Proving Ground
By Niteowl
Main Characters - Buck, Vin and the rest of the Seven, OC's
OW (and proud of it!)
Rating PG - lots of shootin' and hurtin', a little cussin'
Gen - lots of h/c
Disclaimer - To the best of my knowledge, the characters we know as The Magnificent Seven belong to MGM/Hallmark/CBS, John Watson and company. Wish I could come up with a more original way to say I wish I owned them but I don't. No money is being made - this is strictly for fun (and feedback!).
And those who ever watched the TV series How the West was Won might recognize elements of the story. This particular story arc was always one of my favorites
Notes - This was written YEARS ago for the 7H7C Birthday ficlist. I'd like to archive it at Blackraptor when it's done. It was originally a Happy birthday fic for Jeanne!
Part 1
The stagecoach rumbled along the dry, dusty trail. The passengers inside were lulled into a half-sleeping state by the constant rhythm. There was a young family on their way to her parent's farm outside Tucson, the pretty woman clinging tightly to a tiny infant; two middle aged men, one obviously a salesman of some kind, the other more well-dressed and educated in his speech.
Suddenly the afternoon's quiet was shattered by the sounds of gunfire. From a small stand of trees ahead came half a dozen riders, guns drawn and firing into the air. They rode straight for the stagecoach, their obvious intention to force it to stop. The guard riding next to the driver brought his shotgun to bear and was shot through the chest before he could fire his weapon.
The driver pulled back hard on the reins and brought the coach to a stop. The group of men wearing bandannas on their faces to mask their identities quickly surrounded the coach. One of the outlaws climbed directly from his saddle to the driver's seat. The driver was quickly disarmed and the guard's body tossed unceremoniously to the ground as he searched the seat compartment.
"It's not here," he said to the other outlaws.
"You inside!" shouted the leader of the outlaws. "Come out with your hands up!"
The door opened slowly and first the salesman made his way out with both hands in the air. The young husband was next, and as he turned back to take the baby and help his wife out, a shot rang out and the bullet buried itself in the wooden door next to the young man's head, causing him to cringe involuntarily.
"I said hands up!" snarled the leader.
"It's all right, Michael," she said shakily. Gathering up her skirt with one hand and clutching the baby with the other, she made her way down to the ground and stood next to her husband. He immediately wrapped one arm protectively around her shoulder while the other was raised high.
"Come on, come on," urged one of the gunmen, waving his gun back and forth in the direction of the last passenger. When he made his way to the ground and stood before the band of outlaws with his hands raised, the outlaw looked over to the leader and said, "That's him!"
"Shut up," the leader replied angrily. Then he turned to the driver. "Where's the money?"
The driver's eyes narrowed. "Don't know what you're talking about," he replied.
The leader of the outlaws nodded to one of his men, who proceeded to dismount from his horse. Then he climbed up onto the stagecoach and grabbed the driver by the front of his shirt and threw the driver onto the ground next to unmoving guard.
"You got ten seconds to tell me where the money box is or I put a hole in you," the outlaw said menacingly.
Swallowing hard, he finally said, "In the back, under the baggage."
"Look in the back," the leader ordered one of the other robbers.
While one of the outlaws was rifling through the baggage compartment in the rear of the stagecoach, one of the others had climbed down and stood next to the leader, but his attention was centered on the well-dressed man. For his part, the stagecoach passenger couldn't help but notice the way the outlaw was staring at him with undisguised hatred.
The outlaw who had gone to the back of the stagecoach stepped back around with a loud whoop. "Got it!" he exclaimed, holding the cloth bag with bank markings for the leader to see.
"All right," the leader said with a nod. Turning his attention to man at his side, he said, "Let's get this over with." He took the money bag and began securing it to his saddle while the one who had found it climbed back on his horse. Then the leader mounted his horse.
That left only one man on the ground with the stagecoach passengers. "I'm going to enjoy this," he snarled at the well-dressed man. "I'm saving you for last, Judge." Without another word he turned to the driver and pulled the trigger.
The young wife screamed and clutched her baby tightly while her husband moved to shield both of them with his body. "It'll be all right, Lori," he whispered, kissing the top of her head.
The salesman turned to run and had only taken three steps when the gunman took aim and fired again. The man dropped without a sound. The woman's muffled cries could barely be heard from where her head was buried in her husband's shoulder. He pulled her closer, holding her tight.
The cold-blooded killer turned his attention and his gun on the young family. Just as his finger tightened on the trigger, the loud report of a long rifle came booming across the desert floor. The gunman jerked and his shot went wide, grazing the young father's side. The outlaw cried out in pain and dropped his gun. He grabbed his shoulder where blood was already oozing onto his shirt. All six robbers turned toward the sound of pounding hooves as four riders came into view, guns drawn but holding their fire.
The killer fixed the Judge with hate-filled glare and made a move for his discarded pistol, even as another shot peppered the ground close to it.
"Tyler!" called the outlaw leader as he tried to lead the other's horse to him. "Leave it! Let's get out of here!"
At the sound of the name, the Judge's eyes narrowed in recognition.
"I want him dead!" the other spat back. Then the rest of the outlaws began firing on the group galloping in their direction, forcing the approaching horsemen to return sporadic fire.
"Later!" the leader commanded, holding the other man's reins out to him. Finally the angry gunman spun around and mounted, blood still staining his shirt.
Even as they argued, the cacophony of gunfire was all around them. The older man took advantage of the distraction to herd the small family to the other side of the stagecoach, pulling them down and under the big wheels. Only then did the men charging toward them open fire in earnest. It was enough to send the outlaws' horses scattering. They had no choice but to return the way they came, toward the stand of trees and the cover it offered, then to the canyon beyond.
As the four riders arrived at the embattled stagecoach, two pulled their horses to a stop and jumped to the ground, coming to a crouch protectively in front of the small group of passengers. The other two newcomers continued at full speed after the outlaws, even as they continued to fire at their pursuers.
As the sounds of gunfire retreated into the distance, the taller of the two protectors turned to the group huddled under the carriage. He smiled at the sound of a healthy baby's cry coming from within the young mother's arms. "It's all right, now," he said, gently placing a big hand on the young father's shoulder. "Y'all can come on out."
As the group began to disentangle themselves, the smaller man dressed in a bright green coat offered his hand to the woman. "Allow me," he said with an obvious Southern drawl.
With one arm securely around her baby and her husband helping from his position next to her, she allowed the stranger to pull her out and up from beneath the stagecoach. Her husband followed, standing stiffly and favoring his injured side. The shorter of their rescuers clasped the Judge's hand and pulled the last of the survivors out.
