A/N: No copyright infringement intended. No money has exchanged hands or anything remotely close to it. Wishful thinking, but alas, never will they be mine. All OC's are mine. Not beta'd. All mistakes are my own. Also, please remember folks this is a fictional story.

WARNING: Some chapters may contain disciplinary action toward a teenager. If you don't like, by all means don't read. You have been warned.

Chapter 10

Whatever transpired between Josiah and Jesse seemed to keep the kid in line. He followed every directive without a single argument. Whether it was due to his recent injuries or possibly Josiah's speech, Chris wasn't about to say otherwise. A couple of his men weren't completely convinced that Jesse turned over a new leaf. They kept a watchful eye on the boy waiting for that first opportunity to show itself.

Chris had openly listened to Vin's and Ezra's concerns pertaining to Jesse's sudden willingness to comply. He, then, made mention that he too was waiting to see what the boy would do after he regained some strength. Playing devils advocate Chris told them he'd be happy if the boy listened, yet not surprised if he tried to do anything heroic. The others agreed.

The note told them the exchange would take place in a few days, but Chris had other ideas. He, Vin, Buck, J.D., and Josiah went to check any possibilities as to Mary and Billy's whereabouts. He entrusted Nathan and Ezra to look after Jesse, the town, and reinforced with Jesse explicit instructions to mind the two remaining peacekeepers.

Jesse knew he was carefully being watched by the two peacekeepers. None of this would've taken place if he hadn't come to Four Corners. Mrs. Travis and Billy wouldn't be in this mess. It was up to him to make it right no matter what Chris and the others thought. He had probably a day in a half to rest before the others came riding back. If all went well he'd be out of their hands for good. They all could go back to whatever they were previously doing before his unexpected arrival. Now if only he could convince himself of the same thing.

The more he thought on it the worse it became. Josiah was right. Things had changed between him and these men. None of them had been happy about it in the beginning, but as time went on they began to accept Jesse. Even Chris, whom Jesse had begun to rely on. Wait, when did that come to pass? As much as he wanted to make things right he couldn't find it in his heart to hurt any of them with his careless actions any more.

The next day Chris, J.D., and Josiah came cantering into town. Chris got off his horse and hastily made his way to Nate's clinic. His abrupt presence startled the healer.

Placing a hand over his racing heart Nathan said, "I wasn't expecting you back so soon. Is everything alright?"

"How is he Nate?"

"He's been resting like you told him to. Except," Nathan lowered his voice some, so Jesse wouldn't overhear his next words. "He hasn't been quite the same since late last night. Now it wasn't like anybody has vexed him or anything. I'm not sure what it is."

They both looked toward the bed on which Jesse lay, his back to them. Chris knew the kid wasn't asleep. Probably heard everything including his concern. He had a hard time shaking the persistent voice of Ethan Ryder from his mind. He needs you. Go to him before he makes a fatal mistake.

"May I implore why a good majority of you have returned from your search?" Ezra asked as his gaze never wavered from the direction Chris had taken. "I'm assuming Chris had another one of those feelings concerning the wellbeing of the boy."

"Yeah, he seemed pretty shaken by something this morning. He didn't need much convincing by Vin to head on back and make sure Jesse was alright. He is alright, correct?"

"Oh yes. A little troubled, but I believe he is fine."

"Troubled?" Josiah questioned.

A perplexed look crossed the gambler's features as he thought more of it. "Now that I think about it, he did seem to be contemplating something as of late. Whatever conclusion he has come to has given him worry. I wonder…"

"You and me both. Could it be?" Josiah thoughtfully replied.

J.D.'s turn to be confused. "Could what be?"

A knowing smile of familiarity crossed Ezra's features. "I do believe some words of wisdom have finally found its way home."

Josiah looked to the sky silently thanking God for a job well done.

Although it took J.D. longer to see what his friends were happy about he finally said, "Oh, is that what this is all about? Does Chris know?"

The condescending looks he received in return had him spluttering, "What?"

"I'll leave you two alone to sort things out."

After Nathan left, Chris walked on over to the bed and sat down on it. "I know you're awake, so you can stop pretending."

"Wasn't pretending, you didn't ask." A moment of silence passed before Jesse spoke again. "How did you know?"

"Let's just say I have acquired a new sense of knowing when it concerns you."

"Well you can stop worrying, I'm not going anywhere or trying anything. At least not until I've discussed it with you first."

"What's changed your mind?"

"I'm not rightly sure. Just something has." The kid really did not want to discuss any of it. It was too new or somewhat unfamiliar, and he still had a hard time accepting it.

"Anything you want to discuss now?"

"Did you find them?"

"Yes. Vin and Buck are keeping an eye on things, until we get back."

