SIX WEEKS IN THE LIFE OF…

The drive to the ranch presented its own set of challenges. Ezra became quite defensive about the idea of travelling by ambulance, even though he knew holding himself up seated for that long was unrealistic.

"If you want to get out there, you have to agree."

"Not an invalid Nathan. I don't need an…" he paused to focus, "an ambulance."

"I know you're not an invalid," Nathan patience was being sorely tested, "but unless you have a better idea, this is how we have to do things."

"Want to walk out of here."

"Not happening Ezra – it's barely been two weeks. I know you're feeling stronger, but that just not happening yet. You need the chair, and will for a bit longer. You fall and bust something, it'll only slow the whole process down." Nathan got no response other that a low growl.

His joy at leaving was tempered by the circumstance, but he did rally himself to turn on the charm for the staff he was leaving behind. Each of them had received warmest thanks and farewells on his final day there. No one could quite believe this was how he was leaving them – on the road to recovery.

The pout on his face was replaced by disbelieving pleasure as Buck pulled up in an SUV. "Somebody here call for a ride?" he teased. "Welcome to your chariot." He opened the back door to reveal a special designed support seat. "This should give you everything you need to keep you safe and comfy for the ride."

"You didn't buy this just for me?"

"Nah - Dr. Roberts told me where I could get my hands on one of these. We've got it leased for a month so that you can get around when you want to. Sorry Ezra, but for the moment we're gonna have to help you in and out."

"Quite acceptable Buck. More than grateful for the lift."

Josiah and Buck helped him get settled, and Nathan climbed into the back seat beside him. "JD, Chris and Vin are out at the ranch already." Josiah saw the slightly apprehensive look on Ezra's face. "Don't worry about anything son. You don't have to do anything you're not feeling up to. We're going to have a bit of a celebration, and just knowing you're in the house will be enough for us."

"No – I'll be fine. Not tired." Less than two minutes later he was asleep, and remained that way for the duration of the trip, waking only when Josiah transferred him to his wheelchair. He scowled at it, but voiced no objection.

"Welcome to your home away from home Ezra. I know you'd rather be on your own but for now-"

"No Chris – I'm indebted to you for this. All of this. More than I can say."

"No debt Ezra – it's what friends do. No – it's what family does. Come on, let's get you settled."

"Please – one favour first?" Chris didn't need to ask what it was.

"JD is taking care of it right now. I'll take you 'round back." He wheeled the chair around the house and they all got to see Ezra face light up at the sight of Chaucer waiting for him. JD let go of the bridle and the horse was across the yard in an instant. He stopped beside the chair, lowering his head to nuzzle into his owner's neck. "Oh, my friend, I have missed you." He leaned against the horse for a few minutes, trying to contain his emotions.

"Come on Ezra," Vin squatted beside the chair. "Think you need to get inside and get settled in. JD will keep an eye on Chaucer a little longer for you. Two of them seem to be getting along just fine."

"Yes – he looks well cared for. Thank you, JD, – for everything."

The younger man smile. "Loved doin' it Ezra. That is one fine beast you got. Missed you something fierce. Here, you might want to give him this." He slipped a mint into Ezra's hand, and watched with great satisfaction as the horse gently took it.

His room rivaled that of any care facility. A hospital bed, physio equipment, and even an intercom system set up. Chris had even converted the shower to be wheelchair accessible, since standing for any length of time remained a challenge. To keep him occupied there was a large screen TV with every imaginable accessory. His stereo unit was set up as well, with headphones to spare the others his musical preferences. Most to his liking the tablet sitting next to his bed. While still in his room at long term care facility he'd discovered he was far too weak and tired hold onto a book for any time at all. JD quickly clued in to the problem, and the next day presented him with a lighter tablet loaded with the same books, including audio options for most of them. The simple kindness of the action almost brought a tear to Ezra, and he fought to hide that as he expressed his gratitude.

They'd had a much quieter celebration than planned, as Ezra slept through until early evening. They held off on dinner until he could join them, or more accurately they could join him, crowding into his room so he wouldn't have to stir from his comfort. As much as he appreciated the gesture, he found the space becoming claustrophobic quickly.

"Please –Chris. I'd like to see the stars. Need to be outside."

After a quick look to Nathan, whose nod indicated it likely wouldn't be a problem and everyone scattered to make preparations. When Josiah moved over to lift Ezra from his bed, the younger man shook his head. "Just help. Want to try to move some on my own." At Josiah's concerned look, he bristled slightly. "Have to start some time. Feel rested now." Reluctantly, the big man held out his arms to give Ezra something to grab onto. He pulled himself up slowly, grabbing on with what strength he could find as he swung his legs over the side, and lowered himself till his feet hit the floor. His legs felt like rubber as he shifted himself around to the chair, and it took every fibre of energy he had to move into position. He would have collapsed into the seat had Josiah not taken over and lowered him more gently, all the while trying to make Ezra think he was doing it himself.