As the others dusted themselves off and tried to regain their composure, the taller man was checking the fallen driver, guard and passenger. He shook his head at the unspoken question in the shorter man's eyes, even as he began to drag the bodies to the back of the stagecoach and away from the group. He laid them out respectfully, covering them with an oilcloth he found in the baggage compartment. The other man led the group toward the front of the coach, helping the young father to lean against the carriage.
"We owe you our lives, young man," the Judge said, extending his hand to the dark haired man as he returned to the group. "Judge Vaughn Roberts," he said, as the other man returned his grip firmly. "We are certainly in your debt," he continued as he turned to the smaller man and repeated the gesture.
"Just doing our job, Judge," the bigger man replied. "I'm Buck Wilmington, and this here's Ezra Standish."
"Michael Owens," said the young husband, but when he grimaced in pain trying to move toward them to hold out his hand, Ezra waved him to stay where he was. "This is my wife Lori."
"We can't thank all you gentlemen enough," Lori offered, smiling shyly as she looked up from comforting her infant.
"Our pleasure, ma'am," Buck said, giving her one of his best smiles. He clapped Ezra on the back, which earned him a look of disdain, then moved closer to coo at the baby.
"What brings you out this way?" the Judge inquired.
"My compatriots and I are currently in the employ of Judge Orrin Travis," Ezra explained. "We keep the peace, such as it is, in our small corner of the Territory. We were actually looking for your stage, as it was several hours overdue."
The Judge nodded. "They had trouble with one of the wheels this morning. It took several hours to fix. When they tried to send a message up the line, the telegraph wires were down. The driver was hell bent trying to make up time."
"We really should be getting you to town," Ezra said, meeting Michael's eyes and traveling down to his injury. "We have an excellent healer in Four Corners and you should have that looked at."
"What about your friends?" Michael asked. He couldn't help but notice the way Buck kept glancing up in the direction the others had gone, concern shadowing his blue eyes.
"I expect they'll be along directly," Buck said. He met Ezra's gaze and offered a small smile in return for the reassuring nod offered by the Southerner. Then he walked toward the back of the stagecoach.
"In the meantime…" Ezra stated, opening the door. He offered his arm to Lori then assisted Michael into the coach. Once the young family was inside, Ezra joined Buck at the rear of the coach.
Buck already had the body of the driver slung across his saddle and secured. As he took hold of the guard's form, the Judge helped Ezra place the body of the unfortunate passenger across Ezra's saddle. Once balanced and secured, they tied the reins of the horses to the back of the coach. The Judge then joined his fellow passengers inside the coach.
Buck went to the horses and checked their yokes and traces before climbing into the driver's box, where Ezra was waiting for him. Taking one last look in the direction JD and Vin had disappeared, he sighed and gathered the reins. "We'll have y'all in town by dark," he called down. Then he flicked the reins and started the horses moving in a slow walk.
It was just starting to get dark when Buck pulled the lumbering stage to a halt in front of the livery. He tied the reins off and stood, trying to stretch the stiffness out of his body. He watched Ezra climb down and go to the coach door, opening it and helping Lori and the baby out first, then Michael. When weakness due to the injury to his side caused the young father to falter, Buck hopped off the driver's box and went Michael's other side. They guided him toward the stairs on the side of the building leading to Nathan's clinic.
Buck turned back to the Judge. "Saloon's that way," he said, indicating with a nod of his head. "We'll meet you there as soon as we get things settled."
Judge Roberts nodded then moved toward the back of the stage to retrieve his luggage. He came to a stop at the sight of the horses tied there with their burdens. He frowned and hesitated before he shrugged then walked away in the direction the peacekeeper had pointed out.
Buck was back down in a few minutes, and by that time Yosemite had come out of his living quarters to see the stagecoach and horses waiting for his attention. Buck helped the liveryman lead the horses and the stage to the livery, then when they finished unhitching the team, they turned the horses out into the corral. The coach would have to just stay where it was until the stage line sent a new driver.
Once the team of horses was taken care of, he turned his attention to his and Ezra's mounts. He untied the reins from the coach and led both horses to the undertaker's, tying the reins loosely to the hitching post. He knocked on the door until the man came out then stood by while the undertaker and his helper moved the bodies inside. By the time they had moved the last body in, Ezra was coming down the stairs. He walked over to Buck and took his own horse's reins and walked back to the livery with the tall man.
As they led their horses to their stalls, Yosemite was waiting for them. "Here, you two look done in. I'll get 'em unsaddled and fed and watered," he offered.
"Appreciate it," Buck said with a smile.
"Come along, Mister Wilmington," Ezra said, his hand on Buck's shoulder, "I believe you offered to buy me dinner."
"In your dreams," Buck replied, shaking Ezra's hand off good-naturedly. "I suppose we ought to go check and see that the Judge got settled."
"Excellent idea," Ezra agreed, and the two peacekeepers made their way across the dirt street and into the saloon.
They had no more than stepped inside when the sound of pounding horses caught their attention. Stepping back outside the swinging batwing doors, they immediately recognized the horses that sped past them and stopped next to the stairs leading up to Nathan's clinic.
"Buck!" Vin called, already looking around and seeing the two men standing outside the saloon. "Give me a hand. JD's hurt."
That was all it took to send the big man charging back toward the clinic. It never ceased to amaze the Southerner just how fast someone of Buck's size could move when properly motivated. He also moved quickly toward his friends, and by the time Ezra joined them, Buck already had JD off his horse. He and Vin were carrying the boy up the stairs, Buck taking him under the shoulders and Vin grabbing both legs. Ezra bounded up the stairs and moved around them, opening the door to Nathan's clinic.
Nathan looked up from where he was finishing bandaging Michael Owens' side. "What happened?" he asked, quickly handing the bandage to Lori to finish. Even before Vin could answer Nathan helped Lori move Michael to the smaller cot where the baby was sleeping. The small family sat quietly out of the way while Buck and Vin placed JD gently on the bed.
"We got ambushed," Vin replied, meeting Buck's eyes while answering Nathan's question. "One of 'em stayed behind and got up in the rocks. Grazed JD's horse and he got thrown. He busted his head pretty good."
Buck nodded his understanding even as Nathan began examining their youngest friend.
"Yeah, he's got a good-sized bump back here," Nathan said aloud. "But it don't look too bad." When he pulled his hand back from behind the dark head, his fingertips were sticky with blood. He took a cloth and dipped it into a water bowl, then set about rolling the younger man on his side and cleaning the injury.
