Chapter 6

"I'm sorry, Mr. Standish, I still haven't received a wire from the train station."

"Mr. Hamilton, I implore you of the urgency of this piece of correspondence," Ezra beseeched.

"I am aware of your need for this telegram, sir. As aware as I've been for the last week."

"Please…"

"And I'm also aware of the need for…" The telegraph operator suddenly smiled and plucked a pencil from over his ear and tapped the tip to his tongue. "Now, Mr. Standish, who would you like to send that telegram to?"

Hearing the sound of the office door open, Ezra turned. "Ah, Mr. Tanner, good morning." Ezra greeted.

"Everything okay, Ez?" Vin asked looking concerned. "Seen ya in here a lot lately."

"Everything is most satisfactory," Ezra said.

TBC

"Ya don't look so satisfied. Ya feeling ok?"

Ezra forced a smile. "Just conducting some business transactions lately with mother."

Vin placed his hand on the doorknob. "Well that 'splains why you look like you've eaten a mess of Texas leaf hoppers." With a tip of his hat, the sharpshooter slipped out the door.

"Going somewhere, Mr. Tanner?" Ezra asked looking hopeful.

Vin pushed the door open a bit. "Chris asked me to head out ta the Morgan place an' help 'em out. Clyde's done hurt hisself and the missus can't do his work 'n hers too. 'Specially with a handful of young'uns under foot. Prob'ly won't be back until tomorra night."

"I'm sure the Morgans will appreciate your assistance."

The tracker dropped his head in a nod, tapped the brim of his hat and let the door finally close completely.

Ezra breathed a sigh of relief. "Quick thinking, Mr. Hamilton, on that I commend you."

"Glad to be of service. And I'll tell you just as I have every other day this week, Ezra, I'll personally deliver any messages to you as soon as possible. I just want that boy's party to be as much of a surprise as the rest of ya. My Missus and all the other ladies is all a dither baking the last coupla a days. Vin Tanner won't know what do to with all the food!" The old man giggled like a schoolboy.

'I'm sure Mr. Tanner will appreciate the bountiful repast. I just hope we receive the wire today, if not, I'm not sure I can get to Ridge City and back before the celebration."

"I'm sure Vin would understand if your package was late, Ezra."

The conman sighed and placed a hand over his heart. "If anyone could sympathize with my predicament, it would be Mr. Tanner, but I don't think I could exonerate myself if my gift were to arrive past the allotted time."

Ezra sauntered over to the saloon where he found Chris Larabee half-way through one of Inez' famous burritos.

"Congratulations, sir. I see you found a reason to get Vin out of town until the party?"

Chris chewed on a mouthful of food while pointed with his finger towards the north side of town and mumbled.

"Yes, I know, Mr. Tanner told me he was going up to the Morgans. Your eloquence is astounding, Mr. Larabee."

Chris swallowed. "Being that Vin's birthday is tomorrow, I'm not going to let you annoy me, Ezra. Got your 'work of art' yet?"

"Not yet. The…um…artist says I should receive it shortly.

Nathan, hat in hand, knocked on the door of the schoolhouse to announce his presence and pulled the door open. The children had left several minutes ago, and for a change there hadn't been a gathering of people outside, probably, Nathan figured, due to the preparations for the party. Inside her saw the teacher cleaning off the desks and pushing in the chairs.

"Miss Fuller?"

The young woman looked up. "Ah, Mr. Jackson, please come in."

"Hope I'm not disturbin' you, miss."

"Of course not, I'm just tidying up. I'm surprised you're not busy getting ready for the celebration. Seems like everyone is so excited about tomorrow night."

"Actually, that's why I'm here."

Hannah looked puzzled.

"You see, I haven't got Vin a present yet. I was hoping you'd help me out."

Leaning up against her desk she looked puzzled.

"Ya see, I've noticed Vin enjoys listening to your music."

"He does?"

"Oh, yes. He always hunkers down behind the church when he's in town and you play for the children. Doesn't want anyone to know I guess, but I've spotted him several times. You would do me a great favor if you'd play for him tomorrow night."

"Oh, I don't know. In front of all those people?"

"You play here almost every day," Nathan argued. "The children watch you. The townsfolk come and listen."

"But it's easier with children. And the others…" She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "…they aren't here." She motioned to the room itself. "There's a wall, a separation. It's not the same."

"Just a coupla songs, Miss Fuller. It'd mean so much to Vin…and to me."

Picking up her concertina which she hadn't put back in its case yet, she ran her hand over the instrument.

"I promise you, everyone will enjoy it. You have nothing to be afraid of…and if you start getting a little nervous…"

Hannah lifted her head. Nathan could see her trepidation in her bright brown eyes.

"...just pretend they are children. Half the time they act like it anyway." He grinned at her.

She smiled.

"Trust me, you'll do just fine. Just think how much Vin will enjoy it. I know you like him."

She blushed. "I'll do my best, Mr. Jackson."