"You could have stayed and taken care of that, I…" Jesse figured that no matter what he claimed Chris would disagree with him.

Chris' eyes had narrowed knowing full well what the boy had almost let slip. "You're just as important as Mary and Billy. I hear anything like that come out of your mouth again, you and I will have a much longer discussion. You hear me?"

Jesse hurriedly replied, "Yes, sir." He knew exactly what kind of discussion that would involve.

The peacekeeper then approached the issue they were both trying to avoid. "I know you want to go, but I think it is best you stay here." His tone was firm, his eyes unwavering as Chris waited knowing full well Jesse would protest.

Jesse tried, "But,"

"No buts. I'm not risking your neck again. Besides," Chris tried to say more, but Jesse was persistent in his efforts.

"You forget whose fight this is."

Chris wasn't easily dissuaded by Jesse's argument. He answered firmly. "Ours. Remember, I've been appointed to look after you."

The teen could tell his questions were wearing Chris down, although he wasn't quite sure which direction. He figured it was a chance he was willing to take. "Fine, but I'm still going."

"No, you're not. If I have to I'll lock you in a cell for the duration. You are not going."

Of course, Jesse countered Chris' orders. "You can't do this! I aim to see this through to the end!"

"It ended when they did this to you!"

Their raised voices caused a few people to turn their heads in curiosity including a certain gambler. He immediately changed course took the stairs two at a time hoping he could prevent any further embarrassing outbursts.

He poked his head in saying, "Chris."

An extremely irate man snapped. "What?"

"I apologize for this interruption, but would you mind taking it up a notch or two I don't believe the whole town heard you the first time."

The room went silent even though it was plain to see the battle of wills continued. Chris finally said one last time. "You're staying. That's final." He then took his leave.

Jesse muttered. "He has no right."

"My dear boy, that's where you are wrong." Mutinous green eyes glared back at Ezra. "I do believe Mr. Larabee takes his responsibility quite seriously, as you can see. You may think he is tough, but I guarantee he's thinking only what's best for you. You'd do well to mind him.

"Don't forget he, also, knows you're hurting. Do you have any clue how much it hurt him to see you in this condition? In his way of thinking to fail one child is bad, but two? I don't even want to imagine what would have become of him if you had died at the hands of those fiends."

The realization made Jesse gasp out loud. "I assumed he didn't really care that much. I figured he was just doing his job."

"I see you two have another thing in common."

Curious as to what that could be Jesse asked, "What's that?"

"Trust. Don't try to deny it, it's plain to see." Ezra flashed Jesse a smile. "Let me give you a hint. In order to gain Chris' trust, you need to mind what he says. If you continue to go against the grain it's an uphill battle, but once you see the error of your ways it's smooth sailing from here on out."

"You're speaking from experience." Jesse proved to Ezra that he had been listening.

Another smile greeted Jesse's eyes. "You are certainly correct in your assumption."

Taking a deep breath and slowly releasing it Jesse relented. "Okay, I'll give it a try."

"That's a start." Ezra then motioned to Jesse to lie back down and get that much needed rest.

It was the start to a new day when Chris, Ezra, J.D., Josiah, and Nathan rode out of town to rescue Mary and Billy. Jesse reluctantly stayed behind under Nettie Well's watchful eyes.

"They'll bring them back." Nettie assure him.

"Yeah, I know."

The mother hen in her asked, "Then what's worryin' you?"

"Nothing." He continued to watch the men ride until they were just a speck of dust on the horizon.

"I've got a sure fire way to keep your mind off of this." The challenge in her voice made Jesse look her way.

"How?"

She simply answered. "Work."

Jesse groaned some, but followed Nettie without another word.

After they met up with Vin and Buck they were ready to put their plans into action. The little cabin nestled in the woods held Mary Travis and Billy along with their captors.

"Anything?" Chris asked Buck as he and the rest dismounted. They watched from the top of an adjacent hill overlooking the cabin.

Buck reported, "According to Vin and his spyglass Mary and Billy are at that end of the cabin." He indicated by pointing toward the left side of the cabin.

"How can you tell?" J.D. asked as he got closer.

"Watch the window, junior, and tell me what you see." Vin passed the eyeglass to J.D. who took it and peered through it. A flash of sunlight glinted off of something.

"You saw the flash." J.D. nodded. "That's the sun glinting off of someone's rifle no doubt. I suspect Mary and Billy are in the same room."

J.D. gulped. "So what do we do now, Chris?"

"We need a distraction." Chris then began to give out orders.

"Uh, Mr. Larabee? I hate to interrupt, but I think that distraction is making its move."

Chris' head snapped up in time following Ezra's horror struck line of sight and caught a glimpse of the said distraction. He didn't hesitate as he cupped his hands over his mouth and shouted down to the cabin, "EZEKIEL CARTER!" His shout achieved the desired effect. It made Jesse pause long enough to stay just out of sight and allowed Zeke Carter to make his presence known.

