"The seven male characters in this story are not mine (no matter how much I wish they were.) And no money is made by me for the use of them in this story. This is for pure entertainment as well as drooling purposes."
Alia Willson
The sun shone bright as it beat down on the yellow sands of Four Corners. A stagecoach rolled down the dusty road stopping just outside the saloon. A voice bellowed out from within the depths of the coach. "Why are we stopping!?" Yelled the voice. "Sorry ma'am," said the driver. "The horses need a rest before we move on." "I'm sure," sneered the woman from within the coach. She stepped out and into the bright light of the desert as the driver helped her down. She emerged like an angel from with the coach her blonde hair arranged on top of her head like a halo of golden light. The woman was dressed in fine white lace and soft satin and her bright eyes glowed in the sun. She gently lifted her dress so that the lace would not touch the dusty, dirty, floor of the desert. She saw the saloon and decided to enter for a quick refreshment. Ezra, Chris, Vin, and Buck were enjoying a nice game of cards as the strange new lady walked through the door and up to the bar. Ezra looked up from his cards and watched the lady as she went to the bar. "Now there gentlemen, is a real lady," Ezra said as he kept his eyes upon her. "I'll agree to that," Buck grinned. He left his seat and went up to confront the woman. "Here we go again," Chris sighed. "Well hello there pretty lady," Buck smiled. "Can I buy you a drink?" "I am quite capable of purchasing my own libation, sir." The woman said dryly. At this Ezra looked up. He had never heard anyone but himself use the kind of language that had escaped her rosy lips. "You okay there, Ezra?" Chris spoke up noticing the look that graced Ezra's handsome face. "Yes, thank you for the concern Mr. Larabee. If you will now excuse me I have some business to attend too." With that he got up from his seat and walked to where Buck and the woman stood. "Looks like we lost another one," Vin said with grin. "Looks that way," Chris said and for once he didn't blame them. Chris couldn't help but notice the woman, one would have to be blind not to. The woman was beautiful. Her soft blonde hair was pulled back leaving only small curls falling about her delicate face allowing her cobalt blue eyes to shine. Ezra walked up to Buck and whispered something into his ear. That was all that it took and Buck went to regain his seat at the card table with Chris and Vin. "Hey Buck, what did he say to ya?" Vin asked. "I would rather not say," Buck stumbled. Vin just gave a laugh and turned to check the progress that Ezra was making with the woman. "Greeting and felicitations my dear woman," grinned Ezra. " Salutations sir," replied the woman. "May I ask what a lady like you is doing gracing us with her presence in a little town such as ours?" "My coach needed to make a stop. I shall not be here for long I should hope," she said coldly reaching a delicate, slender hand toward her drink that sat upon the polished bar. "I see," Ezra replied. "Is that not your driver over there?" Ezra said pointing to a corner of the bar. The woman looked and saw the driver slumped over the table passed out drunk. "I should venture to say that my dear lady, you will not be leaving our fair town for a few days." The woman sighed and walked over to where her driver lay. "Get up!" She hollered at the man lifting his head. When he did not answer or make a motion she let his head fall back onto the table with a thud. "We just arrived not even an hour ago? How can he be drunk already!" She began the anger building in her voice. "May I show you to a hotel?" Ezra asked politely as he tried to calm her down. "I suppose that I have no other alternative," she said as she sighed once again. "Give me another drink." The bartender did so and she threw it down before letting Ezra escort her to a hotel. As he passed Buck he said "Here my good man, get the lady's baggage," and tossed him a coin. Buck caught it and snarled at Ezra as he flashed Buck a grin and a golden tooth. The two walked in ready to get a room for the next few days that she was to stay in town. "Excuse me but this lady needs a room," Ezra spoke up. "I'm sorry I ain't got any rooms right now," the innkeeper said. The woman cut into the conversation. "What do you mean you have no rooms?" "I mean we ain't got no rooms. They're full," he said. "They're full! Who would want to stay in this town! How can they be full?" She began furiously her blue eyes glowing with fire. "Now, now darling. I'll find a place for you to stay," Ezra said trying to calm her down. "And where would that be?" She asked placing her hands on her hips. "Ahhh . Well that would be ." He stammered. "Yes?" She asked glaring at him with icy blue eyes. "You my dear lady may stay with me." "With you!" She cried. "Why yes with me," he said. She shot him an accusing look. "Ma'am among my many misdeeds taking advantage of a lady has never been one of them." She looked at him and found him to be truthful. "I suppose I could accept your offer," she said slowly. "As long as I'm not putting you at any inconvenience." "Never my dear my dear ." "I am terribly sorry! The name is Angeline." "Well I am pleased to meet your acquaintance. The name is Standish., Ezra