Chapter 2

Beau's gasp drew Ezra's attention as the boys froze in place. Ezra darted controlled glances around the room trying to determine what had so frightened the boys. Ashburne Dumont he's not even allowed to be in Colorado without contacting Vin first. Ezra removed his cell phone.

"Ezra it is rude to make a call during a meal," Maude huffed.

"Mother, I don't give a damn," Ezra snarled as he hit a preselected number. "Mr. Larabee, I am at Maurice's on 3rd street. I have Beau and Dev with me. Ashburne Dumont has just entered the restaurant," Ezra explained the situation.

"I'll call Denver PD and send them over," Chris growled. "I'm on my way," he promised and hung up.

Dev crept out of his seat and pulled Beau to him. They slipped silently under the table. Ezra reached down and stroked the small bodies pressed tightly against his legs.

"Your uncles are coming," Ezra promised softly, "I will not allow him to harm you." Edmund moved Maude to his chair. Taking her seat at Ezra's left and turning it slightly to keep watch on the room.

"Dumont?" Dupret asked softly.

"Tall man gray eyes, blue suit, thinning brown hair," Ezra described.

"Why are the children so frightened of him?" Dupret whispered softly.

"Dev's broken arm is complements of that animal, along with assorted bruises and broken ribs between the two boys." Ezra responded distractedly.

Maude amazed Ezra by slipping from the chair and sliding under the table. The boys crept closer and cuddled up to her side. Ezra calmly drank coffee as he watched Ashburne. Edmund studied Standish as he waited.

Silently Chris slid into an empty chair. "Where are they?" he growled as he glared at Dumont.

"Unca Chrith?" Beau whispered.

"You boys OK?" he asked gently. Denver PD entered the room Chris pointed to Dumont.

"Sir if you would come with us?" the officer asked.

"Why?" Dumont demanded.

"There is a court order forbidding you to be in the same state with Devin and Beau Dumont," the officer announced.

"It isn't worth the paper it's written on," Ashburne smirked.

"Mr. Trubell," Edmund Dupret called.

"Yes Sir," Trubell answered recognizing Dupret.

"Is the contract signed?" Dupret asked.

"No it isn't sir," Trubell answered.

"Good I do not do business with child abusers," Dupret replied.

"Did Mr. Dumont inform you that his company is currently being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service?" Ezra asked. The people sharing Dumont's table exchanged glances and started dialing their phones.

A feral looking Vin charged into the dining room. His frantic gaze searched for his boys. Ezra pointed towards the table and Vin relaxed. Dumont cursed at Vin as he was led away.

"Hank, Tom, I want ta be notified if Dumont is released," Vin ordered the police officers.

"Sure Vin," Hank replied.

Dev carefully peeked out taking stock of the room. Chris smiled at how naturally the boy kept himself hidden as he studied the situation. He looks just like the cowboy on a stakeout. He stayed frozen in place until Chris told him he could come out. Crawling out he reached for Chris immediately.

"He's gone," Chris calmed the trembling child. Dev slowly released his death grip and searched the room.

Vin reached over lifting the boy into a long hard hug. Dev held on tight. Beau crept to the edge of the table and peeked out. "You can come out now," Chris repeated. He looked over at Dev and Vin slowly smiling and clamored up into Chris's arms.

"Unca Ezra kept uth thafe tilled ya got here," Beau sighed as he cuddled a moment. "Tante Maude thtayed with uth," Beau reminded.

"Mother," Ezra knelt offering a hand. Vin shifted Dev and Beau attached himself to the other shoulder.

"Thank ya fer calmin' the boys," Vin spoke in a sincere tone.

"Your most welcome Mr. Tanner...," Maude's voice trailed off as she compared three sets of brilliant blue eyes.

"They's mine," Vin answered the question in Maude's eyes.

"You are a fortunate man, Vin Tanner," Maude gently touched the unruly curls on each of the boys. The men were utterly shocked when Dev smiled and stroked Maude's cheek. "Is there anything that can be done to help Devin speak?" Maude asked softly.

"They's both seeing a councilor. She says it's a response ta traumatic shock," Vin replied honestly.

"I'm afraid I must be leaving Darling," Maude kissed Ezra's cheek. "Ezra, I'm proud of you," she whispered as she turned away.

Soon the men were alone at the table with the twins. "Mother seemed ...," Ezra stopped.

"Emotional" Chris suggested.

Sparkling eyes danced as the twins turned identical wicked grins on Ezra. "What are you two planing?" Ezra squirmed. Beau stuck his little finger and pointer finger into his mouth and blew a shrill whistle.

"Hey Pete where'th tha check?" He called to the humiliated Maitre d'. Ezra frowned then his dimples twitched into view.

"Pete the food was excellent but you could show a better selection of clientele," Ezra sniffed.