Please see Chapter 1 for warnings and disclaimers.
A/N: Well, I'm sure some of you thought I had completely abandoned this story! I did kind of lose the thread for awhile but hopefully I will be able to get it finished before too long. Thanks for your patience.
Chapter 12
"By all that's holy, Mary! This is precisely what I was talking about last night! You drive yourself too hard."
"Don't be melodramatic, Orin. The paper was due to come out today. This is a business after all."
"It could have come out a day late. You'll work yourself to death at this rate! You may be a grown woman but I've a mind to-"
The early morning argument was cut short by the appearance of a black clad gunman at the doorway. "Pardon the interruption," Chris said removing his hat.
"Not at all," Orin replied tersely. "Perhaps you can talk some sense into my daughter-in-law, who seems hell bent on putting herself into an early grave." With that the silver-haired man turned on his heel and left the room.
"I apologize. The Judge had a difficult night."
"As did you, I'd wager."
Mary waved a hand beside her head. "I'm young and healthy as a horse. Orin just worries. You are up and about early this morning," the woman observed in attempt to change the direction of the conversation.
"Just doing an early patrol, saw your lamp burning, thought I'd check in on you. See how Billy fared last night."
"Well, after a talk with his grandfather he slept on his tummy, but I'm certain he'll be just fine this morning."
Chris nodded and then continued, though he seemed somewhat reluctant. "Wanted to talk to you about his part in yesterday's foolhardiness. You see, Mary," Chris paused, searching for the right words.
"It was you that he deceived, disobeyed, and disrespected. The two of you have developed a special relationship, but he needs to know that you are an authority figure in this town and especially in his life," Mary filled in, with an eye cocked to see if she had hit the mark or at least close to it.
The look of surprise in the man's green eyes let her know that she had indeed. "Might not have said it so well, but yeah that's pretty much what I was gettin' at. You don't feel I'm oversteppin?"
"You've been a dear friend, Chris, to both Billy and myself. Billy's been told that he'll have to apologize to you and take whatever punishment you deem fair. Between you and me, I think the Judge was relieved to have a reason to go easy on him," she added in a conspiratorial whisper.
Chris grinned but his face soon turned serious. "I don't want you gettin' the wrong idea, it's not somethin' I look forward to, but I made him a promise, and I think it's important that I keep it."
"As do I."
Their eyes locked and they shared a look of understanding. With a nod, the gunman returned his hat to his head. "The Judge is right. Paper could've waited until tomorrow. You look a bit peaked."
"Nonsense."
Chris cocked an eyebrow, then took a few steps to clear the distance between them. "The Judge isn't the only one who's been worried for you," he said his tone low as he looked down at the women, noting the dark purple circles under her eyes.
"I'm fine, Chris, really," Mary answered, her voice catching in her throat at his proximity.
"Get some rest, Mary."
"After I-"
"Now."
Mary's pale green eyes widened at the commanding tenor of Chris's voice, but were quick to narrow. He might be a close friend but if he thought he could order her about he had another thing coming! Before she had a chance to utter the scathing reply on the tip of her tongue, Chris had bent down so that his mouth was against her ear.
"Unlike Orin, don't matter a lick to me if you are a grown woman. You don't take yourself to bed, I'll carry you there and Billy won't be the only one to be sleepin' on his tummy."
Stunned into silence, Mary blinked mutely at the man hovering above her. She couldn't believe he'd follow through with his threat, but then she was not confidant enough in this belief to test him. Pursing her lips tightly she brushed past the officious peacekeeper and toward her attached living quarters, trying to convince herself that his threat had nothing to do with her decision to take a small break. Most of the work was done, so she would still have time to get the paper out today, albeit a little later than anticipated.
"I suppose a short rest wouldn't hurt," she stated brusquely.
"I'll be around later to check on you and chat with Billy," Chris said tipping his hat, his voice smug. He couldn't say what had spurred him to say what he had to Mary, or insist that she take a rest, but he wasn't sorry that he had. She'd been overdoing for some time now, and it was past time someone intervened.
M7***M7***M7***M7***M7
"Shhh. You'll wake the dead with all that racket," Eliza cautioned her brother as they came around the side of the boardinghouse.
"Well, maybe if I weren't carrying everything, I wouldn't trip over tree roots," Ethan replied vehemently holding up the fishing pole, pale full of worms, and small burlap sack, meaningfully.
Eliza rolled her eyes. "Stop your whining. You like fishing."
Ethan grinned, "Yep, that's fer sure. Sides it sure beats cleanin' up the livery. Great idea you had." He knew his sister was not a big fan of fishing, but she was even less a fan of manual labor.
A big yawn escaped Eliza's lips, "If only it hadn't necessitated getting up so God awful early." Despite Ezra's threat of an early bedtime the two had been up late getting answers from their newly declared father. Determined to be forthright with his children Ezra had answered every question to the best of his ability, before insisting that they put out the lamp and get some sleep.
