Family Ties

Part 10:

Ezra sighed heavily as he sat tossing small stones into the stream. It had been two days since the incident and he finally had some time to reflect. Mr. Chris had been pretty angry with him, but never tried to hit him. It was puzzling to him as most people that got angry with him never hesitated to inflict injury. These men were so confusing.

He lost his derringer again. Mr. Chris had taken it away from him again and he had yet been able to locate it in their room. He had a feeling one of the other peacekeepers had it in their position, but he had yet been able to search their rooms.

He spent the last two days under constant supervision, and it had really been grating on his nerves. The only consolation was that Mr. Nathan said he didn't have to wear the sling all the time. Of course that ruined his argument about the menial labor he was being punished with. It seemed that everyone in town was more than happy to assist Mr. Chris with his punishment.

He spent the mornings at the livery helping to clean stalls. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy horses, he actually found them to be fascinating creature, but he really hated cleaning up after them. Mr. Yosemite had allowed him to use one of the livery horses to go for a short ride. Taking advantage of the solitude he quickly made it way out of town and found the stream he was currently reflecting into.

Bringing his thoughts back to his punishment, with five more days of it go he sighed again. When he finished with the livery he was then sent over to help Miss Inez with cleaning in the saloon. He couldn't help the disappointment at not being able to play poker all week, even if it was just one of the other seven playing. He didn't mind so much the work in the saloon, he felt at home in there. Saloons were a constant in his life; it was something he could count on to not change. After helping out at the saloon he was allowed to hang around the other peacekeepers.

Deciding he spent enough time in his thoughts and should get back before Mr. Chris came looking for him. He had no desire for his punishment to extend for anymore length of time.

Spotting Vin sitting outside the saloon, Chris made his way over and joined him. "Anything happening?"

"Nope, stage should be here soon though."

Nodding his head slightly he peered into the saloon and frowned. "Ezra still at the livery?"

"Haven't seen him here"

"He's usually helping Inez by now. Think I'll go and check on him."

Vin watched Chris leave thinking that having Ezra around was doing a lot for his friend. Chris has been happier than he has seen him since they first met. There was a joy that surrounded the gun slinger that had never been there before. Vin though Chris must have been a very loving and devoted father. Having a little boy to dolt on was good for the man. Vin snorted thinking about how Ezra was taking the attention, poor kid has no idea what he's in for. Glancing down the road he could see cloud dust announcing the stage coming closer.

Chris entered the livery and could see Ezra brushing down a dun gelding. He smiled when he caught a glimpse of the dimpled grin on the boy when the horse nudged him. Chris thought it was time to start looking for a suitable horse for the boy. Even though he was staying only for little over a week more, Chris couldn't help but hope they would have many more times together. He frowned when he thought about the talk he would be having with Maude. He was hesitant about Ezra going back to his mother with the abuse he had seen on the boy. He had contacted the Judge about taking custody of the boy, but there was nothing that he had the power to do at this point. The judge had said he would try to get out here as soon as possible, but wasn't sure if it would be before Maude returned for Ezra. Shaking the thoughts off the troubles to come he focused back on Ezra leaving the horse's stall. "All finished up here son?"

"Yes sir, I'm on my way over to help Miss Inez now."

"Good, I'll walk with you."

Chris laid a hand on Ezra's shoulder and felt him tense before relaxing into the hold. They paused when the saw the stage arrive to see what passengers would be getting off. Grinning when he saw the Judge stepping down he said a silent prayer of thanks for his arrival. "Come on Ezra there's someone I'd like you to meet."

Ezra followed Mr. Chris towards the stage and awaited the introductions. He was a bit worried Mr. Chris was upset with him when he came into the livery, but relaxed when he caught him lost in his thoughts. Mr. Chris stopped in front of an older gentleman with a stern look in his face.

"Howdy Judge, I'd like you to meet my little brother Ezra."

"Good afternoon Ezra, it's a pleasure to meet you.

"Ezra, this is Judge Travis. He's Billy's grandfather."

"How do you do Judge Travis, it is a pleasure to make you acquaintance."

"Chris I need to speak with you in private."

"Of course Judge. Ezra why don't you go and help Inez."

"Yes sir. Good afternoon Judge."

Chris watched as Ezra made his way into the saloon before bringing his attention back to the Judge.

"Let's head over to the jail so we have some privacy."

An hour later Chris was still reeling at what the Judge had told him. He was worried about how Ezra was going to take the news.