" Both men stood up.
"Steady yourself Miss." Nathan did not want to have do deal with another patient, and Inez was dangerously close to hyperventilating. "He's hurt, but he should be fine in a few days."
Vin spoke up. "Tiny was right though. He needs rest and quiet. He starts worrying about you, and he won't get either."
"Si. I understand. May I, can I sit with him?"
Nathan smiled reassuringly. "Don't see that it would hurt. I'm gonna go clean up some." He nudged at Vin, prodding him to head out as well.
"Señor Tiny has left some food and coffee outside for you." She spoke without looking at them, her eyes riveted on Ezra's sleeping form.
M7-M7-M7-M7-M7-M7-M7
tbc