"What about the miscreants you were pursuing?" Ezra asked.
"Had to let 'em go to get JD back here," Vin said regretfully, then his expression tightened. "'Cept the one that bushwhacked us, left him for buzzard bait."
"It's okay, Vin," Buck assured. "We can get after that bunch at first light."
"The important thing is you got JD back here in one piece," Nathan added. "You just never know about head injuries."
"If there's nothing else we can do to assist you?" Ezra asked. At Nathan's shake of the head, the Southerner turned to the small family in the corner of the clinic. "I believe the Owens could probably use a good meal and a soft bed. If you'll follow me…" He held the door open and waited for Lori to gather the baby while Michael stood stiffly and made his way to the doorway. "Gentlemen?" Ezra directed to the other two men in the room.
Buck shook his head. "You go on, Vin," he encouraged. "Think I'll sit here awhile. When he comes to, I got a thing or two to say about staying on a horse."
Vin chuckled. "How about I bring you up some supper in a few minutes?"
"That'd be fine," Buck replied, already reaching for the chair to move it closer to the bed.
"Nathan?" Vin asked.
The dark-skinned healer shook his head. "I ate just before all this started," he said.
"All right then," Vin replied, turning to follow Ezra and the others out the door.
Once inside the hotel dining room, Ezra approached the waitress about bringing them all something to eat. While he was waiting for their food, he spoke with the hotel manager to make arrangements to have the family's luggage brought to the hotel.
Vin ate quickly, then asked for another plate to take to Buck. When it came, he said his goodnight to the Owens family, then stepped out and headed in the direction of the saloon. He stopped in long enough to order three beers from Inez and added them to the tray he was carrying. At the top of the stairs, he knocked on the door with his foot and Nathan opened it a few seconds later. The tall healer smiled and took the beers off the tray before Vin handed it to Buck.
Buck smiled and nodded toward JD's still form. As the aroma of the food permeated the room, his nose began to twitch and his eyelids began to flutter. They watched as his eyes slowly opened and his brows furrowed in confusion as he tried to focus on his surroundings. With a low chuckle, Buck stood up with his plate and moved away, allowing Nathan in close to check on their injured friend.
JD's eyes tracked his mentor's movement. "Buck?" he asked in a whisper.
"Hey kid," Buck replied, licking his fingers after putting a piece of chicken in his mouth.
"What happened? Why am I…" he started, but as he tried to sit up a blinding pain in his head sent him back down onto the pillows.
"Just take it easy, JD," Nathan admonished, laying a hand gently on his shoulder. "You got a nasty bump on your head. You're going to be okay, but you'll be laid up a couple of days."
"Remember them outlaws we was chasing?" Vin asked. When JD turned toward him and nodded just a fraction, he continued. "One of 'em got up in rocks and took a couple of shots at us, nicked your horse and you got thrown."
"Good thing you landed on that hard head of yours," Buck teased.
"My horse okay?" he asked, ignoring Buck with a frown.
"He'll be fine, Yosemite's already taking care of it," Vin answered.
"What about the robbers?" JD asked.
Vin shrugged. "Got away – for now."
"Sorry about that," JD said quietly, knowing Vin had to choose between staying with him and going after the outlaws.
"Nothing to be sorry about, kid," Buck put in. "Happens to the best of us. Hell, even I've been thrown once or twice in my life time."
JD rolled his eyes and turned back to his friend. "Imagine that," he said sarcastically. "You going to share that or eat it all yourself? I'm awful hungry."
As Buck moved in closer and held the plate out to JD, Nathan shooed it away from his patient. "Not yet, JD," he said to the younger man. "Chances are with a head injury your stomach might not be able to tolerate solid food just yet."
Vin wrinkled his nose at the image that conjured up, and he couldn't help but chuckle at the cross look JD shot at the healer just before he sighed and licked his lips.
"I'll go get you some soup and bread," Nathan offered, eyeing the other two. "I need to stretch my legs anyway." With that he stood up straight and went out the door.
As soon as Nathan was out of sight, Buck handed JD the mug of beer Vin had brought him. "Well, he didn't say you couldn't have anything to drink," he said with a grin and a wink.
JD took the mug and drank gratefully. When he had downed half the glass, Buck pulled it away. "That's enough, kid," he said. "Nathan'll have my hide if you get sick anyway."
JD burped loudly then blushed a bright red. "Thanks, Buck," he said as he closed his eyes and relaxed into the pillow again.
"Anytime," he replied softly.
When Nathan came back with JD's supper, he chased Vin and Buck out of the clinic. Assuring them their youngest would be up and around in a couple of days, the other two went to the saloon to let Ezra in on the good news.
Finding the gambler at his usual table, they were surprised to see him half-heartedly playing a game of solitaire. Sliding into the chairs to either side, Buck smiled at Inez as she brought them each a beer.
"How fares Mister Dunne?" Ezra asked.
"Nathan says he'll be fine in a couple of days," Buck answered.
"Kid woke up a couple of minutes ago, hungry as a bear," Vin added. "Weren't too happy when Nathan brought him a bowl of soup."
"Indeed," Ezra said with a smile.
"Where's the Judge?" Buck asked, looking around the room for the older man from the stagecoach.
"Judge Travis is in town?" Vin asked, taking a sip of his beer.
"Nah - that's right, you youngsters were off chasing outlaws while we were protecting the women and children," Buck said with a smile. "Seems the fellow you saved with that long rifle of yours is some kind of Judge – Judge Roberts, he said his name was."
"Wish we could have gotten there just a mite earlier," Vin said, regret coloring his tone.
"We did the best we could, Mister Tanner," Ezra said. "And that was one hell of a shot. As for the good Judge, he excused himself a few minutes ago. He retrieved his belongings from the stage and secured a room at the hotel. He did extend an invitation to all of us to meet him in the morning; he wants to thank us properly. He completely understood you wanting to remain with Mister Dunne until you were assured his condition wasn't life threatening, but he was also fatigued. I told him we'd be happy to accept."
"What time in the morning?" Vin asked.
"After I explained our normal morning routine and pointed out the lateness of the hour, he agreed ten o'clock would be satisfactory," Ezra answered.
Buck laughed and shook his head. "You just don't like getting' up early, do you, Ez?"
"Anybody heard from Chris and Josiah?" Vin asked.
"As a matter of fact, there was a telegram left at the jail saying they were already on the way home and they should be back tomorrow," Ezra replied.
