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Chapter 10

Grunting under the gunslinger's dead weight, Ezra and Vin pushed through the front door of the house.

"I believe Mr. Larabee has been partaking of Ms. Potter's apple pies a little too often." Ezra tightened his grip on Chris's legs as they started to slip from his grasp,

"You saying Chris is getting fat?" Grinning, Vin backed around the settee to the cot.

Narrowing his gaze Ezra sighed, "Mr. Tanner, I was just pointing out the fact that Mr. Larabee appears more robust since the last time I had the pleasure of carrying his dead weight." Ezra dropped the gunslinger's legs onto the cot while Vin pitched forward as he took the brunt of Chris's weight. Ezra grimaced at the scowl Vin directed on him. "Oops. A momentary lapse of reason overcame me."

"Oops? You better be glad he's unconscious," Vin whispered as he pushed himself up off the gunslinger. "Go help Buck with Peters and see if you can find any whiskey. Then get me some hot water and clean rags."

Pulling off Chris's boots, Ezra placed them under the cot before heading back outside to assist the ladies man.

Vin threw a few logs onto the small fire which had managed to survive while they had been out in the barn with the Peters brothers. Hoping the chill would soon dissipate, he knelt down next to his friend. "You sure know how to get yourself into trouble Larabee." Realizing he was going to have to lever the gunslinger up to get his coat and shirt off, Vin sat on the edge of the cot. Pulling Chris toward him, the tracker slipped one arm out of the coat and shirt. He was able to remove Chris's left arm from the coat, but the shirt fabric was stuck to the wound.

The tracker jumped in surprise as the front door banged off the wall when Buck and Ezra made their way inside with Frank Peters.

The man was bawling louder than a calf looking for its mother and Buck was reaching the end of his tether. Indicating the corner of the room, which happened to be the furthest from the cheerfully dancing fire, Buck growled, "Hey Ezra, spread that bedroll out in the corner over there."

Frank ceased his moaning long enough to complain, "I'll freeze over there. I'm injured and you should be treating me better."

Buck gave Frank an evil grin and dropped him in the corner once Ezra had moved out of the way. "I don't remember you being too hospitable to us and I just can't bring myself to 'turn the other cheek.' So just sit right there and hobble your lip."

Vin was about to go fetch the water for himself when Ezra arrived with a basin and rags. "I was about to go look for ya, Ez."

"My apologies, I had to heat the water and it took longer than expected." Ezra looked down at the pale gunslinger in concern when Vin soaked the fabric loose from the wound and there was no reaction to be had.

Wiping at the oozing bullet hole Vin sighed, "I wish Nate was here. He'd have ol' Chris fixed up in no time."

Ezra squeezed Vin's shoulder but said nothing. They would have to do the best they could, at least they had a roof over their heads and enough stores to hold them for awhile. "I'll heat us up something to eat. I sadly admit I am quite famished."

"That's ok, Ez. We need to eat. Maybe you can find something to make a broth with 'cause Chris'll be needing something too." Vin finished cleaning the entrance and exit wounds before covering them with whiskey soaked bandages.

As the whiskey burned into the tender flesh Chris moaned in pain but did not awaken.

"How you holding up over there?" Buck called from where he was finishing up with Frank. Wiping his hands on a rag, he stood and joined the tracker and the gambler by the welcoming fire.

Vin reached out a hand and rested it on Chris forehead noting the gunslinger's flushed cheeks. "He's a little warm. Not surprised though considering what he's been through today." Securing the bandage, Vin pulled the blankets up to Chris's chin. "I'm hoping he's gonna sleep awhile longer. Best thing right about now."

Buck shot a glare at Frank Peters as he sat in the chair next to the cot. "Why don't you go wash up Vin while Ezra heats some supper up. While ya'll are busy I can watch over Chris. Peters ain't going anywhere if he knows what's good for him."

Dragging himself up from his knees the tracker picked up the soiled rags and blood tinted water. "I'll rinse these and be right back. I'll bring some cool water to wash him with." Poking his head in the kitchen door he chuckled, "Still looking forward to those biscuits Ez."

Looking up from the pot he was stirring on the stove Ezra replied, "I'll put a tray together. We can all keep an eye on Mr. Larabee and Mr. Peters and still enjoy supper." Ezra bustled into the pantry to gather what was needed.

~o~

Vin moved his chair closer to the hearth and pulled his boots off, enjoying the comforting warmth of the fire and fullness in his belly. "I didn't know you could cook up a meal like that, Ezra. My belly thanks you heartily."

"You'll get no complaints from me. Next time we're on the trail I'll let you cook." Buck sniggered as he gathered up the tray of dishes. "I'll take care of these, least I could do. Those biscuits were pure heaven. I sure hope you mix some more up in the mornin'."

Ezra took a sip of his coffee and smiled cockily. "I could be persuaded if you and Mr. Tanner would give me first watch."

Vin snorted and got up from his comfortable slouch. "We all know you're a night owl and need your beauty sleep. You want first watch? It starts now." Vin had noticed Frank getting a little antsy in the corner and knew it was only a matter of time before the man needed to use the privy.

"Thank you my dear sir. I'll be sure that you have your biscuits in the morning." Ezra grinned as he relaxed back onto the settee and sipped from his coffee mug. How hard could it be to watch two invalids?

After pulling his boots back on Vin grabbed up his coat and moved to the front door. "Gonna check on the horses and then I'll hit the hay. Back in a bit."

"We'll be here enjoying the cozy warmth of the fire. Don't feel rushed on my account." Ezra waved as Vin pulled the door shut behind him.

Buck wandered out of the kitchen about ten minutes later and flopped down in an available chair. "Where's Vin?"

Yawning widely Ezra scratched at his belly. "Mr. Tanner has gone to check on the horses. He should be back directly."

"Hey! I've got to use the privy and you better be quick about it. I'm about to spring a leak." Frank shouted from his dark corner of the room. Waiting in the uncomfortable silence he cried out again. "What in tarnation you all doin' over there? I told you that I've got a need."

Buck slid a glance at Ezra who was lazing on the settee with his eyes closed. Buck cleared his throat, "Um. I believe he's callin' your name there."

Ezra cracked an eye at the ladies man. "I believe you are mistaken. I'm not helping him to the privy. I made supper."

"I believe you called first draw on watch. It is all you, have fun." Buck barked out on a laugh.

Looking over the back of the settee at Frank Peters, Ezra scowled. "But it's cold outside. You take him and I'll make up an extra special breakfast."

Crossing his legs at the ankles Buck sniggered. "Sorry. Your watch, your problem."