Having their curiosity somewhat satiated and feeling relieved that they were not to be turned over to Ms. Weatherby, the siblings had slept well so Eliza's idea to miss out on the onerous task of cleaning up the livery had seemed a good one. The children continued on their way only to find their path blocked but one buckskin clad tracker. "What exactly are the two of ya up to now?" Vin demanded arms crossed over his chest.
Ethan quickly hid the fishing pole and bait behind his back while Eli stepped in front to obscure Vin's view. "We thought to go over early to apologize to Yosemite. Let him know we'd be over after breakfast to help clean up," the girl replied with her most innocent look, trying hard not to wrinkle her nose. Despite multiple washings, the sharpshooter had not been able to completely get rid of the skunk odor.
"Livery's that way," Vin said pointing in the opposite direction. "And why is it that Ethan's totin' a fishin' pole?"
"Well, we thought perhaps it would be appropriate to offer some recompense for the trouble caused at his establishment. Since our means are significantly diminished, providing fish for his table seemed a reasonable alternative."
"Uh, huh. So what yer sayin' is ya hoped ta get outta work at the livery an' go fishin' whilst the other younguns cleaned up."
Eliza looked offended, but Vin cut off her intended response. "Since yer gonna be livin' here permanent like, I think we aughta get somethin' straight. If'n yer truthful with me, even if y'are up ta mischief, I prob'ly won't do much more than stop ya from what yer doin' an' send ya on yer way or jest maybe hand ya over ta yer Pa," Vin's blue eyes looked down intently at the two cherubic faces in front of him. "But if ya lie ta me, ya kin expect a pop in the tail feathers that'll leave ya standin' fer yer next meal. Understand?"
"Yes, sir" the two replied in unison.
"Good. Since we jest now got thet straight, I'll let ya off this time, but ya kin turn yerselves right around and head back into the boardinghouse."
The twins both heaved a heavy sigh at the demise of their brilliant plan to avoid the day's drudgery and turned back to the front porch. Upon entering the front door, they were surprised to see Ezra descending the stairs, straightening the cuff of his jacket.
"Yer up?" Ethan's surprised query was followed by his sister's equally stunned question.
"Already?"
"Indeed. It appears paternity comes with a rather annoying internal alarm. And what, pray tell, are the two of you doing up and around at such an early hour?"
"Well," Ethan started sharing a look with his sister, but hearing Vin clear his throat behind them, paused to choose his words carefully. "We thought we'd go catch a few fish to bring to Yosemite along with our heartfelt apologies for the damage done to his livery."
"I see," Ezra replied, having to curtail a grin as he looked over their heads to catch Vin's eye. "And where might I ask did you get the fishing pole?" he asked pointedly, returning his gaze to the strawberry blonds in front of him.
"We borrowed it," Eliza answered quietly.
"From JD," Ethan added.
"And did you have his permission to do so?"
"Well, he said we could use it some time," Ethan said with a disarming grin.
"Hence forth, prior to borrowing anything else from anyone in this household you will ask permission first."
"Yes, sir," the twins chorused with a sigh.
"Now, Ethan, you may return those items from whence you borrowed them. There will be no fishing today, and for future reference you are both to ask my permission prior to leaving town for any reason."
"Yes sir," they answered again. Ethan turned to do as he'd been told and Eliza started to make her way up the stairs only to be stopped by Ezra's sharp tone.
"Where do you think you're going young lady?"
Turning to face her father with eyes narrowed in a glare she answered tartly, "Well, since our good will efforts have been thwarted, and it is still horrifically early, I think I will seek the comfort of my bed."
"Oh, no. If I have to be up at this ungodly hour to make certain you stay out of mischief then you shall be up as well. You may go see if Mrs. Bennett needs any help setting the table for breakfast."
"Must I?"
"Yes."
Eliza stomped down the stairs and headed toward the kitchen. "And do not break anything or you will be helping her with laundry as well," Ezra called after his daughter.
Vin chuckled. "Ya really got her number."
"On the contrary, I fear it will take all my efforts to remain one step ahead of my two trouble magnets. My thanks for your timely intervention this morning."
"Not to worry, Ez, we've got your back," Vin said slapping his friend on the back.
M7***M7***M7***M7***M7
Judge Travis spooned the last of the eggs onto an empty plate and lifted the remaining pieces of bacon from the cast iron skillet to place them next to the eggs. He turned at the knock on the door, bidding the visitor entrance without moving from his position. Chris entered unable to curb a grin at the domestic picture of Judge Travis in his waistcoat, a flour cloth tucked into his belt, hovering over a blacktopped cook stove.
"Good morning, Chris, can I offer you a plate of breakfast?" Orin asked unperturbed. "I was just putting some aside for Mary, but she won't eat all of this."
"No, thank you. I've had mine."
"A cup of coffee then?" the Judge amended setting the plate on the warmer and reaching for a cup.
