A/N: Sorry it's been away little time between postings, work & family. Thanks for all of the reviews, and suggestions, the going to Chris' cabin may not be a bad idea.

Appearances Darlin', are Everything

Part IV

"Well of course I had to comment on the compliment they had paid to my dear Ezra because as we all know he never would have," there it was again, that smile of hers, Chris was starting to get a headache from all the charm this woman was using on them. I wonder if it just comes naturally to her, or does she have to work at being that sly. "Ezra never has been one to accept a compliment, why I remember this time wh-."

"Hey ya, Ez! Vin!" JD had been watching for the pair all afternoon, he called the other six men his family, but for some reason he felt closer to the two men who had just returned. Anyone outside of the group would say it was Buck the young sheriff was closer to, but it was the two in front of them now who never treated him like a kid, who respected him as an equal. Ez don't look so good, I hope Vin found out what is wrong.

"JD, Boys . . . Mrs. Standish." The tracker's greeting was friendly as always, only his eyes betrayed something was wrong.

"Mr. Dunne, gentlemen, Mother."

Even though Ezra was standing right there in front of them, Chris had the feeling he was miles away. The gunslinger also noted the fact that Vin was standing close to Ezra, and seemed to be blocking him from . . . Maude? Well, now that's going to warrant a talk later, but which do I try to talk to first?

"You boys have a nice ride?" The black clad gunslinger drawled, watching Ezra for a second before making eye contact with the Texan. Asking the tracker without too many words about the condition of their resident gambler, and not liking the answer those blue eyes relayed to him.

"Sure did Cowboy, dual though . . . place is quieter than Josiah's church," there was humor in the answer, the Seven had developed the habit on using each others hobbies as a source of amusement, jokes about Ezra's card games, Buck's ladies, but the ex-bounty hunter took pride on being the one to get Josiah the most. The fact that he answered the question seemed to say that whatever was wrong could be fixed with time, and anyone who knew the Texan knew that he would take all of that he needed to help his friend.

"Yes, I must concur with Mr. Tanner. Apparently the miscreants that usually frequent this fair hamlet seemed to have declared today a holiday or day of rest. Let us hope that this good fortune does continue. Now if you gentlemen will excuse me, I believe my feather bed is summoning me." With a tip of his hat and a flash of a gold Ezra was on his way to the stairs. "I will endeavor to be up early so that I may accompany you out to Mrs. Wells' ranch tomorrow Mr. Tanner," Ezra added over his shoulder as an afterthought, an afterthought which managed to get a few head turns and raised eyebrows.

"Oh Ezra, darlin' wait I really must speak with you." Maude yelled to the back of her retreating son. Before the other six lawmen knew what had happened she grabbed her bag and was halfway up the stairs towards Ezra's room, however, their gambler had quickly turned around and was now strolling back towards their usual table. The others noted that Ezra walked with the same grace he always displayed but still seemed to almost run down the stairs.

"You know Mr. Tanner; I do recall you mentioned procuring me a libation before we retired. I do believe I will accept your gracious offer." Ezra made this announcement as he slipped into the chair his mother had just vacated, the action placing the card sharp securely between Vin and Josiah, and leaving the only empty seat at the table next to a now scowling and confused Chris Larabee. Now Mother, how serious are you about talking? Will you face Mr. Larabee's personality and set next to him or will you give up till tomorrow? "I also seem to remember your desire for Mr. Wilmington to resume his narration of our dangerous escapades in the fair town of Eagle Bend. Mr. Wilmington, if you would be so kind, I am sure our comrades have suffered enough suspense in this matter." It was at this point in the conversation that the youngest member of this miss-matched team remembered he could talk, and choose to prove it to everyone at the table, with gusto.

"Wow, Vin you promised to buy Ez a drink. What happened, did you lose a beat or something, I mean do you know how much that stuff he drinks cost? Wait, Ezra . . . you're coming with us tomorrow to see Ms. Nettie? Ain't that kind of early for ya to be up?"

Ezra sent an amused look around the table as JD continued to spout off questions at a rate that seemed physically impossible for anyone but the young peacekeeper. Good Lord, I do hope he stops to breath soon, I believe Mr. Dunne is beginning to turn blue.

As Ezra continued to listen to his fellow peacekeeper he could feel the holes being burned into his back by Maude's stare, and from the glances Chris and Vin were throwing in her direction he got the distinct impression that her poker face was getting a bit rusty. Then suddenly, she was right behind him, well within his personal space, breaking through the imaginary wall that seemed to exist around him as a way to keep people at a distance. It was a sense of presence that Ezra had spent years mastering to keep people out, and with the exception of the six men at the table it always worked. Odd, why do I never mind when one of them gets so close, but I can't even stand my own mother near me. Ezra was about to make a comment on JD's ability to breath while talking when he felt a small feminine hand come to rest on his shoulder. Everyone at the table sensed the sudden tension emanating from the southern; even the young sheriff had felt it, his run on words coming to a stop. To the other occupants of the saloon nothing seemed out of peace, the slight change in Ezra's posture only being visible to someone close to him, or someone watching for it.