"Damn fool kid!" Buck vehemently whispered to no one in particular. "What is he trying to do? Get himself killed!"

Shouting up to the hill, Zeke Carter stood next to the cabin just out of the line of fire. "I see you don't like to follow instructions any more than that brat of Ethan's." He slowly shook his head back and forth. "Too bad for the woman and her boy!"

He had been about to step forward when a firm hand grasped his arm holding Jesse firmly in place. Jesse turned his head to see who held him captive. Vin placed an index finger over his lips in a silent gesture to keep the kid quiet.

Keeping his mind focused on the task at hand Chris shouted, "The boy is no longer part of the deal!"

"Says who! He holds the answer I am needing!" Carter growled.

"He doesn't know where the gold is!" Chris momentarily paused before saying, "But I do!"

Jesse's head whipped in the direction of Chris' comment. How does he know?

Vin kept his firm hold on the boy as he whispered in his ear. "Come on." He tugged on Jesse's arm until he was certain he had the boy's attention. "Let's get the drop on them. Chris will keep them distracted." He was able to snap Jesse out of his quandary long enough to get him to follow him toward the cabin. He knew Ezra, Buck, and J.D. would be coming in from the other side. They were going to blindside Carter and his men. He hoped Chris could keep Zeke's attention long enough for everything to go as planned.

As much as he tried to stay focus, Jesse couldn't help but wonder if Chris really knew or if it was all a ruse. However all that was blown to hell when he heard what Chris said next.

"The kid must have told you! There is no other way you could possibly know!"

"I wouldn't say that. You might say I had a visit from the grave."

That one particular statement and the casual way it was said gave the rest of them due pause. Chris' men recovered quicker than Carter and his men. Jesse needed a couple of taps upon his shoulder from Vin indicating they needed to keep moving; they were almost in position.

"So even if I were to believe that you know this information, where did Ethan hide it?" Zeke was trying to trip Larabee.

"Does it really matter? After you tried to forcibly extract it from an innocent boy, I went ahead and wired the territorial Judge after I learned what you had been seeking. Needless to say, the Judge was more than happy to oblige my request."

"You lying dog!"

"The wire I received yesterday confirms they found the gold right where Ethan Ryder buried it. As we speak, the territorial Judge and some Federal Marshalls are more than likely on the next stage to collect you and your men. You and your men are going to hang for the robberies you've committed, and for the murder of Ethan and Tess Ryder."

"Like hell we will! Take 'em boys!" The first shot ripped from the cabin window forcing Chris to hit the dirt. He recovered quickly and sent one back toward Carter. It splintered the side of the cabin.

Jake hustled Mary and Billy out of the backdoor of the cabin to unfortunately cross paths with one Vin Tanner. He shoved the two prisoners toward Tanner as he took aim at his new quarry.

Vin shouted, "Git down!" He, too, took aim as he watched Mary and Billy fall to the ground out of harms way. He staggered after firing wincing as he caught Jake's bullet in his left shoulder. A hint of a satisfied smile graced his features as he watched Jake collapse to the ground with a look of disbelief etched forever in his eyes. It was nice knowing someone always had his back.

Ezra broke cover to check on Vin, Mrs. Travis, and Billy. Buck and J.D. covered him. He had been worried when he saw Vin's pained features. While he cut the ties that bound both Mary and Billy he asked, "Mr. Tanner are you alright?"

"Nothing shy from what a little of Nathan's stitching will do." That comment brought a grin to Ezra's face.

"That good." He took a peek at the wound and was immediately relieved to see the exit wound. "At least he won't have to go digging for it."

"Ain't that a relief. Mind giving Mary a hand up. Let's get her and Billy to safety." Vin winced some more. He looked over at Jake's prone body. "One down, three to go." He all but growled through gritted teeth.

Ezra looked frantically about for Vin's shadow. "Uh, Mr. Tanner, where is Jesse?"

"Aw hell! Damned if I know!" He quickly admonished himself. "Sorry Miz Travis, Billy. Let's get them back over by Chris. No doubt Jesse's gunning for Carter."

"Ready?" Ezra asked. Vin nodded. They quickly set off distancing themselves from the cabin.

"They got Mary and Billy!" Nathan called out to Chris.

"Give them cover!" Chris shouted. He caught sight of Ezra and Vin escorting Mary and Billy away from the cabin. His gut churned when he didn't see Jesse. "Nathan! Have you seen Jesse?"

"Sorry Chris." Damn that kid.

"Cover me I'm going in." Nathan nodded as he and Josiah kept up a steady fire of bullets. Their enemy were too busy with the barrage to do anything else.