"Well," he let out an exhausted sigh, "that was not precisely what I had anticipated, but I do applaud you for keeping my ass off the floor." He looked at his friend. "Perhaps I'll let you do the lifting when it's time to get back in there."

"Not a problem." Josiah wore a satisfied smile as he manoeuvred Ezra out to the patio.

They sat in companionable silence as Ezra stared at the night sky for several minutes before lowering his gaze and meeting Chris's eyes.

"How long has it been since I've seen the stars Chris?"

He hadn't been expecting the question that night, but had determined when it was asked, he be honest.

"All told, roughly 6 months." The others watched Ezra, waiting for a reaction, and ready to step in if it was bad.

"My word. I knew it had to have been some time, but that long?"

"You ok Pard?" Ezra shrugged slightly. "Do you remember what happened?" A quick shake of the head was the only response. "You want to know?"

"I do. Just give me a moment. Nathan, I know the answer, but have to ask. Might I have a small shot of brandy? It's been a while."

He knew he should say no. Ezra was still on some medications; none for pain, none narcotic, but still not the best time to add alcohol to his system. He'd eaten little, and wasn't ready yet. Alcohol was not going to be a solution to anything. Nathan knew all of that as he stood up and walked over to the outside bar, grabbed a glass and pour a half shot for the man.

Ezra took in gratefully in a shaky hand, and slowly sipped. A small smile crossed his face, and with the second sip, spread wide enough to show them all the trademark gold sparkle once again. "Nectar of the gods."

"Savour it Ezra. Be a while until you get another."

"Hopefully not six additional months. Understood Nathan. And thank you." Nate nodded his acknowledgement.

"Was anyone else hurt when – it happened."

"Thanks to you, just that bad guys." Chris smiled at him.

"You played hero again – you have got to learn to duck better if you're gonna keep doing that son."

"I think Josiah, it would be wiser if I stopped doing it."

"But you won't." Ezra again shrugged.

"What's the last thing you remember?" Vin looked at him intently. Ezra was quiet for a couple of minutes.

"We'd finished a case – in fact a couple I think. We were planning a bit of relaxation. I was on my way to the ranch." His forehead creased as he tried to recall more detail, but nothing would come to him. They could see the strain of the discussion starting to show on his face. "We should to talk about this later." Vin put his hand on Ezra's. "You don't need to be tiring yourself out on the first day home."

"No, I need to know. I feel like I am living in a haze. I think I stopped for some reason.

Liquor!" He looked at the now empty glass in his hand. "I stopped for some decent libations. There was a fool robbing the place. No, two. Sirens. I remember sirens. They panicked." Ezra was lost in the moment as the memory flooded back.

"Hardly the selection I was hoping for, but then again, what can one expect from a roadside liquor establishment" Ezra thought while scanning over the shelves for a suitable selection. He knew his compatriots would be drinking beer for most of the weekend, and the Chris would have an admirable selection available. But for evenings by the fire, something more subtle was required. A fine brandy, a smooth Kentucky bourbon, or a blended scotch whisky. The options in from this vendor were severely limited for all of the above. Given his choice, he'd be picking up Remy Martin, Four Roses, The Glenlivet Single Malt, or Dewars. However, here it looked like he'd be settling for more pedestrian options. He should have dipped into his private stock, but hadn't expected to be so disappointed in his search.

It was when he turned toward the cash he realized disappointing spirits would be the least of his concerns today. He was staring at a gun pointed in his direction, with another aimed at the terrified cashier. The other three store customers were equally frozen in place.

"Nobody moves – nobody dies!"

Just what he needed to hear – bad movie dialogue. Clearly these hooligans were not functioning to full capacity. The guns shook in their hands, and their inability to stay still showed both nerves and what was likely an overdose of some substance. "Drugs and stupid do seem to go hand in hand" he thought.

Ezra tried to keep a calm look on his face, while silently cursing himself out. His weapon was locked in the car, and the small back-up gun at his ankle was not exactly accessible at the moment. With luck, the money would be handed over, the idiots robbing the place would take flight and he could pursue them without endangering anyone. Luck was not on his side today. He heard the sirens closing in, as did the gunmen.

"Shit Tommy – the cops. SHIT!"

"We got hostages – we'll be fine. Don't worry –we'll get even more now!"

No one moved as they watched police car sliding into the parking lot. The arrival of a second car sent the thieves into panic mode.