Standish. Let me escort you to my humble dwelling." He said as he reached out to take her hand. "Thank you kindly Mr. Standish," she smiled. "Please call me Ezra." The two walked to where Ezra stayed above the saloon. Angeline's bags were brought into Ezra's room and placed in the corner. She stepped inside and looked around. It was not terribly unpleasant. The room had a sort of charm and quiet warmth. It was getting late and the two decided to call it a night. The yellow eyed dusk swept over the town and the saffron sky emerged. The town was silent for a change and it was a welcome lack of sound. Angeline took out the pins that held her hair and golden curls tumbled down her shoulders. She looked around the room as Ezra spoke up. "Here my dear you must take my feather bed." "Where will you sleep?" She asked him. "Right here on the floor I suppose. I may be able to go and sleep at the dwelling of one of my acquaintances though." "I feel badly about putting you out like this." "Nonsense." She lay down on the bed and tried to close her eyes. It was no use. She sprung up to face Ezra as he removed his red jacket. "I can't sleep knowing that you're on the floor here or anywhere else at my expense," she said. She paused for a moment to look at him. "Look I know you may be a scoundrel but you are still a gentleman, and I am a lady " "Yes?" He said raising an eyebrow. "Look, this bed is big enough for the both of us. I'll stay under the blankets and you stay above them." "That sounds fair enough." Ezra said with a slight grin across his face. "My dear Angeline, where are you from?" He asked making conversation, curious as to where she had come from. "Here and there," she said distantly. Dawn uncovered the nights shroud and the sun's rays glowed and brought a golden warmth to the town. Angeline awoke to find that she had her arm across Ezra's strong, muscular chest. She quickly withdrew as he awoke. "Sorry." She blushed. "Quite all right." Ezra said still a bit groggy as he got out of bed. "Ummmm ." She started. "Could you please leave the room for just a moment so that I may change? You being a man of breeding should know not to wear the same attire for more than one day in a row." "Oh, yes." "I'll only be a minute," she said. She began to take off the old clothes that draped her creamy, white flesh and put fresh ones on choosing pants and a vest to wear. She had her pants and shirt on when Ezra knocked and entered the room again. He looked at her with astonishment. "Excuse me but could you please stop your staring for a moment and help me on with this vest?" He did as he was told. "I don't always have to wear a dress do I?" "Not at all ma'am. You look ravishing in any attire." Angeline smiled at him. "Your charms and manners sir are impeccable. I'll leave you to get ready now," and with that she left the room. She walked down and into the light of the desert. Chris was outside the saloon along with Josiah and Nathan. "Good morning gentleman," she said with a smile. "Good morning, Miss . . ." Chris spoke up. "Please call me Angeline," she said looking into Chris's intense blue gray eyes. "Chris Larabee," he said. The rounds were made and all were introduced. "And I saw another angel flying through the heavens, carrying the everlasting Good News to preach to the people who belong to this world-to every nation, tribe, language, and people." Josiah began reciting when Ezra stepped outside. "Well, good morning there Ezra," Buck grinned as he walked up to the party. "I trust that you slept well?" "Why yes indeed I did Mr. Wilmington. Thank you for your disquiet with my sleeping habits." Ezra said with a sarcastic tone. The day passed rather uneventfully, a nice change of pace for the men. The seven men along with Angeline spent much of the day together. Angeline and Ezra seemed to have made a quick connection that Chris had caught on too. Before the sun settled in the sky Nathan decided to check on Angeline's drunken driver. Angeline was disheartened to hear that she would not be leaving for at least another day. The driver was too hung over to take a step. The men then sat in the saloon enjoying a drink and a card game. Ezra's hands worked quickly and with smooth skill to shuffle the deck of cards when Angeline and Nathan entered. Angeline went straight to the bar and ordered a drink while Nathan met with his companions. "And how is the poor fellow?" Ezra asked not looking up from his hand. "He'll be fine," Nathan said. "Just a bad headache. He'll be in bed another day." "Well, my dear Angeline, I see that I will have the pleasure of your company for another night." "Yes indeed," she said as she threw back another drink. "If you don't mind I'll be going to retire in Mr. Standish's room for the evening." Angeline had another drink before slowly making her way up the stairs and into Ezra's room. Ezra and Chris watched her until she had disappeared from view. Ezra glanced at Chris and then went to follow Angeline. Chris had the distinct feeling that there was something behind Angeline. There was something hidden in her icy blue eyes, something that he seemed all too familiar with. Angeline was sitting on the bed when Ezra entered. "I hope that I am not interrupting anything of importance," Ezra began. "Uh, no not at all," she said quietly. "Please don't think it impolite and improper