Chris made it over to where Buck and J.D. were concealed. "I was wondering how long it would take before you made it down here." Buck continued to fire a few shots back at the spot where Zeke Carter remained hidden.

"Mary and Billy are safe. Looks as if Vin took one in the shoulder."

"Yeah, saw that. I take it Ezra got to them in time."

"Yeah. Have you seen him?"

Buck looked at Chris out of the corner of his eye. "Look up."

Chris looked toward the roof of the cabin and swore loudly. Jesse was inching his way toward the smoking chimney. He cringed when Jesse lost his footing as someone from inside must have heard him. A shot came through the roof.

Jesse's adrenaline was pumping as he made his way across the cabin roof. He knew it was a foolhardy plan and if he survived he was certain Chris was going to give him hell. What he didn't plan on was the shot that came out of the rooftop. Sent him sliding a bit, but didn't quite knock him off. With renewed determination he slowly inched along, although every inch of his body was screaming in protest against the pain. He finally made it, pulled out his little surprise and dropped it on down as he started his downward slide off the roof.

"Was that…" Buck had begun to say only to have J.D. finish the sentence for him.

"A stick of dynamite?" J.D.'s eyes were as wide as saucers.

The cabin exploded as Chris yelled. "NO!"

Days later following the explosion, Judge Orin Travis and a few Federal Marshalls arrived in the town of Four Corners. They learned that Zeke Carter and his men were dead and that Mary and Billy had been saved with hardly a scratch upon them.

"Where's Chris?"

Josiah answered him as the others remained solemn. "Keeping vigil."

Orrin answered with raised eyebrows. "I see. Then you boys won't mind filling me in on the circumstances that have led up to this point."

"Sure Judge. We'll meet you at the saloon later, after you have visited some with your daughter-in-law and grandson."

"Fair enough." The Judge then left his peacekeepers until that same evening.

The Federal Marshalls that accompanied the Judge to town had left after identifying the remains of Carter and his men. The gold that they recovered in Kansas City was returned to its rightful owners. The Judge, however, listened that night in the saloon as his men recounted the events from the last few days.

Nathan came in late due to the fact he had some rounds to make.

"How is he?" Ezra inquired.

"Oh the usual, stubborn and ornery."

Josiah added, "Well we all know he's not one to be confined."

"Did you tell him?" The ladies man finally asked.

"Yeah, big mistake that was. I thought it would subdue him, but no, he tried to get out of bed even more so." The other men didn't even try to hide their reactions to that bit of news.

Buck had to know. "He's not blaming himself, is he Nathan?"

"I don't think so. I think he just wanted to offer Chris some comfort. He's mad because he doesn't have the strength to get out of bed."

"Please tell me you didn't leave him all by himself." Ezra ventured.

"I dosed his tea pretty good. He should sleep until morning."

"And he'll be cranky as all get out come morning."

"I can deal with it then." Nathan looked to the others. "Any word from Chris?"

"We were hoping you would have checked in on him." Josiah replied.

"As you can tell I was pretty much tied up with that stubborn Texan."

J.D. finally said something. "You got to admit one thing Nathan, Vin has a good heart."

"I know, J.D. And I promise after we're done here I'll ride out and check on Chris."

"You know, Nate. Why don't you get some rest, I'll check on Chris."

"Thanks Buck, I'd appreciate it." Nathan sipped some beer that Inez had put in front of him.

He heard the sound of an approaching rider, but he refused to get up. If he had any curious ideas as to who it might be it was answered after the friendly knock upon his door.

"Chris? It's me Buck. Alright if I come in?" Buck waited a few minutes before tentatively opening the door. The sight that met his eyes brought to mind memories of another time in their lives.

The only response he got from his friend was the lowering of the gun he held aimed at Buck's midsection. "Glad I announced who I was otherwise I'd be sporting a much unwanted hole in my gut.

"Chris, you look like hell."

A glare was Chris' only response.

"Hey, you need some rest, pard. You won't be doing him any good if you wind up sick."

"Don't you think I've tried. Every time I close my eyes all I see is that cabin exploding."

Buck placed a hand on Chris' shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. He, then asked. "Any change?"

"No." His friends voice was raw with emotion.

"Have faith Chris. He'll pull through. He's surprised us all of the times afore, he'll do it again."

Chris took a shaky breath. "I know. It's the waiting that's killing me. How's Vin?"

"I'll leave that to Nathan."

A little ray of hope flooded Chris' eyes. "That tells me he's doing alright."

"Can't keep that boy down for long."

"No, that's for sure." He only wished he could say the same about another boy. His eyes once again rested on the oh so still form. Watching this particular boy's chest rise and fall, gave Chris the comfort that at least Jesse was still alive.