Fools. Ezra wasn't entirely sure whether this word was aimed at the stoned thieves or the police officers who were making their intention of charging the building so apparent.

"They're coming in!" Ezra made his move when the gun which had been pointed in his general direction swung around to take aim at the door. As the other thief reached for a woman by the cash started pulling her near, Ezra leapt toward him, throwing the bottle of bourbon at the other man to distract him. With his now freed hand he grabbed the intended shield, pulling her behind him as he reached out to block the gunman's hand. They were instantly in a clinch, grappling for control of the weapon. Ezra's hand grabbed the barrel, registering immediately it was a smaller caliber that the other weapon had been. That thought struck him at the same moment the first bullet did. He fought the instinctive reaction of letting go, even as he felt the gun fire several more times. With the will of a last act, he turned the weapon as he fell, directing the last shot into the neck of the assailant, and both bodies fell to the ground.

He didn't know what had happened to the other robber, or to anyone else in the store. He couldn't see or hear anything going on around him anymore. He had a vague sense of hands moving over him, pressing against what he knew were mortal wounds. His last thought as he closed his eyes was that the rest of the team was going to have to settle for just beer this weekend.

Josiah tried not to run as he carried Ezra back to his room. Nathan had already gone ahead and was starting up the oxygen tank next to the bed. It was there to help with sleeping problems, but now had a more pressing purpose. The flashback had led to a panic attack. The weakened man was hyperventilating, struggling to get air, and at the same time trying to fight the hands that sought to comfort him. Josiah had scooped him out of the chair, pressing Ezra gently to his chest, smothering any movements he tried to make.

A moment later he was stretched out on the bed with the oxygen mask in place, and six sets of hands trying to hold him without hurting or distressing him further. It took several anxious minutes for the attack to start to fade, and several more for Ezra's breathing to return to normal. Gradually, he calmed and the others were able to relax their hold on him, though none were ready to break contact entirely. Finally, Nathan took the oxygen mask away.

Ezra was mortified by his actions, and could not bring himself to open his eyes to see the disappointment and disgust he expected to encounter. The breakdown was embarrassing. They had all been in the line of fire before; they had all been wounded before. What had transpired in the last few minutes was simply an inexcusable display of weakness.

"Gentlemen, I cannot begin-"

"Don't even think about it Standish." Chris's voice growled. "I know that look and you have nothing to apologize for."

"Ezra? Pard? Look at me." Vin's voice was unbelievably soft in comparison to Larabee's. "Ezra, that wasn't a request. Look at me. Look at us."

Reluctantly the southerner opened his eyes. Whatever he had been expecting to see, it wasn't there. Six faces looked at him. All he could read on them was concern, compassion and understanding.

"You've got a lot to process, and you're not exactly at your physical peak right now. Not one of us is gonna blame you for anything that you say or do that helps you get through this. We are here for you – no judgement, no criticisms. You understand?"

Ezra allowed his gaze to drift over each man. None of them said a word, but their faces spoke volumes. Slowly, Ezra nodded, not yet trusting himself to speak.

"OK then. Got that all straightened out." Buck was grinning as if the last 20 minutes had never happened. "Since you look so comfy all settled into those pillows I think we oughtta let you get a good sleep for the night. I will be making my famous flapjacks for breakfast, so I expect you to avoid sleeping in until noon." He was pleased to get a slight smile and a nod as response.

Nathan pulled a seat near to the bed, indicating his intention to make sure his patient stayed calm falling asleep. "Buck's right – everybody out. I'll join you all in a few minutes."

As they turned to leave Ezra reached out and weakly grabbed at Chris's arm, causing the man to turn back immediately and step closer. "What do you need Ezra?"

"The others – the woman?" He was almost afraid to ask, but had to know.

"Like I said before Ezra – nobody but you got hurt. And the bad guys – they got dead. The lady in question would really like to see you when you're feeling up to it."

"Hardly necessary."

"It'd make her feel better. Think it would be good for you too." Ezra looked up and could see a hint of a gleam in their leader's eye.

"I do believe you are keeping secrets Mr. Larabee. You know I abhor secrets."

"Unless they're your own. Don't worry Mr. Standish." Ezra grinned at the small dig. "It'll be a pleasant little surprise."

With that he turned and followed the others who had already departed to leave the man in peace and quiet.

"Don't worry Ezra, I'm not babysitting you. Just want to make sure everything is set up in here for the night."

"A transparent lie Nathan, but I shall accept it in the spirit intended." Ezra's eyes were closed as he finished the thought, and the gently rhythmic breathing that followed a moment later showed sleep was fast in coming.

TBC

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