"They'll be sorry they missed out on all the fun," Buck said.
"Yeah," Vin agreed, "but it's about time the families of those girls Poplar killed learnt the truth."
"I still don't understand why they couldn't have held the inquest in our quaint little town," Ezra said with a hint of sarcasm. "But ours is not to question why."
"Well, it's all over now and those poor ladies can rest in peace," Buck added. Then he stood and nodded at his friends. "Speaking of rest, I'm heading off to bed myself. I suppose I'll see you both in the morning. 'Night Vin, Ezra."
"Later, Buck," Vin replied.
"Ten o'clock sharp," Ezra said.
The next morning the small town came to life with the rising of the sun. Both Vin and Buck were up early; Vin for an early morning ride in the cool desert air, Buck to visit Nathan's clinic and keep JD company. After all of the teasing and well-intentioned scolding he could tolerate, Nathan finally chased them out of the clinic, making Buck responsible for not letting JD get too tired. Buck promised the kid a hot bath and a good breakfast before they were supposed meet the Judge at the saloon. After that, Buck and Vin were going back out to where Vin had to abandon the outlaws' trail.
Buck and JD were already settled in the saloon when Vin came in. He walked over to the pot-belly stove and poured himself a cup of coffee before joining the other two at the table.
"Ezra up yet?" he asked.
"Should be down shortly," Buck replied with a grin.
"Yeah, well you pounded on his door loud enough to wake the dead," JD added. "It's a wonder he didn't shoot you."
"Trust me, I seriously considered it," the gambler said, stifling a yawn as he meandered his way down the stairs.
"Mornin', Ezra," Vin drawled, raising his cup in a teasing salute.
"Mister Tanner," he acknowledged, eyeing the others at the table. "Please tell me there's still some coffee left."
"Should be," Vin replied.
Ezra made his way over the stove and poured himself a cup, adding a dash of 'flavor' from the silver flask he carried in his coat pocket.
"Rough night?" Buck asked with a chuckle.
Ezra cast a disparaging glance the rogue's way and sat down next to JD without answering. "How are you this fine morning, Mister Dunne?"
"I'm fine," JD answered as he shaded his eyes from the sunlight coming in through the dirty window. "Just got a little headache is all."
"And you, Mister Tanner?" Ezra continued.
"Right as rain, Ezra. How about you?" Vin replied.
"Can't complain," Ezra answered, sitting back and nursing his coffee.
"Hey!" Buck cried in mock protest. "How about me?"
"I'm still considering Mister Dunne's suggestion to shoot you," Ezra replied dryly.
"Well, at least wait until I'm out of the room," came a familiar voice from the doorway. "It wouldn't be a good idea to have the territorial judge as a witness to your crime." Although said with a smile, it brought back a quick memory of not so long ago when Judge Travis had originally hired the Seven after an incident involving the nephew of Stewart James, one of the local ranchers. The judge had witnessed Lucas James gun down Gloria Potter's late husband and put his own life on the line to bring the man to justice.
"Judge Travis," JD called out, starting to stand, but a wave of dizziness sent him back to his seat.
"Oh yeah, you're just fine," Buck mumbled just loud enough for his friends at the table to hear, ignoring the scowl JD sent his way. "Just a little headache."
"I hear we had a little excitement yesterday," Travis said, taking the chair Vin offered. The four peacekeepers nodded in reply.
"The stage was unusually late, and the telegraph lines were coincidentally down," Ezra explained. "As we were going out to meet it, we found it was under siege and the occupants were systematically being executed."
"We were too late for the driver and the guard and one of the passengers," Buck chimed in. "But Vin started taking aim with that long rifle of his and saved the rest."
"Myself included," came another voice from the stairs.
They all turned to see Judge Roberts walking toward them. He came to a stop just short of the group and waited.
"Have a seat, Judge," Buck said in invitation, smiling as the other man took a chair from another table and pulled it up to join the others. "Can I get you a cup of coffee or anything?" the tall ladies man asked as he started to stand.
"No, thank you," Roberts replied. "I had enough with breakfast."
Once Buck settled back into his chair, Ezra cleared his throat to draw everyone's attention. "If I may? Judge Vaughn Roberts, allow me to introduce Judge Orrin Travis."
"How do you do," Travis greeted, offering his hand.
"It's an honor, sir," Roberts took the hand and shook with his contemporary.
"As to the rest of our merry little band that were off chasing the outlaws while we were escorting you back to town," Ezra continued. "The young man next to Mister Wilmington is Mister JD Dunne, and this is Mister Vin Tanner. It was his accuracy with a rifle that was your salvation."
Roberts had shaken hands with JD and was turning toward Vin when the name came out. He hesitated, his eyes narrowing in recognition, but took the offered hand and shook it. "I wanted to thank all of you for what you did yesterday. You risked your lives to save mine, as well as that of the Owens family. I am in your debt."
"Just doing our job," JD said with pride.
"No, what you did was above and beyond just your job," Roberts added. "I'm just sorry the others were killed because of me."
"I beg your pardon?" Travis asked. "How is a stage hold-up your fault?"
"I don't believe it was a random act," Roberts replied. "Something the leader said, and I heard him call one of the robbers by name."
"How's that, Judge?" Buck asked.
"Tyler," Roberts answered. "I sentenced an Albert Tyler to hang for murder last year. He had a twin brother, Joseph. The brother was in jail somewhere around Tulsa himself when the sentence was carried out. When he learned his brother was hanged he made all kinds of threats against me. The Oklahoma prison officials sent me word several months ago that Tyler had escaped, but no one had heard from him since then."
"And you think he was in that gang yesterday?" Vin asked.
"Positive," Roberts replied, frowning thoughtfully. "I'm almost positive he recognized me, and I'm pretty sure I recognized him. The way he went for his gun, if you hadn't made that second shot, I'm sure he would've gunned me down before they made their getaway."
"Well, gentlemen, I understand the stage line is sending a new driver in the morning," Ezra said. "The Owens family will be going on to Tucson. What are your plans, sir?"
"I've decided to postpone the rest of my trip and head back home to Pecos," Roberts answered. "I suppose I'll have to take the stage as far as the railroad. It'd be quicker to go by train."
"Probably so," Travis agreed. "Do you think there's a chance this Tyler might come after you again?"
"It's not a pleasant thought, but it has occurred to me," Roberts responded with a nod.
Vin pushed his chair back and stood. "Buck, how about you and me head on out and see if we can pick up their trail, make sure they don't double back this way. Ezra, can you keep an eye on things here?"