"Ezra, my dear, I really feel I must ask your friends to excuse you for the night. I've traveled quite some distance to discuss matters with you . . . all the way from San Francisco. Since it seems your time tomorrow has already been spoken for, tonight would be the best." The con woman drawled out, the whole time tighten her grip on her son's shoulder to the point where it was becoming painful, and would no doubt leave a mark. This action brought sympathetic winces from the other lawmen at the table, along with a few looks of pure rage.

"Why Mother, your last letter said you were in St. Louis, whatever were you doing in . . . San Francisco?" The question was harmless and drawled no major looks of concern from any of the observers of the exchange, with the exception of Vin who had noticed the stumble on Ezra's part over the name of the big city. This stumble seemed out of place for the smooth talking southern that used his words as both weapons and a shield. Well, that's interesting, wonder what's in that city he don't want her knowing about . . . or us knowing about?

"Why dear I was visiting a dear friend of yours. They were quite interested in how you were faring, they miss you immensely and wished me to pass along a message, Aaarrrggg!" The sudden scream caused everyone in the saloon to jump, the stream of curses that fell from that fine lady's mouth made them all stare. There behind Ezra's chair stood Maude Standish soaked and dripping with the round of drinks Vin had ordered for the group and behind her, holding the tray the drinks had been on stood Inez. There was a wave of giggles from the peacekeepers, which soon grew into outright laughter as the man looked at the Spanish bartender's face. Some how Inez looked both sorry for what had happened and proud at being the one behind the southern woman's current discomfort. When Inez realized she was being watched she rushed forward to help clean the distraught woman quickly covering up the smile on her face at the men's laughter.

"Oh, Senora Standish, I'm so sorry! Please let me dry you off!" The movement of Inez's towel looked more like the movement of a whip then the motion of a towel drying someone off, it soon ended though when Maude released her hold on Ezra in an attempt to get away from the Spanish woman's helpful hands. Inez only continued to help her until, to Vin's delight, Maude's movements resulted in Inez standing between mother and son. Now what will you do Senora?

"It is quite alright my dear, things happen; we must not hold people to blame for accidents. It is just a dress, nothing to be so worked up over." So I have to watch out for her as well. My, my Ezra, you have been busy . . . who else in this dust bowl will protect you, who else will I learn is against me. "Ezra, perhaps you would help me back to the hotel so that I may collect myself?"

Ezra, who had been frozen since Maude's hand landed on his shoulder suddenly, felt as if the room was getting smaller. "Well Mother . . . I-."

"I would be honored Mrs. Standish, if you would allow me to accompany you to the hotel. It is on the way to the church, so it would be no trouble ma'am." Josiah stood holding out his arm to the con woman, with a charming smile of his own. I need to get her away from Ezra; I don't know how much more my boy can take. A look towards the card sharp displayed a pair of forest green eyes displaying a sense pf gratitude the likes of which Josiah had never seen before in the young man. What happened to you son, what did this woman do? I hope Vin got you to talk to him, so we may know how to help.

"Yes Mother, perhaps you would allow Mr. Sanchez the honor of your company. I fear I must also adjourn to my closet for fresh apparel." Please, please leave with Josiah!

"Well of course dear, I did not realize you gotten soiled as well. I will see you gentlemen tomorrow. Good night my dear Ezra, I will see you for lunch tomorrow." With a small kiss to the top of his head, a pat on his shoulder and a smile Maude took Josiah's offered arm and left for the hotel. No sooner than the batwing doors had swung close the gambler was on his feet, making a beeline for his room.

Oh, hell! "Ezra wait!"

"Ah need to get out of here Mr. Tanner."

He's losing control . . . his accents getting stronger. Dame I pushed to hard, I shouldn't have brought him back. Now what do we do? "Ez, come on. Let's talk-." The tracker had the terrible feeling this was his last chance, if he let Ezra out of his sight now he may not find him again.

"NO Vin! Ah'm sorry, but ah can't do this! Ah need to get out of here, right now!" In a flash the red jacket was gone, up the stairs before the remaining four regulators could catch up with the conversation.

"What just happened here?" Chris demanded to the back of Vin's retreating form.

"I don't know Cowboy, but I aim to find out." The tracker was gone from view as well, leaving four confused friends and a silent bartender in his wake. The ex-bounty hunter all but ran up the steps after the escaping gambler, confusing the others even more.

"Don't know 'bout you boys, but I feel like there's a story there I really want to hear." Buck was making to follow the runaway pair when he realized the other three had been spurred into the same motion. Hope Ezra don't mind the company. Just then a thought crossed Buck's mind. "Ms. Inez, I can't recall a time you've ever dropped a drink? Why you're as graceful as Ezra."

"There is a first time for everything Senior Buck." A wink, and a smirk then the four peacekeepers were left alone to follow their friends for answers. The lawmen of Four Corners were suddenly missing their usual miscreants, they were easier to understand and deal with. You point your gun, they either stop or you pull the trigger, problem solved. These family matters were harder to deal with, especially when it involved any family of the seven gunmen.

A/N: Go Inez, she's a good girl! Wonder what's up with San Francisco, just keep reading. I'll keep writing.