of me to inquire but " "Oh no not at all," she said before he could finish. "Are you all right?" He asked with a tender tone in his voice. "I'm fine," was all that she could manage for a reply. "Why are you so eager to leave our modest little town? Ezra asked. "Is there something that is driving you away my dear?" "I don't like to stay in one place for very long," she said. "And why might that be?" He asked her. She paused and didn't say anything letting an uncomfortable silence linger in the air like a puff of smoke. "Believe me my dear, you may trust in me. I'm here to listen." "I just don't like getting close to anyone, that's all," she said solemnly. Ezra looked at her. "Don't look at me like I'm sad or lonely or something. I'm not sad, or lonely, or something," she said to him trying to laugh. He gave he another look. "Well " and she didn't finish. "I grew up not knowing who I could count on. I was dumped at every aunt and uncle's house that my mother could find. Unless of course she needed me " he paused, "for a con." "I'm sorry," she began. There was another small silence that filled the air. "I don't open up to just anyone," Ezra began, "As a matter of fact I don't think I've ever opened up to anyone," he said as he scratched his chin. "I may understand more than you think," he said cocking his head to look into her with dazzling green eyes. The look that gleamed in his eyes mesmerized Angeline, for some reason she felt comfortable with him. She had the feeling that she could talk to him and perhaps he really could understand, or at least be someone who would listen. For the first time a feeling swept over her body and words began to drip from her lips. "I never knew my mother. She died when I was born." Angeline stated. "I am sorry my dear," Ezra said watching her. "I was raised by my father, if you could call him that. He was a drunk and a gambler. I grew up in saloons always moving here and there. I picked things up though. I've won my share of money from poor unfortunate souls." she tried to laugh. "There's something else " Ezra said to her. "I was made to think that my life was worth nothing, I began to believe that. I have my share of scars, both physical and mental, but they run deeper in the heart. I still can't get those memories out of my mind. I began to dread the setting sun, the night would rise, and I could hear my father cursing everyone he knew. He was dangerous and drunk and defeated, by failure and envy and hate. I remember the blank stare in my father's eyes as he hit me again and again. I still believe he'd never let me leave, I had to run away alone. There were so many threats and fears, so many wasted years before my life became my own. I know the nightmare should be over but the terrors are still intact. I can still hear that ugly coarse and violent voice, I can fell him grab me from behind and then pull me back. I hated and resented him every second of the day." Tears had begun to emerge and magnify her blue eyes like a reflection of the sky as her voice shook. "I've never been able to count on anyone. I have always depended on one person, myself. I have never expressed any type of emotion what so ever. I was always taught to be strong and tough. I've never allowed myself to become too close or attached," she paused, "Never." "I use to feel the same thing, until I came here. These men are people that you can trust, people the you can count on." Ezra said trying to convince her. "I've never found that person, let alone six," she grinned slightly. "I've begun to doubt that I ever will, " She said as looked down towards the floor. "Well maybe you could," Ezra said drawing nearer to her. The small of lilacs wafted on the cool air to fill his senses. "If you didn't push everyone away." "I can't help it. Anyway, that was long ago and far away," she said softly as she began to get up. "I need a drink." "Drinking won't help you," Ezra said calmly watching her slender figure turn to face him. "Yes it does," she said the tears beginning again. "It gets rid of everything, at least for a little while I can be at peace. There is no such thing as happiness for me, there is no such thing as good or bad, there is no such thing as love. There is just life and then there is death. At least when I drink it wards off the long hours of the night, and my nights are twenty- four hours long." "And what happens the next morning?" He asked her patiently. "It all comes back," she broke down. "It all comes back and then I have to do it again. I have been living that way for as long as I can remember." "I'm not one to talk, I've done my share of drinking, believe me I have but it can't be your way out." Ezra said. He knew what it was that she was feeling and he could hardly stand it. He could barely withstand seeing another person going through this. The pain of a childhood lost, the uncertainly that life had dealt like a bad hand of poker. You had nothing and the other guy was holding all the aces. "I have never broken down like this before in front of anyone," she began. "My life is divided between rage and despair, it's so hard to control. I just have moments when I don't know what to do." "Maybe it's time that we both break down and let it all out. We are more alike than you know, perhaps we could help each other?" He asked her, a small glimmer of hope entered his