"What the hell are you doing here Chris?"

"Buck, relax. I only came here to apologise to the gi…"

"Relax? You damn near took her arm off last night! And for what?"

Chris could see the warning signs. Buck's eyes were burning into his, daring him to challenge him back. He knew how his friend felt about women, especially those who had been harmed at the hands of a man. But this was unfair, no one had been aware of Amy being female until her hat had fallen off, even Buck.

"Damn it Buck! Every time a woman comes onto the scene and you're blinded! I got news for you Pard! They ain't all saints, not like you think they are! Hell, if Ella weren't enough proof of that to ya!"

"You seriously comparing that girl to Ella?"

Words escaped Chris as he stared at his old friend. The thought hadn't even crossed his mind until now, but the accusation hit closer to home than he liked to admit.

"I don't need to take this, especially not from you Buck. Talk to me when you're thinking straight again!"

As he walked off, he heard Buck's yells from behind him,

"When I'm thinking straight? You wanna carry on with this one man vendetta against the world thing you got goin' on, fine! Just don't go bringing me or any other innocent girls into it!"

Chris stormed over in the direction of the saloon. Despite his wishes to stay sober, he needed a drink. He had never thought with everything that had been happening lately, that his oldest friend would turn on him in this way, and for such a misunderstanding. He scowled as he contemplated how long he would be able to avoid the other five men. It was still early; maybe he could have one drink and ride out of town without encountering any more hassle from his friends. He was so lost in his trail of thoughts that he almost didn't notice Mary standing in front of the saloon, and it was only when he nearly walked into her that he noticed she was staring at him. She still had a pained expression he noticed, similar to the one she had been wearing the last time they had seen each other, back when he had returned from Ella's ranch, but this time a slight shadow of concern fell across her fair features.

"Good morning"

Her voice came out delicately, as though she was tiptoeing across eggshells. It was the first time she has spoken to him since the whole events of Ella Gaines had occurred, and he realised she seemed to be testing the air between them. His scowl softened slightly. With all that had gone on, he couldn't help feeling he'd created a victim out of Mary, that somehow she had accidentally gotten caught up in the emotional crossfire.

"Mary," he replied tipping his hat to her.

She waited for him to say more, he could sense her longing for him to give her more conversation.

"Are you okay Chris?"

"I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?" His reply came out a bit sharper than he had intended, and he saw the momentary look of alarm in her eyes. Again she tried to breach his stony silence with careful questioning.

"I…heard about the incident with that Duke girl last night…I suppose I was just worried that you might be…"

"Might be what Mary? Crazy? Going roun' the town attacking more women? I wish people would just stop worryin' about things that don't concern them!"

She recovered from the involuntary reaction, and instead traces of resentment appeared in her face. He hadn't meant anything that he had just said to her, but he couldn't stop it from escaping. The fight with Buck, added on to the emotional confusion he was already feeling, was causing him to take out his anger at Mary.

"Mr. Larabee, I was only going to say that you might be in need of a friend. But I can see that you don't wish for any company."

She turned on her heel and strode off towards the Clarion office. Chris watched her go, refraining from calling after her. He hadn't meant to upset Mary, but he knew that he was not in the mood for conversation at the moment. He seemed to be pushing everyone away. Shaking his head in frustration he continued on his intended course for the saloon, praying that none of his other companions were in the building. Scanning the room he noticed a familiar buckskin coat and a red coat at the bar. As he entered they both turned around, and groaning to himself Chris walked over to the two men.

"Mr. Larabee," Ezra titled his hat to the gunslinger, "if you'll excuse me, those fine upstanding gentlemen over there are awaiting my immediate return," and with a wink he walked over in the direction of a table filled with despaired looking men.

Vin threw a smile at Chris, "Reckon he's gunna rob them poor folk blind?"

When Chris didn't reply, Vin tried another tactic, "What's your drink pard?"

"Whiskey. Straight."

Vin passed the glass to his friend, and Chris drained the liquid in one gulp. Wiping his mouth he brought down the glass onto the bar with a resounding thump. Vin looked at his friend, the smile fading from his face. "Chris? You alright?"

Chris turned to face Vin, "Not really. Seems like everyone in this town thinks I'm some kinda woman beater!"

"Not everyone" It was said with such sincerity that Chris' scowl lessened a bit, if there was anyone who knew about feeling hated by people, it was Vin.

"I know Vin, I just feel like I'm on trial here or something"

"You thinkin' of leaving Four Corners?"

Chris looked down at the empty glass, then back at Vin, "I dunno…I already had thoughts about moving on from here, since Ella, I wasn't sure before though…but now…I dunno"

Vin contemplated his friend's words for a moment, "I know things ain't been great for you Chris, heck I'm not surprised you'd consider upping and leaving, does seem the easier option for ya. I wouldn't blame ya for goin', but do me a favour pard? At least stay until that girl's fully healed? Gives you enough time ta' think it through properly"

Chris stared hard at Vin for a few moments before nodding,

"Fine, but I don't think I'll be hanging around here for any longer today" as he headed towards the door, he turned around to face Vin with a half smile, "Don't worry pard, I'm not gonna run away from ya'll yet!"