Please see chapter 1 for warnings and disclaimers.
A/N: Thanks to Wolfpyre for essentially betaing and offering invaluable advice on this story. Also, many thanks to JLbrew26 for your input on this chapter...it really helped!
Chapter 4
"They was here alright," Vin stated looking around the old smoke house where there was a decrepit army blanket atop a bed of hay as well as a roughly made wooden cage full of straw. "Looks like they was keepin' that hen here hopin' fer some eggs."
Ezra turned up his nose at the pungent smell associated with the curing of meat. "How they were able to get a decent night's rest here is beyond me."
"So where're they at now?" Chris wanted to know. After Ethan's escape, he'd run into Vin and Ezra as they were tracking down the hideaway of the two delinquents. One look between he and Vin was all that it took to catch each of them up on current events. Ezra politely requested the verbal version and the three then continued their search. Josiah and Buck were out canvassing the streets. Nathan had yet another emergency and had taken JD with him this time, concerned that he would need help with the injured cowboy, who had reportedly been gored and trampled by an enraged Angus bull.
Without speaking Vin headed out the door. He was able to follow their trail to the copse of trees behind the livery, but then it led back into town and was lost amidst the trampling of the general populous.
"If'n they was free an' clear, why'd they come back to town?" the sharpshooter wondered.
"That is certainly a surprising choice. Perhaps they realized that your tracking skills would put them back into our custody in short order should they continue."
Chris said nothing but his dark look was indicative of his mood and neither of the other men had any trouble knowing his intent. They would search until they found the pair. After which time heaven help the two miniature bunko artists.
M7~~~M7~~~ M7~~~M7
"There ain't nuthin' here that gives us a clue," a disgruntled Ethan complained.
"He's the type Mama described…kind of anyway. Didn't expect him to be any kinda lawman. He's sure got a nice set a duds and some fancy things." The child picked up a pair of cufflinks off of the dresser, fingering them with admiration before returning them to their rightful place.
"Why don't we just ask him?" Ethan's question was met with a scowl.
"Because ya don't go showin' yer hand before you've drawn yer last card."
"He's got the right name…or at least one of 'em that was on Mama's list."
"It was a long list. Could be a coincidence."
"What's the worst that could happen? He'd say no and we'd be on our way."
"He'd say no, hand us over to Larabee, and we could say goodbye to sitting down for nigh unto a month. Not to mention I've had more than enough menial labor to last me a lifetime."
Ethan rolled his eyes. "It's not that bad."
"Yeah, well you missed out on most of the work at the livery."
Ethan laughed at his twin's wrinkled nose, but his comic retort was cut short by his growling stomach. With the two switching places, each one managed at least one decent meal a day, but it had been a long time since breakfast. They'd had to be very careful about snatching anything since the seven men had captured Ethan.
"Besides, what do ya think their gonna do once we've finished all the work they've set out fer you. Either try'n find us a home or send us off ta the nearest orphanage."
"So what're we gonna do then?" Ethan wanted to know.
"There's a cattle drive passing through a few miles south a town. The foreman came inta the boot'n saddle shop needin' ta replace some gear."
Ethan shook his head, "Vin'd pick up our trail in no time."
"The cook came in for supplies. If he hasn't left town yet, we can hitch a ride in the back of his wagon."
"How ya think he's gonna react when we pop out an' say 'Hey, what's fer supper'?"
Ethan's query was met with a grin and a wink, "Just fine so long as he sees a few coins at the same time. We can even pay the man for our meal. It's not like we won't be winnin' it back from him later."
It was Ethan's turn to smile. "That's a mighty fine idea. Good meal an' a game. It'll be a lot easier ta think things through on a full stomach."
"Not to mention a full purse."
M7~~~M7~~~ M7~~~M7
"We did give you gents fair warnin' that we knew how to play," a grinning Ethan said congenially as he gathered up the coins. That was the best part of being ten and looking even younger. They could be completely honest about knowing how to play the game, but no one ever believed them. "But the evening's still young, so maybe lady luck will shine on you yet."
"Is this a private game or are you willing to deal me in?" drawled a well-dressed figure stepping out of the darkness.