"Sounds good."
The older man refilled his own mug and filled one for Chris before removing the cloth at his waist and offering the younger man the cup. He knew the gunman well enough to know Chris drank it black.
"Thought I would take care of breakfast and let Mary sleep awhile. I don't know what you said to get her to rest, but you have my thanks. She can be so stubborn, but Evie and I have been worried at how hard she's pushing herself since Billy has moved back here."
"She'll find her pace," Chris assured the other man, taking a sip of the steaming liquid.
"Yes, she is a remarkable woman. I only wish she did not feel the need to shoulder so much responsibility by herself. She is young and attractive. There is no need for her continue on alone."
"Not sure if she agrees with you there. I think she turned down a proposal here a few months back," Chris noted trying not to smile at the Judge's not so subtle interference.
"Gerhard Whitman is a good man and was a very good friend to my son, but never did have it in him to handle Mary's fire, despite his infatuation with her. Mary's always been extremely strong-willed."
"Really? Hadn't noticed," Chris quipped before taking another drink from his mug.
Judge Travis grinned. "I'm glad that she has good friends here. Now, you didn't come to listen to the anxious ramblings of a meddlesome father-in-law."
"Atwood bought a horse off a drunk cowboy last night and skipped town."
"I see. So Ezra's suspicions were correct. It seems that Mr. Atwood was not but a charlatan. What of Ms. Weatherby?"
"She's still over at the hotel."
"I'll want to interview her later today and determine what she knew of this Atwood. Eliza seemed to believe that the two were intimate."
Chris nodded without comment. "Billy around?"
"He's had his breakfast and is upstairs getting dressed for the day. Might I assume that you are going to discuss his deception and blatant disregard for your instructions yesterday?"
Chris nodded, eying the older man speculatively. "That don't bother you none?"
Orin snorted. "It'd bother me if you didn't. I loved my son, and there's not a day goes by that I don't miss him, but that doesn't change the fact that my grandson needs a good strong male role model in his life. I'm pleased he has that." Orin took a big drink of his coffee, meeting Chris's eye over the top of the mug. Their eyes locked and understanding passed between the two.
Just then, Billy came barreling down the stairs. "Grandpa, I – oh – ah, hi Chris," the boy stuttered coming to an abrupt halt.
"Good morning, Billy," Chris replied downing the rest of his coffee.
Billy's eyes went to his grandfather's and the boy took a deep breath stepping bravely forward. "I'm real sorry I disobeyed you yesterday and didn't come right home and uh, I'm sorry about lyin' to ya 'bout Eli and Ethan, an fer all the rest, too."
"Well, I'm glad to hear that you're sorry Billy, but I made you a promise yesterday, didn't I?"
"Yes, sir."
"How about you and I take a little walk so we don't disturb your Ma? If I don't miss my guess, you'll be headed to the Livery, right?"
"Yes, sir," Billy said, his voice cracking.
Orin stood to give Billy a hug and drop a kiss atop the boy's blond head. "I'm proud of you, son, for facing up to what you have coming to you," he said quietly.
"Thanks, Grandpa," Billy replied returning the hug and taking a deep breath before following the black clad gunman.
Chris led Billy to the jail, which happened to be deserted this morning. The blond peacekeeper took a seat, standing Billy between his legs so that they were face to face.
"I'd like to know why you thought you needed to lie to me, Billy. I thought you trusted me."
"I do, Chris, really, but Eli said your hands would be tied. That you'd have no say in the matter," Billy said in a rush.
Chris cocked an eyebrow at the boy who looked down at his boots. "And, ah, well, maybe it just felt good to be one of the gang for once. Ya know, like a normal kid?" Billy looked up again, his eyes pleading with Chris to understand.
Chris's hard look softened. "Yeah, I understand."
"Really?"
"Yes, really, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to see to that you don't think twice about doin' anything like that again. You didn't just lie to me, you and Levi played us, and then you disobeyed me and rode off on that horse after I told you to go home."
"I'm really sorry, Chris," Billy said again.
"Me, too." With that Chris tipped Billy over his knee and landed the first of several powerful swats on the boy's upturned bottom. Since Orin had already had a discussion with the lad last night, Chris left the trousers in place, but he made certain that Billy would not be quick to repeat his transgressions laying one swat on top of another and leaving none of the boy's backside unscathed. By the time he'd finished, Billy's entire rear was burning and the boy's face was awash with tears.
Setting the boy to rights, Chris pulled Billy into his arms for a hug, feeling a catch in his throat when the lad threw his arms around him and buried his face in his chest. The gunman smoothed back the boy's hair, trying desperately hard to block out the vision of holding a much smaller boy in just the same way. Once Billy's tears subsided he stepped back and offered another apology.
"It's done and over, son, but don't lie to me again, okay?"
"I won't, Chris."
"Alright, then, how about I walk you over to the Livery?"
TBC...