eyes. She looked away for a moment before she lost it all. "I don't even know why I bother to go on living this pathetic existence! There is nothing in this world worth it!" She cried throwing her arms about the room. The tears came faster now running down her flushed cheeks. " I hate it!" Her words then became jumbled and incoherent. Ezra grabbed her and held her close to him. He gently rocked her back and forth letting her cry. She clutched onto him. Tears flooded her eyes and ran like rivers down her cheeks. She held tight to him not wanting to let go. Ezra just held her and stroked the blonde hair that fell in cascades down her shoulders. He gently spoke to her with encouraging words although just the sound of his soothing southern voice was enough. Every word was a symphony that floated on the air like music to her ears. He rocked her and lay her head on his chest. His emerald eyes shimmered in the soft light as he watched her. Tears slowly drifted to his eyes. Ezra and Angeline had fallen asleep. The colored quilt that had once covered his bed now covered Angeline. She was wrapped up in its warmth and comfort lying in Ezra's arms. The dawn was just slowly beginning to rise when the silence was cut short by a scream that rang through the streets. Ezra slowly rose out of bed to see what had caused the noise. Angeline followed. "Let's go!" he could hear Chris shout. With that Ezra was ready for action throwing on a shirt and his red coat, grabbing his guns, and he was out the door. Angeline threw on her vest and followed him out. "They're holdin' up the bank!" A panicked voice shouted from down the street. The seven men ran to help. Five grimy men were exiting the bank guns in hand. "Hold it right there!" Chris shouted at the men. Upon seeing the seven men the bandits quickly turned their guns and began fire upon the group. All took cover as bullets flew through the air. The five men ducked and shot furiously at the seven slowly backing up towards the horses when the rest of their band came from down the street in back of the seven. Five more men bared down. Vin turned just as the men drew closer upon them and fired hitting one and taking him down. The others drew and began to fire pinning down the seven. Chris took another shot and killed one of the men. As the dead corpse fell the gun fell with him and landed near Angeline. She picked up the weapon in time to see a man step out from the shadows headed for Chris. "Chris! Look out! She cried. He turned to see the man behind him fall and send up a small cloud of dust from hitting the ground. Angeline had shot the man. JD grinned at the woman. "Nice shot." "Thanks," she smiled back at him still crouching behind a fallen table. Most of the men had retreated and fled on horse while only a small band stayed behind to keep the men busy. They had become out numbered and threw down their weapons in order to surrender. The group came out from where each had taken cover in order to take the men into custody. As Angeline arose a greasy man grabbed her from behind and held a gun to her. "Hold it right there fellas," he said. The seven men spun to see Angeline and the man. "I ain't leaving that money or my men. Boys git on yur horses," he ordered. The dirty man lifted Angeline onto his horse with the gun still pointed at her. "I think we'll just take along a little insurance in case you decide to follow. Come close to us and she'll be dead before she can hit the ground." With that the man and the rest of his band took off on horseback sending dust clouds swirling into the air. Angeline looked back towards the seven. The man's words stung the ears of the seven men and the eyes that had looked to them pierced their souls. "No!" Ezra yelled enraged. "Vin can you track them?" Chris asked. "Yeah," he replied. "Shouldn't be too hard." "Okay then gather up some supplies and meet back here," he paused. "We're going after her." The men did as they were told and soon set out in order to find the trail. The hunt had begun. The bandits had stopped to set up a small camp to rest at for a short time. The men took pleasure in beating Angeline a few times before deciding upon dragging her behind the horses for a while. Bump after bump, the speeding horse led her body through rock, dust, and dirt. Her frail body bounced over the terrain flesh ripped from her frame. She could feel her ribs crack and the burn of the sand on her skin. Pain seared into every part of her. They proceeded to drag her for some time before the rope snapped and released her body from the hurried pace of the horse. It was probably the only thing that had saved her life. Once more the band of men decided to set up camp for good this time in a small clearing. The small forest of cottonwood tress covered the band of men like a thin green blanket. Angeline sat floating in and out of consciousness from the pain. Her hands were bound in back of her, the ropes cutting into her wrists. Crimson red blood seemed to drip from everywhere leaving her to sit in dark scarlet pools. Pain that had infested every inch of her body screamed out. They hadn't bothered to tie up her feet. She never would have been able to stand let alone run from them. The afternoon sun was slowly beginning to sink. Scarlet clouds danced across the sky while orange drifted through weaving a tapestry of color