Ethan was up in a flash, but immediately found himself in the steely grip of one blue-eyed sharpshooter before he could run. Taking no chances, Vin threw the boy over his shoulder and offered a sharp swat to his backside as a warning not to struggle. Ezra cut off the other one, just barely catching hold of a small arm before it slipped away. Pulling the child to him, he lifted the boy completely off the ground, trying to contain the wild child who was thrashing, kicking, and biting in an attempt to break free.
"I suggest you settle down or I will find it necessary to hand you over to Mr. Larabee and I do believe that is a confrontation that you wish to delay for as long as you are able," the southerner warned silkily. "I daresay it would be in your best interest to ride back to town with me."
Chris, Buck, and Josiah stepped out of the darkness then, and the child went limp in Ezra's arms, unable to ignore the furious glint in Larabee's eye or the angry glare from Buck. Yes, staying clear of those two for as long as possible was a good idea. Unfortunately, the gambler was headed in that direction. To the children's great dismay, both Vin and Ezra deposited their charges right in front of the formidable black clad gunslinger.
"Well, I'll be damned," Buck muttered shaking his head as he looked at the two.
Chris didn't say a word but after pinning each child with a livid look, which served as a warning they understood perfectly well, turned on his heal and headed to where they had the horses tied. Vin and Ezra took hold of the kids once more and followed.
M7~~~M7~~~ M7~~~M7
"So which one of you was it, doubled me over," the normally affable Buck growled, once they were all gathered at the jail.
"That'd a been me," said the child still held in Ezra's solid grasp. "Sorry 'bout that."
"And you are?" Chris demanded with a furious glare. Now that the two children were side by side they were easily distinguished. Both had a mop of reddish gold curls cut identically to frame an adorable freckled face with stunning emerald eyes, but Ethan was just a hair taller and the other a touch thinner. Aside from that each had a very distinct countenance and bearing.
"Eli," the child responded meeting the gunman's eye evenly.
"The more churlish one without the scar" the gambler noted with a grin, releasing his hold on the shifty lad, confident that all routes of escape were blocked. The child offered the card player an angry scowl.
Chris reached for the rucksack and dumped the contents onto the desk, revealing a jackknife, a Derringer, a set of silver spoons, a cameo brooch, a small wooden box of cigars and a leather pouch. Upon further inspection, the makeshift purse held close to twenty-five dollars in coins and bills. The gunfighter's gaze shifted to the boy in front of Vin.
"So there was more. You remember what I said would happen if you lied to me?"
"He didn't lie," Eli broke in before Ethan could answer. "All the stuff he took was returned. Fact is some of what was returned, I actually nicked."
"But he did know where it was, and it wasn't in that tree until you put it there, was it?" Chris challenged.
Eli glowered but didn't answer.
Chris picked up the small box of cigars and looked askance at the two boys. "I distinctly remember one of you telling me you didn't smoke."
"Ain't plannin' on smokin' 'em. Those ain't the cheap cheroots you puff on," Eli said impudently. "They come all the way from some islan's down south somewhere, place called Cuba. Back in a proper eastern city they'd bring at least five dollars and I didn't steal 'em neither. Won 'em fair and square in card game with a dandy from the Nor'east."
"Doubt you can say the same for this," Chris tossed the small leather bag up and caught it in his hand.
Eli offered a cocky shrug, "Some of it."
The blond gunfighter swiftly cleared the distance between himself and the brazen child, taking hold of Eli's chin. "Stealing's nothing to be proud of, son, and you'd do well to lose that attitude because you've already earned yourself one hell of a licking for your shenanigans and I've got no problem putting you over my knee for a warm up before that if you don't rein it in."
Wide green eyes faced the gunman for all of two seconds before, looking down contritely. "Sorry," Eli softly mumbled. Though by far the more audacious of the two children, Eli was not stupid.
"Now why'd you take off like that?"
"Cuz them two was on ta us," Eli replied, indicating Vin and Ezra.
"Why didn't you just tell us the, truth?" Josiah asked. "We've been trying to help you."
"Ethan wanted to," Eli admitted grudgingly.
"Eli's stubborn and don't trust a soul. Had ta push 'im outta that outhouse so he'd switch places with me and get a decent meal."
The two shared a look and Eli's eyes narrowed. "I'm just careful." After a moment the child turned his attention back to Chris. "It really weren't Ethan's fault. Fact is we had to switch places again, cuz he wasn't willin' ta do what it took ta get away like I was."