The gambler offered the tracker an almost imperceptible nod when Vin's eyes slid in the direction of the visiting judge. The rest stood and followed him out the door. Ignoring JD's protests that he was perfectly capable of making his way back to the clinic on his own, Buck walked his young friend up the stairs and in the door of the clinic.
Watching the peacekeepers go off in different directions, Judge Roberts approached Judge Travis as he started off toward the Clarion to see his grandson and daughter-in-law. "May I ask you a question?"
"Certainly," Travis replied.
"Vin Tanner?" Roberts asked. "Is he the same Vin Tanner that's wanted for murder in the state of Texas?"
Travis nodded in reply then watched for the other's reaction.
"Why isn't he in jail?" Roberts demanded, his voice laced with indignation.
"For one, this isn't Texas," Travis answered. "For another, he didn't do what that damnable poster says he did."
"How do know that?" Roberts asked.
"He told us about it," Travis replied. "We've known from the start. And he still works for me."
"And we also know without a shadow of a doubt that Mister Tanner could no more kill a man in cold blood than I could fly," came Ezra's voice from the doorway. When the two jurists turned toward him, he offered them a crooked smile. "Pardon me for eavesdropping."
"Well Mister Standish, it'll be hard to keep any secrets from you, considering you've been designated my bodyguard," Roberts said with just a little sarcasm. Ezra offered him a two-fingered salute in reply.
"Back to the subject of Vin Tanner," Travis directed. "In all the time he's worked for me, I've never had cause to doubt his honesty or his character. He's put his life on the line more than once for this town. You ask the folks around here, they'll tell you. They don't come any finer than Vin Tanner."
Roberts nodded thoughtfully as his eyes wandered toward the livery where Vin had disappeared inside.
Travis turned back the way he'd been heading. Ezra stepped back into the shade of the saloon, holding the door open for Roberts who followed him inside.
It was past noon by the time Buck and Vin reached the canyon where he and JD had been shot at. They dismounted and Buck stood far enough behind Vin to give him room to work and close enough to see what the tracker was seeing. As much as Buck knew about tracking, it never hurt to learn more. They left the horses and climbed the rise where the gunman had been lying in wait. In the distance they could see thunderheads building, promising quite a storm when it let loose.
Vin was so engrossed in his work that when Buck wandered around the outcropping, he was the first to notice the pile of rocks marking a new grave. "I thought you said you left him for the buzzards?" Buck called to Vin.
"I did," Vin answered, looking up quickly.
"Well, I guess his friends thought enough of him to come back and take care of him," Buck said. "Could be the Judge is right; they might still be in the area."
"I sure don't like it, but yeah," Vin agreed, pointing to the tracks as they faded into the distance. "They came back here, looks like they camped right here after they buried him. Appears they headed north instead of back the way they came. If they headed into town from the north, we wouldn't have seen them on the way out here."
"Dammit!" Buck exclaimed, swatting his hat on his leg and wiping his brow. "We better get back pronto."
"Let's go," Vin responded, leading the way to the waiting horses. Halfway down the slope, Vin turned to Buck. "You know, Chris and Josiah might be back by now."
"Sure hope so," the lanky gunslinger replied as they continued their descent.
The storm they had watched approaching chased them all the way back. They could see the bright flashes of lightning, hear the rumble of thunder as it got closer, and the smell of rain on the desert floor was carried by the breeze blowing all around them. Most of the townspeople had gone in, not tempting fate by being caught out in the approaching storm. The sounds of the saloon called to them, and there they stopped the horses and dismounted.
"Think we got time for a quick beer before it gets here?" Buck asked, his attention divided equally between the door to the saloon and the clinic.
"Tell ya what, Buck," Vin offered, "I'll put up your horse while you go check on JD. Tell him I said hi, then you can buy me a beer and we'll call it even."
"You got yourself a deal there, pard," Buck said, gratefully handing over his reins to his long-haired friend. He turned and bounded up the stairs to the clinic.
By the time Vin was done unsaddling and feeding the horses, Buck was coming back down the stairs. "How's he doing?"
Buck chuckled and shook his head. "That boy's got more stubborn in him than a mule. Nathan said he sat at that window with his rifle all morning long, just in case something happened and Ezra needed him. He finally got plumb tuckered out, he's sound asleep."
"Well," Vin said, clapping his friend on the back, "you owe me a beer."
As they walked toward the saloon, the rain finally came. By the time they reached the door, it had already gone from sprinkling to really raining. The wind with it practically pushed them through the door.
"Whoooeee!" Buck called as they stepped inside. Looking around from the doorway, his eyes quickly adjusted to the light. He found Ezra at a table with Judge Roberts. He exchanged a quick glance with Vin, noticing the tracker's frown at the still absent duo.
Vin finally shrugged and walked towards the table. "Hope you're not playing for real money there, Judge," noticing the cards on the table in front of the three men. He wagged his eyebrows at Ezra, who replied with a roll of his green eyes.
"Any luck on your hunting trip?" Ezra asked.
"Yes and no," Vin answered, taking a chair and sitting down. "We found their tracks, but not the gang. They came back and buried the body then the tracks lead north of here."
"How far north?" Ezra asked with a frown.
"Don't know for sure," Vin replied. "We thought it would be best to get back here in case they came into town."
"And we sure didn't want to get caught out in that," Buck added, jerking a thumb toward the door. Just then a bolt of lightning lit the sky for emphasis, followed by a loud rumble of noise and vibration.
"Any sign of trouble?" Vin asked.
"Nah," Nathan answered, having come in the doors of the saloon and walked over to the table. "No strangers coming in either."
"Well all right," Buck said, clapping his hands together. "Now what's for lunch?" Not seeing Inez anywhere, he looked up and waved to get the waitress's attention, ordering for himself and Vin.
"That's right generous of you, Buck," Vin said with a grin.
"Who said I was buying? Last I recall, all I promised you was a beer," came the reply.
"Anybody heard from Chris and Josiah?" Vin finally asked.
"Not a word," Ezra answered. "But considering the reason for their journey, the weather and route they were taking, I wouldn't be surprised if they took a short detour."
Judge Roberts watched with amusement as the conversation danced circles around him.
Finally Vin shook his head and said one word that seemed to make sense to the rest of the men at the table. "Purgatorio." Then his and Buck's lunch came and the topic was abandoned.