in the sky. The men had become restless and one of them had decided to pay Angeline a little visit. "Hey there honey," he smirked. "You want a little action?" He moved closer to her and as he did she spit in his face. He wiped it away and grinned, "Fiery, ain't ya!" With all of the strength that she was able to muster up she kicked him. It didn't take much and the man wobbled away crouched over in pain. The leader of the little band saw this and came over to her. He struck her across the face and kicked her side leaving her breathless and in even more pain, his heavy boot hitting her frail and weary figure. He hit her again and she moaned hoping that she would pass out so that she didn't have to feel the pain anymore. The pain that ravaged her body and the pain that plagued her mind. The seven men rode in search of the men that had captured Angeline. Ezra had a vacant look in his emerald eyes. Memories of a past time danced through his head. He remembered what it was like to be alone, to be abused and tortured. The physical pain of being beaten, the mental torture that was endured. He pushed back the tears that threatened to fall like sheets of rain. Pictures ran through his mind, echoes of a past that he never wanted to return to, that he never wanted Angeline to return to. She wasn't alone. He was with her. He was shaken out of his daze when he heard Chris' voice and felt his touch upon his shoulder. "You okay there Ezra?" he asked. Ezra just shook his head as the men continued on the trail. Chris had the look in his eyes and Buck caught it. It was the look of rage. Chris was good at suppressing his emotions, but his eyes gave him away. The icy cold stare sent a shiver down Buck's spine. Buck had always harbored some of the guilt for the death of Sarah and Adam. Chris was very protective of people especially women after his wife and child had died. He missed them more than anything in the world and wished that he had been there to protect them from the fire that engulfed their bodies, the fire that engulfed his soul. Many a night went by where Chris sat in the saloon by himself seeking the comfort of a bottle of whisky. Drowning out the pain of his past and holding back the tears that threatened to fall. The men who had taken Angeline had just brought hell down upon them. Vin had found the trail and the seven men rode into a treed area where they could make out a small clearing and a fire that licked the sky with orange and yellow flames. They had found the camp. "So what now?" JD asked. "Well sometimes direct is the best approach. Here's the plan " Chris whispered. "I am getting tired of this bitch! Let's just shoot her now," the dusty man yelled. He turned to where he had left her only to find that she was no longer there. Ezra had pulled her out just in time. "Find her!" Bellowed the voice. He turned again to find Chris and Vin staring him down. 'You're surrounded," Chris stated. "Give it up." "Never!" he hollered to them and with that the firefight had begun. Bullets whizzed through the air hitting man after man in the gang. A bullet grazed Ezra's arm as it came flying by. Another nicked Chris's leg. Hidden anger within the seven was released with every shot. Not one man was left standing. Chris turned to JD, Buck, and Vin. "Take um back and lock um up." Ezra had untied Angeline and set her down for Nathan to examine. He looked at her and then to the others that had gathered around. "We gotta get her back into town. Now," he added. The others could detect the urgency and concern in his voice. Chris lifted her onto his horse. She lay against his chest as they rode home. He tried to keep the horse from bumping her too much. Chris could feel the heat pour off of her in thick waves and knew that the fever had begun. He wiped her head lightly a look of concern and worry crossed the hard man's face. Once back at Four Corners, Ezra leapt off his horse and took hold of Angeline. He didn't even notice his own pain from the bullet graze. Her body felt limp like a rag doll in his arms. He took her to Nathan's clinic. The healer began to work on her and upon examining the extent of her wounds was left speechless. She was bloody and covered in black and blue. Torn patches of skin that hung from her figure, bruises, ruby red blood and mucus seeped from her broken body. He had never seen anything like it, not even when he lived on the plantation. "Some of these cuts are deep," Nathan said. "It's hard to get it clean. The dirt is really ground in." He lifted the bloody remains of her shirt to expose a deep gash in her side. She cried out in pain as Nathan tried his best to clean out the wound. JD had left the room. He could no longer stand the sight of the hideous wound to her side. Buck and Josiah quickly followed after in order to comfort the young man. It was hard enough for Nathan to look at the terrible wound. He flushed out the wound to her side and tried to clean it the best he could but ground in sand and dirt plagued the wound. He leaned her over onto her side and tried repeatedly to flush the injury. Waves of blood covered everything as Nathan tired his best to control the bleeding. Rips and tears covered much of her figure but Nathan continued to focus on the major tear to her side. Tremors ravaged her body and beads of sweat tumbled down her face mixing with blood to