"Seems he might be the smarter of the two of you," Chris stated acerbically, rubbing his arm where Eli had bit him. "So what's your last name and where'd you come from?" the man continued determined to get answers.
"Stanton and we was born in Georgia," Ethan answered, ignoring his sibling's disapproving glare. He was far more concerned with the very real and present danger to his backside than some unknown nebulous concern over sharing information with the peacekeepers. Besides, he believed them to be good men. "Traveled 'round a lot, but was in Mississippi when Mama died," the boy finished quietly.
"Then we started lookin' for our Daddy," Eli continued.
"Been on yer own since then have ya?" Vin asked, looking thoughtfully at the two.
"More or less," Eli shrugged.
"And is there anyone looking for you?" Chris wanted to know after sharing a look with Vin. Someone must have taken custody of the children after their mother died.
"Most places we go, people are more'n happy to see us leave," Ethan answered with a mischievous grin. "Not many'd bother ta come lookin' fer us."
"So if I put the word out that I've come across two curly headed, green-eyed runaways, you aren't thinking I'd get much of a response?" Chris asked.
"Doubt it," the two answered in unison.
"Well, I guess we'll see about that," the gunfighter said studying the two urchins in front of him. "In the meantime, you two have plenty here to keep you occupied for awhile I'd say." Looking around to his comrades he inclined his head toward the door. "You all want to go on ahead and get some chow? The boys and I have a few more things to discuss." Though they'd missed the meal at the boarding house, Inez always had something to feed people at the saloon and she was a fine cook.
The assembled men dispersed. Ezra was slow to leave, however, and Chris cocked his head sideways, giving the card player a quizzical look.
"Perhaps I should wait outside to discourage any further attempts to depart our custody prematurely," the former confidence man suggested.
Chris gave a nod, understanding that for one reason or another the other man wanted to stay close. He wondered at this for a moment, and thought back to his talk with Ezra the other day, but decided now was not the time. He needed to focus on the twins. Once Ezra shut the door behind him, Chris took Eli by the back of the neck and marched the child into the jail cell facing him into the corner and with a few heavy swats to his butt warned the lad to stay put. He then swung the bars closed and locked the door turning his attention to Ethan.
"You remember what I said would happen if you lied or ran off?"
"He didn't run off," Eli cut in, turning from the corner, "I did."
"You, stay quiet and keep your nose in that corner," Chris said coldly. Eli scowled belligerently at the man. "Or I can add one lick to both of your whippin's for every second you don't."
Despite the angry and somewhat defiant pout, Eli spun back around to face the corner.
"Your brother caused most the trouble, but you did lie and you did run," Chris said turning back to the green-eyed boy in front of him while he slowly pulled his belt through the loops of his trousers, having already put his guns aside. "Bend over that desk, son, and let's get this over with."
With a resigned sigh, Ethan turned to do as he was told, confident there was no way he'd be talking his way out of this. He wished Eli would've kept quiet, instead of poking at an already angry bear. As he bent over the desk, he wondered if his twin would ever learn.
Ethan yelped when the first lick fell, tears coming immediately to his eyes. The boy didn't bother trying to be stoic but hollered each time the belt fell. It didn't take many strikes of the leather before he was sobbing out apologies and promises to be good and never lie or steal again.
Chris finished up the less than desirable task and put the belt aside moving to lay a comforting hand on Ethan's back. For a few moments, Ethan just lay there and cried. Still wasn't the worst whipping he'd ever gotten but it was definitely up there at the top of the list. The boy instinctively knew that this was not only his punishment for lying and running away, but also the rest of what he was due for all his pranks and stealing. He'd had the opportunity to get off with the lesser spanking, but Mr. Larabee had given him fair warning what would happen if he got into any more trouble. Though he may not like it, Ethan's innate sense of justice left him with the knowledge that he'd been treated fairly.
Finally, he pushed himself up off the desk, drying his tears on his shirt. "Sorry, Mr. Larabee."
"No more lying, stealing, or running away," Chris pulled the boy into a hug, which Ethan readily returned. Running his hand over the boy's unruly copper gold mop of hair he realized that he should really get the boys over to the barber.
"Yes, sir."
Chris stepped to the door of the jail and beckoned to the gambler waiting outside. "Ezra, why don't you take Ethan here over to the kitchen at the saloon, see if Inez can't hook him up with a snack."