While they ate, the others continued their poker game and kept up a running account of the goings on in town while the tracker and the ladies man had been gone for the day. They also enlightened Judge Roberts as to some of the more eccentric citizens of the town they were hired to protect. By late afternoon, Buck decided to go with Nathan back to his clinic to check on JD and Vin was going to take a turn around town before checking the telegraph office for any word from Chris or Josiah. Judge Roberts walked Nathan, Buck and Vin to the door while Ezra busied himself behind the bar. It was still pouring down rain and the wind was blowing a mixture of sand and mud around.
"I certainly don't envy y'all having to go out in this," the judge offered in sympathy. "I suppose there was an advantage in taking up Mister Standish's offer of a room here in the saloon."
"Yeah, Ezra's a real prince," Buck sighed, eyeing the boarding house just across the street. "Hey Vin, why don't you sleep in JD's room tonight? He's still up at Nathan's and I don't think Nathan'll chase the kid out in this storm. That wagon of yours ain't going keep this out."
Vin thought about it for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "Sounds good." As he pushed the door open, another bolt of lightning illuminated the sky. But a split-second glint of light on metal caught his attention. "Get back!" he shouted pushing against the knot of bodies at his side, at the same time pulling his mare's leg into a firing position.
Nathan fell into Judge Roberts, taking him to the ground just as the report of a rifle shot could be heard over the rumble of thunder. The healer felt the bullet whiz by and then ducked instinctively as it imbedded itself into the wood of the door right behind him.
Buck recovered his balance in time to draw his gun and go out the door with Vin. As they crouched behind the water trough, they waited for the next flash of lightning to help them find their targets.
Ezra ran to the door and helped Nathan pull the Judge back toward the safety of behind the heavy wooden bar.
Vin and Buck turned toward the sound of horses' hooves pounding toward them, then they ducked back down again as they came under fire from the pistols of the three retreating horsemen. Before they could come out from behind their cover and return fire, they heard the sound of another rifle. Two shots in rapid succession and two bodies fell out of their saddles. The third horseman was quickly out of sight of the mystery shooter, blocked by the buildings he raced past.
Vin and Buck stood and looked around in confusion. Then Vin grabbed Buck's arm and grinned, pointing up to Nathan's clinic. There in the window waving the hand holding his rifle was their youngest grinning down at them.
"JD!" Buck crowed. "I'll be damned."
The tracker and the ladies man approached the bodies carefully. They soon discovered that even injured JD was still a good shot as both would-be assassins were dead. Then the others joined them in the rain to see who had tried to kill their visitor. Even Judge Travis had come out of Mary's house at the sound of the commotion. They could see Mary standing in the doorway with Billy held protectively behind her. In fact, most of the townspeople were looking out windows or peeking through cracked open doors.
"Tyler?" Travis asked, seeing the look of recognition on Roberts' face.
"No," Roberts replied, "but that one was a cousin of theirs. I remember seeing him at the trial every day."
"Great," Vin muttered, looking around at his friends. Nathan was already heading to the undertaker's, Buck motioned that he was going to the clinic and check on JD. Vin waved Ezra back into the saloon with Judge Roberts. After a moment of reflection, Judge Travis walked slowly back to Mary's. Vin turned on his heel and made his way in the mud to the jail. It was going to be a long night…
By dawn the next morning, the storm had blown its way through the small community, taking with it any trail the surviving gunman might have left. As soon as it was light enough to see, Vin still took a circuitous route around the area, just to make sure he hadn't left some sign of his direction of travel.
Shortly after breakfast, Judge Travis sent a message to each of the peacekeepers that he wanted to meet with them at the jail just before noon. At the appointed time, five of the Seven and Judge Travis crowded into the main room of the jail.
"First, I want to commend you all on a job well done last night," Travis began. "That's the second time in as many days you saved Judge Roberts' life, Vin."
The tracker nodded his acknowledgment of the compliment given.
"I received a wire this morning from the Texas Rangers in Pecos," Travis continued, holding what they all recognized was a telegram slip. "They're asking for our assistance protecting Judge Roberts until they he can get back home. I've already wired back that they can count on us."
"Okay," agreed JD with a nod. "So what's the plan, Judge?"
Buck rolled his eyes heavenward before giving the kid a playful shove. "Give the man a chance to speak, JD."
"Judge Roberts is concerned that further attempts on his life might result in someone else getting hurt," Travis began. "So he's going to take today's stage to Lordsburg, where he can catch the train. He was arguing that he didn't need protection until I threatened to keep him here under lock and key until the Rangers sent a man. Since Chris and Josiah should be back any time now, I told him I could spare two of you to accompany him back to Pecos. He agreed, but insisted on one condition."
"And that is?" Ezra asked, always suspicious of 'conditions'.
Travis took a quick breath and shot a glance in Vin's direction. "That Vin is one of the ones that go with him."
The reaction Travis was obviously expecting was instantaneous. Buck and JD both jumped to their feet, and the rising volume of four voices raised in protest was almost deafening in the small room. Only Vin remained silent, his brows knitted in concern. Travis held his hands up, trying to calm the rowdy bunch.
"Vin ain't going back to Texas to get hung!" Nathan finally got out above the rest.
"You know me better than that," Travis snapped back, causing the room to go quiet. "Vin, it's up to you. Judge Roberts has an idea he wants to talk to you about. Then if you say no, I'll send someone else, and that will be end of it."
Vin eyed Travis, then shrugged. "I guess it couldn't hurt none to talk to the man."
"He's waiting for you at the hotel, in the dining room," Travis said. "Hear him out then make your own decision."
"Mister Tanner," Ezra called as Vin moved toward the door, "do you want one of us to accompany you?"
"Nah," Vin replied. "Appreciate it, though."
Five sets of eyes watched the tracker walk out the door into the sunlight and make his way across the street. As soon as he went inside the hotel, the remaining hired protectors turned to their employer.
"What's the deal?" Buck asked, turning to Judge Travis.
It only took Vin a moment to let his eyes adjust to the dim light inside the hotel's dining room. He found Judge Roberts and ambled over to the table. "Judge Travis says you want to have a word with me," Vin said, coming right to the point.
"I took Judge Travis's advice, and I spoke with several of the citizens here you were hired to protect," Roberts began. "They seem to think very highly of you, especially the young man that was injured yesterday."
"Shouldn't be bothering folks, especially JD," Vin said. "He needs his rest to get better."
"Be that as it may," the other man said, waving for Vin to take a seat. "Our conversation was pretty short, just long enough for him to tell me all about Eli Joe and the phony Marshal's attempt to kidnap and murder you."
Vin just shrugged, but Roberts could see the small smile that played on Vin's lips.