create a sickening elixir. She began to yell and thrash about. Chris had pinned her right arm and Ezra held tight to her left. Vin quickly grabbed her legs before she was able to kick anyone and Nathan began to work again. She winced from the excruciating pain. It was almost too much to stand. The fever had gotten worse and delirium had sunk in. She yelled furiously for them to leave her alone. There were quiet moments when she would black out before once again regaining conciseness and the feeling of pain. She looked to Ezra with big, blue, pleading eyes. "Please make it stop make it stop." She looked into his emerald green eyes, "Please let me go." He knew that it held more than one meaning. "Shhh you just hush now darling." She turned away to face Chris. "Please Chris, make it stop. Oh please." He looked to Ezra before his thoughts were shattered like ice by another small scream. She closed her eyes and tried to free herself from the men's grasp. She convulsed with pain her muscles straining, spasms tore through her body. The men were surprised by the strength of the small and beaten woman. "Make it stop!" She shouted again. "Why do you always have to do this when I'm awake?" "Nathan can't you do something?" Ezra begged while struggling with her thrashing movements. "I'm trying! Just a little bit more," he said as he quickened his pace. Angeline thrashed about more. Gritting her teeth from the pain. The three men held her firmly, allowing Nathan to continue his work. Her voice became strained as she yelled out harsh words of contempt towards the men and towards her father. Visions passed before her eyes on the edge of reality and dreams. "Father, why did you leave me? Don't go " she cried in her sleep. "I hate you! Leave me alone, all of you!" The images flooded her mind. Images of men beating her ran to her head from past and present. The heavy black boot rushing towards her, the pain that hit her. "Stop!" She shouted. "No more!" Faces haunted her, the faces of men, faces that seared into her memory. "What's wrong?" Vin asked. "She's delirious," Nathan stated. "Everyone has left me! Everyone has left me!" She called even louder. "I'm always alone. Why have I been forsaken?" The hollering continued, as her fever grew hotter. "Shhh . We're still here," Ezra whispered. "No! You're just causing me pain! Leave me alone. You're no different!" She cried out. "You're just like all the other men!" She shook one last violent time then all became still. Nathan finished up putting herbs and balm on the wound as Chris looked to him. "What happened?" Chris asked as he cautiously released his grip on her. Nathan examined her before saying, "She's gone into coma. I've done all that I can do for now. It's up to her." "We know Nathan," Vin spoke up. "What do you mean?" Chris said. "I've cleaned out the wounds as best I could. The infection had already set in. Her blood is poisoned. I can only try to keep it clean, I can't fight it for her." Nathan established. "I ought to take a look at those wounds that you two got now." "Never mind that," Ezra said. "You need to take care of her," he said pointing to where Angeline lay. "I can't do anymore for her right now and unless the both of you don't cooperate I'm going to get Vin here to hold you down," Nathan said plainly but with enough force to convince the men. Nathan took off Ezra's red coat and his shirt to expose the injury and his well-built chest. Blood leaked out from the wound and ran down his arm. "It's not that bad, really," Ezra said to him. "Why don't you let me be the judge of that," Nathan said to him. He cleaned the injury and stitched it up. "It's gonna be a little sore for a while so take it easy." Nathan told him. "Chris come here, you're next." Chris went over to Nathan and let him fix his laceration. He stitched up the man's powerful leg and wiped away the blood that stuck to his skin. "You take care of that now, Chris, I mean it," he looked at Chris sternly. "Look you guys can go ahead, I'll watch over her." Nathan told the men. "Go take care of yourselves." Chris and Ezra remained. "We can stay with her," Chris said looking at Ezra. "You go ahead and rest up," he said to Nathan. "We'll let you know if something changes." Nathan looked at the two men and then silently left the room with Vin following close behind. Ezra and Chris never left her side. The two men watched over her, waiting for any sign of life. They had received none. Ezra stroked her soft blonde hair hoping that her sapphire blue eyes would open and look at him. Chris watched and put his head in his hands. Emotions ran high and an outburst had become inevitable. "Damn it!" Chris stood up yelling. " I am sick and tired of letting good people die! I mean you get anywhere near close to anyone and this happens. When will it stop?!" "Chris, I know how you feel." Ezra said lightly. "No! No you don't!" Chris shouted back. On this Ezra stood up to respond. "Chris yes I do know. I know that we have never been what you would call close. You think that I am a dirty scoundrel out for my own profit motives. Well sir you are correct. Yet I have to admit that I do care, I care about the life of this young lady, I do feel." "Ezra, that means a lot that you can admit that to me." Chris said a little more quietly. "Well Mr. Larabee you know that if you try to tell anyone