The well-dressed man gave Chris a nod and the boy headed obediently out the door, but stopped short on the boardwalk, turning to face the black-clad gunslinger.
"Don't be too hard on Eli…might not seem like it, but…" his voice trailed off and he bit his lip. "Well, Eli's not as tough as, as he tries to come across," Ethan finished his voice almost a whisper.
"Come along, Ethan, your brother is in good hands," Ezra assured the boy, putting an arm companionably around his young shoulders as they headed in the direction of the saloon.
Chris sighed heavily. One down. One to go.
He turned slowly and moved to pick up his belt and unlock the jail cell. Eli stood quietly in the corner, nervously shifting from one foot to the other. The gunman pulled the bars closed behind him and stood for a few moments contemplating the obviously anxious child.
"Okay, turn around," he finally instructed. Eli did so but seemed to look anywhere except at the peacekeeper. Setting the belt aside, Chris slowly folded up the sleeves of his shirt as he waited for the boy to make eye contact. Finally a frightened pair of dark green eyes met the lighter green of the gunfighter.
"You bit me."
"I needed to escape."
"No, you wanted to escape. You had other choices open to you," his angry glare had the child squirming. "So I reckon now you get to pay the consequences. Drop your britches."
"What?" Eli knew there was no way around the tanning that was coming but this directive was unexpected. "B-b-but with Ethan…"
"Ethan didn't cuss at, bite, or kick me. Didn't leave Buck singing soprano in the street neither. Not to mention he took the lickin' for stealing and by your own admission you had a hand in that. That doesn't even account for the attitude you've been sporting nor the fact that you ran off. By rights I should be tanning your hide every day for a week or cutting a switch from that old willow down by the river."
Gone was the cheeky bravado demonstrated earlier. Eli swallowed hard and turned pitiful eyes up to Chris, reminding the man far more of Ethan. "I'm powerfully sorry."
"Mmm. Hmm." Chris held up one finger and crooked it to beckon the terrified child forward as he took a seat on the cot. Unsure how this twin would react, he wanted to have a firm hold of the lad. When Eli didn't move he added coldly, "Unless of course you'd like to make it even worse." Eli shuffled forward coming to a halt next to the blond man. "Drop 'em."
With one last pleading look Eli's hands moved to unfasten the well-worn trousers, which were slowly pushed down. Chris pulled Eli over his lap, adjusting the pants down to the knees and wasting no time in bringing his hand down repeatedly to the back of the child's union suit. It wasn't long before Eli was wiggling to escape the powerful swats, offering little yelps as the heat grew to what felt like an inferno. Tipping the little scamp forward, Chris offered a volley of swats to the child's sit spot. When the man paused he could feel heat radiating from Eli's backside, through the soft cotton drop seat. With a sigh, he picked up the belt.
"Just so we have this straight," He raised his arm and brought the belt down with a hefty slap. "No biting," SMACK, "No kicking," SMACK, "No head butting," SMACK, "No cussing," SMACK, "No running off," SMACK, "No stealing." Five more licks fell. "No lying either," Chris added for good measure though this was not punctuated with another lick. He couldn't pinpoint a specific lie that Eli had told. "Are we clear?"
A sobbing Eli nodded, unable to answer aloud. Chris set the belt aside and ran a comforting hand across the child's back, patiently waiting for the lad to cry himself out. Unlike Ethan, this was the worst licking Eli had ever gotten and calming down took a bit of time. Finally the crying subsided, and the child made to stand. Chris offered a steadying hand, and Eli quickly pulled up bunched-up trousers.
Chris tipped the still quivering chin up so the child was looking into his eyes. "I'd just as soon not have to do that again so how about you follow the rules from here on out?"
"Yes s-s-sir," Eli sniffed.
Ignoring the child's reservation, Chris pulled the boy into a hug well able to see the need for reassurance. Though stiff at first, Eli relaxed and reached small arms around the gunslinger, unable to deny the desire for comfort.
"That was the worst tanning I have ever gotten," Eli said quietly in a soft southern drawl. Once again, Chris noticed the improved speech. "You might not believe this, but Ethan's usually the one to get into the biggest trouble."
"His pranks, huh?"
"How did you know?" the child pulled away and cast a surprised look up at Chris.
"Wasn't really too hard to figure. That boy really likes a good joke. Now why don't we go check and see what Inez rustled up for everyone?"
TBC...