"The fact is, Mister Tanner, I owe you my life," Roberts continued. "That's not a debt I take lightly. I'd like a chance to repay you, if you'll do me the courtesy of trusting me."
"How's that?" Vin asked, eyeing the other man with misgiving.
"There are far too many flyers out there on men with very little real proof against them," Roberts said. "It's been a goal of mine to correct as many of these injustices as possible. What I'd like to do is have you come back to Pecos with me, and I'll convene a hearing. If it's as you say, and there's no real evidence against you, I can dismiss the charges and have the posters on you recalled."
"Can you do that?" Vin asked. The spark of hope in his blue eyes was there for anyone to see. He took a deep breath before he spoke. "How long do I got to decide?"
"I'm afraid not very long," Roberts answered. "I believe the stage will be pulling out sometime after lunch."
Vin nodded, but the judge couldn't help but notice the frown that formed.
"Is that a problem?" Roberts asked.
"Not really," Vin answered. "I was just hoping Chris and Josiah would be back before now. Kinda made a promise that Chris could come with me if I ever headed back to Texas."
"I'm sorry your friends haven't made it back yet, but if we don't leave today, it'll be another week before the stage going east comes back again," Roberts explained, "or else we could wait for them to return and hire a buggy to get us as far as the train."
"Nah," Vin said with a shake of his head. Just the idea of spending most of the day traveling in a rented buggy made his backside ache. "That's okay. I just need a little time to think on it."
"Very well," Roberts said standing and offering his hand. "I'll be at the stage office later. I hope you'll be there." He pushed his chair in and walked toward the staircase leading to the room, then turned back toward Vin. "For the record, I've spoken to Judge Travis and he has agreed to allow you all the time you need to take care of this matter. He also let me know in no uncertain terms that if I was up to - how did he put it? - anything underhanded, he'd have my head on a pike, fellow Judge or not."
Vin couldn't help but grin at Judge Travis's faith in him, and watched until the older man disappeared up the stairs. He turned and went out the door, back toward the jail. Just before he stepped up on the boardwalk, he suddenly turned and walked slowly to the livery. Climbing up the ladder into the hayloft, he made his way over to the upper doorway and sat. He leaned his back against the door frame and looked over the town, his eyes resting on the distant horizon. As much as he would have liked to have taken a ride out into the desert to think, he knew he didn't have much time.
After almost an hour of silent meditation, Vin stood and took a moment to stretch the kinks out of his muscles, smiling as he watched JD poke his head out of the jail door and glance up in his direction again, like he had been doing the last half an hour. He made his way back down from the loft and ambled over to where his friends were waiting.
Vin walked back into the jail, a smile on his face. When he looked around he noticed one of their number was missing. "Where's Buck?"
"I sent him to gather his things," Travis replied. "Whether or not Ezra goes is up to you."
"Would you trust him, Judge?" Vin asked their employer
"I think I would, Vin," Travis answered. "Far be it for me believe all judges are perfect..." Travis ignored the smirks and a snort with a distinctly Southern twang, "...but last night, I had Mary send out some discreet inquiries. Every one of them that came back this morning said Roberts was a fair and honest judge."
Vin ducked his head for a few seconds, as he seemed to be contemplating Travis's words. Finally he raised his head and smiled. "Well Ezra, I guess you got the town to yourself 'til Chris gets back," Vin said with a smile. "Try to leave it standing."
"Are you certain, Mister Tanner?" the gambler said, locking a serious gaze with Vin.
"Yeah, I am," Vin answered, his voice tinged with surprise. "I just might have a real chance to clear my name." He turned to Travis. "Thanks, Judge."
Travis smiled and nodded. "You're welcome."
"Wish I was going with you," JD said, trying to hide his disappointment.
"Me too, kid," Vin said. "But you're still not up to snuff yet. You do what Nathan tells you and you'll be fine and dandy by the time I get back."
"You be careful," Nathan cautioned.
"I'll take good care of him," came Buck's booming voice from the door. "Hey Vin, we're burning daylight here. Best go get your stuff."
"Ezra, do me a favor and tell Chris…" Vin began, then he paused, trying to find just the right words to let Chris know how disappointed he was that the man in black wouldn't be taking this trip with him.
"Don't worry, Vin," Ezra supplied. "I'll give Mister Larabee the message. Perhaps if things remain quiet here, he can join you in a few days."
Vin nodded and went out the door past the smiling ladies man, the rest of their group going over to the waiting stagecoach. It took Vin just a few minutes to gather what he needed and pack it into his saddlebags. His mare's leg was in its holster and he carried his long rifle. By the time he walked over to the waiting stagecoach, Inez and Mary had joined Judge Travis and the others under the shade of the boardwalk.
Inez handed Buck a bundle wrapped in a tablecloth. "For your journey, Senors," she said, planting a small peck on Buck's cheek. "Vaya con Dios, come home safe."
Buck smiled down at the fiery Spanish beauty. "Why darlin', I do believe you're going miss me!"
"Don't kid yourself," she retorted. "It's about time I got some peace and quiet around here." She spun on her heel and made her way back into the saloon, but when she turned back to wave, he could see her eyes dancing playfully.
"Take care of yourselves," Mary said, giving each man a quick hug. "Both of you."
"Will do, ma'am," Vin said, tipping his hat to her.
"All right, folks," called the new driver, "if we're going to make Lordsburg before dark, we got to get going." The new guard was sitting by the driver waiting.
With that, the small Owens family was helped into the coach first, followed by Judge Roberts.
Buck eyed the door skeptically. "You want to ride inside first?"
"Not really," Vin chuckled. He swung himself onto the top of the coach, settling in at the back of the deck. "We can trade off after a while."
Buck opened the door wide and with a sigh made a move toward the steps. He turned when a hand caught his sleeve.
"Do me a favor?" JD was saying, his hazel eyes dark with worry. "Just… behave yourself."
"Don't I always?" Buck replied, tipping the younger man's bowler hat off the back of his head. As JD blew out an exasperated breath and bent down to pick up his hat, Buck grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him into a quick hug. "Thanks, kid," he said only loud enough for JD to hear, causing the younger man to smile. Then the lanky cowboy joined the other passengers inside the coach.
As soon as he was sitting down, the driver flicked the reins and started the horses moving. The small group of well-wishers watched until the stage disappeared from view before they slowly disbanded and made their way to where they each needed to be.