that I said that I will refute every word." "Yeah, I know." Chris said looking at him. Ezra was a good man. A silence filled the room for a time before Chris spoke up again. "What did the two of you talk about that one night?" Chris asked. "She told me about her life. Not in detail of course, there was so much pain there. I " he couldn't finish. Chris just looked at him. " What an ironic name." "Huh?" Chris said. "Her name is like that of angel. She looks like and angel for sure and yet there is some much pain. A tortured soul." Ezra said staring off into space. "A poor fallen angel." "You wish you could help her don't you?" Chris stated more than asked. " I do." He said simply. "It was like I felt that I had found my kindred spirit. I had known her for only a few days. There is so much in common and yet " "What?" Chris asked. "I don't know. I can't think anymore!" He yelled bringing his hand to his head. "How can you just give up on life?" "Sometimes you think that life has given up on you," Chris said slowly. "She didn't tell you everything. There are some things that you don't tell anyone. I know what it is to feel like life has forsaken you." Ezra watched Chris with dragon green eyes glittering in the soft glow of light that filled the room. "I'm sorry Chris," he said softly. "I just can't help thinking that if I had been paying more attention, or if I had done something different, or if I had gone off after them that this wouldn't be happening. I mean look at her! Hell, have you ever seen someone looking that bad? I don't want her to die damn it, but look at her!" He yelled motioning to her lifeless body. Chris had never seen Ezra like this. He had never seen him expose his emotions like this. "Did you see the look in her eyes? I wish that it was me," he more quietly. " I wish that it was me, I could fight it for her. I just know that we could help each other, that we could, could " "You can't blame yourself, it'll just eat you up inside. It's not your fault. It took me a long time to learn that lesson." Chris said softly. "I'm still trying to learn that lesson." Ezra looked into the pained man's eyes. "Look, you need some sleep," Chris said turning from the man's stare. "I don't want to leave," Ezra said firmly but softly. "No, we're staying here. Let's just try to get some sleep." The night came and with it came the stars that shone like diamonds on velvet. It seemed as if nothing would dare disturb the dark silence that had crept over the town and over the hearts of seven men. Josiah sat in the church and said a prayer for Angeline. Remembering passages from the bible and thinking about the fallen angel that lay half dead. "Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word," he whispered to himself and any spirit that would listen. Buck tried to console JD who had never seen such a thing in all his life. Not just the sight of the blood and the tortured body, but also the darkness that lurked in the hearts of evil men that would do such a thing. Vin and Nathan worried not only about Angeline and her health but also about Chris and Ezra who had not left her side and did not intend to. "What's going to happen?" Vin asked Nathan quietly. "It'll take a lot of strength for her to make it out of this. It's bad Vin, it's really bad." Nathan was an honest man and Vin trusted his medical knowledge. "Have Chris and Ezra been down yet?" Vin asked. "No, not yet. I don't think they're coming down," he said not looking up. Sunlight broke the night's dark spell and brought with it a silent mourning song. Yet the rays of light that burst onto the desert floor did nothing to lift the darkness from the men, least of all Chris and Ezra. The driver of Angeline's coach walked into the saloon just as Nathan had set out to check on Angeline. JD, Buck, Vin, and Josiah sat at a table and looked up as he entered. "Well, I am ready to take Miss. Angeline now," he said in a jovial tone. JD looked down at the floor trying to hold back the tears. No one quite knew what to say to the man. "There was an incident, uh Angeline won't be leaving with you quite yet," Buck said slowly. There was silence. There was nothing more that any one could say. The look that graced each man's face was proof enough that there was something terribly wrong. Nathan entered the room as quietly as possible to see Ezra's head on the bed next to Angeline and Chris's hand holding hers on the other side. He did not want to disturb the scene but he had to check on Angeline. Chris was the first to stir and then Ezra slowly came to. Nathan changed the bandages and applied more herbs. "Well?" Chris asked Nathan. "I'm sorry. There's been no change," Nathan said looking at Chris. "Isn't there anything else that you can do?" Ezra asked him. "Look, I've stitched up all of the cuts, treated the bruises, I stabilized the broken ribs, I've cleaned out the wounds, I can't do anything more. I can only keep cleaning out the major wound to her side and hope that the herbs help." "We know Nathan. Thanks," Chris spoke up. Nathan finished up with Angeline. "You really should get something to eat," Nathan said before he left. "I'll go grab us some food. I'll be right back, Ezra," Chris said as he left. Ezra looked at Angeline. The beauty that had first attracted Ezra had not left despite the trauma to her body. There was something