It was getting close to dusk when two horses plodded into town, their riders reining to a stop in front of the saloon. The weary men climbed down and tied the horses to the hitching post. The man in black looked around the street and shrugged at the other, a small smile curving his lips to show he was pleased that the town appeared to be none the worse for their absence. The big ex-preacher clapped the other on the back and led him into the cool interior of the saloon.
As soon as Chris's eyes adjusted to the light inside the saloon, he looked around for the rest of the peacekeepers. "Am I glad to be home," he said to the bigger man as they walked back to their usual table.
"Oh really?" queried the other. "You didn't seem to mind last night with the lovely - what was her name? - sitting on your lap."
"Don't remember," Chris answered sullenly, practically falling into a chair. "I can't believe Maria up and got married." Just then he spotted Ezra behind the bar with Inez.
"Hey Ezra," called Josiah. "How about a bottle and two glasses for a couple of weary travelers?"
Ezra nodded his acknowledgment of their presence and bent down to retrieve a bottle of the 'good stuff', as Buck often called it. As he made his way around the end of the bar, he could see Nathan and JD coming in the door, as well as Judge Travis. The gambler turned around and grabbed several more clean tumblers from the end of the bar before joining his friends. Greetings were exchanged as the group assembled around the table. Moments after they settled into chairs, Inez appeared with a steaming pot of menudo, a stack of fresh tortillas and bowls to go around.
"Inez, you are truly an angel sent from heaven," Josiah declared gratefully as she dished up a heaping bowl and placed it in front of him.
"So Chris, how come you guys are a day and a half late?" JD asked around a mouthful of tortilla.
"Not to mention more than just a dollar short," Josiah added with a wicked grin.
Chris glared in the preacher's direction before answering. "We stopped for the night in Purgatorio, then the weather got bad and we stayed another night. The storm do much damage around here?"
"Not really," Nathan replied. "It was here and gone pretty quick."
Chris finally seemed to look around and notice the missing peacekeepers. "Where's Vin and Buck? They don't usually miss a meal." The rest of the group turned their attention to Judge Travis. All of a sudden Chris wasn't very hungry. "What's going on?"
"We had a bit of excitement while you were gone," Travis started. "A gang attacked the stage just east of town and several men were killed…"
Chris's face lost all color and he felt his blood run cold and he turned his attention to the dark-skinned healer. "Vin… Buck? They all right?"
"No! No," Travis hurried to assure the man. "The stage driver, the guard and one of the passengers. The boys got there just in time to keep anyone else from getting killed, including one of the passengers who happens to be a judge out of Pecos. Buck and Ezra got the stage back to town while Vin and JD went after the gang; that's how JD ended up with a nasty bump on his head. Anyway, it turns out the robbery was a ruse to kill the Judge, and they tried again last night while the he was here in the saloon. And Vin saved his life a second time." Travis took a breath and braced himself before continuing. "The Texas Rangers asked for our help in getting the Judge back to Pecos in one piece, so when he headed out this afternoon, Vin and Buck went with him."
"WHAT?!" Chris practically exploded. The only thing that kept him in his chair was Josiah's hand on his arm restraining him. "What the hell do you mean you sent Vin to Texas without anyone else to watch his back except Buck?! First pretty girl he sees walking his way and he won't even remember Vin's around!"
"That's not fair!" JD cried in protest, jumping up to loom over the seated Larabee. "Never once in all this time has Buck not been there when we needed him. NOT EVER." But the movement was too quick for his still healing head and he began to tip precariously to one side.
Chris reached out to steady him only to have JD pull his arm away. The man in black watched as Nathan helped the Seven's youngest back into his chair.
"Sorry Kid," Chris said. He shook his head in chagrin as he realized how his outburst must have sounded. He thought to himself that maybe he was getting too old for this kind of a hangover. He let his initial concern for Vin override his faith in his oldest friend, who he knew without a doubt would make sure Vin stayed safe. "You're right. Buck's a good man. But why on earth would Vin go back to Texas, with the reward on his head and all? Doesn't that Judge knows who he is?"
"He does," Travis admitted. "That's exactly why Vin went with him. Judge Roberts is going to hold a hearing when they get to Pecos. He's going to weigh the evidence and consider dropping the charges altogether and get those posters recalled."
"No fooling?" Josiah asked.
"No fooling," Travis assured him. "By this time next month, he could be a free man. That's why Vin agreed to go back to Texas. And as far as Buck going with him, it was his choice. He thought his being a lawman in the past might help Vin's case. I needed Ezra here in case Tyler came back looking for the Judge. JD needs a little more time for that knot on his head to heal, and we really couldn't spare Nathan that long."
"They could've waited 'til we got back," Chris argued.
"You were already overdue," Travis countered. "We had a good idea where you'd gone, but we didn't know how long you'd be. Judge Roberts needed to get back to Pecos."
"I still don't like it," Chris said, pushing his chair back as he stood. "How much of a head start do they have?"
"Forget it, Chris," Nathan answered, recognizing the look of determination in the green eyes of the gunslinger. "It's too late to go after them tonight. They'll be in Lordsburg by now then they're taking the train to Texas in the morning. You'd never catch up to them in time."
Everyone relaxed just a fraction at Chris's long sigh.
"Your best bet would be to get some sleep and leave fresh in the morning," Ezra offered.
Chris frowned, but nodded in agreement. He took a step or two before turning back to his friends at the table. "Preacher, you feel up to another long ride?"
Realizing Chris was inviting him to go along, he nodded. "Sure," he replied.
Chris looked over at the judge to see if there were going to be any objections. When there weren't, the dark clothed man looked back at the somber preacher. "Vin may need someone to speak for him in court," Chris offered in explanation.
"And you did a powerfully good job at my father's trial," agreed Nathan.
"And while Mister Wilmington may be one of the best with a gun and in a fight, his diplomacy skills are somewhat lacking," Ezra added, offering JD a lopsided grin.
"You'll get no argument from me on that," JD said, raising both hands in surrender.
"Not that I don't think you're up to the challenge," Chris added, looking back at their resident gambler with a hint of smile. "But I know how much you would love sleeping under the stars every night for a week."
"Heaven forbid!" Ezra agreed. But they all knew that if he was asked, he would go without hesitation.
"That means you're in charge, Ezra - try not to let it go to your head," Chris said. "But I sure hate leaving you shorthanded."
"Have no fear, Mister Larabee," Ezra said smoothly. "Mister Dunne here will be fine in a few days, and the three of us will be able to handle whatever comes along." He ignored the snort coming from Nathan.
"And I'll be in town a few more days," assured Travis.
"All right then," Chris said. "First light," he directed at Josiah, who nodded.