about her. She truly was an angel in his eyes. He didn't understand how an angel had fallen so far from heaven and fallen so hard. "You're the closest to heaven that I'd ever be," he whispered softly as her caressed her cheek. Chris re-entered the room with a plate of food for the two of them. He observed the way that Ezra watched her. He knew the look in Ezra's eyes. It used to be the look in his eyes. "I never thought I'd see the day," Chris said. "And what day would that be Mr. Larabee?" Ezra asked him. "The day that you cared about more than yourself," Chris almost smiled at the thought. "What do you mean?" Ezra asked him. "You know what I mean," he said to Ezra in a calm and yet firm tone to his voice. "I've seen a lot of sides to you but I never thought that I would live to see this," Chris said. "I'm glad that I can see it." "I wonder how long that will last," Ezra said solemnly before turning back to Angeline. He placed a soft kiss on her lips and lay his head next to her. Chris walked over to him and placed his hand on Ezra's shoulder. The day wore on and no one could tear Ezra away from Angeline's side. Chris had stayed with them most of the day. Nathan had come back just as dusk had come over the small desert town in order to check on Angeline. She hadn't stirred. "When is she going to come out of this?" Ezra demanded to know. "She could come out of it in an hour, or a day, or " Nathan paused. "What?" Ezra asked intensely. "Or she could never recover," Nathan said gravely. Ezra looked down trying not to show the pain in his eyes. "I'll let you be alone now," Nathan said as he left. Ezra let the words echo in his mind, it all seemed like an endless winter where even the dreams would freeze and there was no where to hide from the cold. A barren, icy feeling swept over Ezra as the realization hit him. She could die. Ezra never took his eyes off of her. He stayed by her side until exhaustion took over and he fell asleep next to her. Chris decided to go back and look in on Angeline and Ezra. He went in to find Ezra asleep next to her. He went over to wake him. "Ezra," he said softly shaking him. "Ezra," he tried again. Ezra woke up shaking his head a little. "Did you move Angeline?" he asked. "No," he said a little confused and still groggy. "Nathan," Chris called. Nathan ran up to see what the trouble was. "Yeah Chris?" Nathan asked. "Did you move Angeline?" he asked. "No," Nathan said. He walked over to examine her. "She come out of the coma, she's just in a deep sleep now." Ezra perked his head up at the news. "She still has a bit of a fever though." "Angeline," Ezra began. She moaned in her sleep. Tossing a little as dreams plagued her mind. "Come on darlin' open your eyes," came his smooth southern voice. He caressed her blonde hair. Slowly she began to open her eyes. Ezra's excitement grew. He looked to Nathan and Chris then back to Angeline. She couldn't recognize anything at first. It took time but soon things came into focus. "I'm going to mix some herbs for her to drink," Nathan said looking at Chris. "I'll be back soon." "Let me help you with that Nathan," Chris said and with that both men left the room. "You didn't leave me," Angeline said. "Shhh hush darling," he said placing a gentle finger to her lips. "You just rest, I want you to get better," he said trying to keep the joy in his voice under control. "You need to get your strength back." Angeline looked into his eyes and stroked his hair. She gave him a smile. Chris and Nathan watched from the doorway before they entered. It was the most beautiful sight they had ever seen. Nathan came in followed by Chris. He put a cup to Angeline's lips and made her slowly drink the elixir that he had prepared for her. She made a face and turned away before she could get it all down. "And I thought those other guys were trying to kill me," she grimaced. The men laughed at her and Ezra smiled a large smile, golden tooth and all. It had been days since Angeline had woken up. She was gradually making her recovery. Ezra helped her every step of the way. Chris was there as well. So were the other men. She had finally gotten up the strength to walk about a bit and she emerged in the saloon with Ezra close by helping her along. Chris saw them coming and couldn't help but let a grin cross his face. JD, Buck, Nathan and Vin all smiled as the two entered. Buck pulled out a seat for Angeline. "So now that you're up and walking, you ready to leave here?" Buck asked her. Angeline looked around the saloon at the faces of the men and then she looked to Ezra. "I think that I shall grace this town with my presence for a little longer," she smiled. "Mr. Jackson, if you don't mind sir, I will be letting Angeline once again stay on my premises." Ezra spoke up. "You sure Ezra?" he asked. "I'm still coming in to look after her." "That is fine Mr. Jackson." Ezra smiled. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you did for me Nathan, I thank you all." She didn't know what else to say that could ever repay his kindness and what all of the men had done for her. "Chris?" Angeline asked. "Yeah?" he said to her. "Could you come over here for a minute?" She asked him. He got up from his seat and met her standing up. She threw her arms around him and hugged him as tightly as she could without hurting herself. "Thank you," her breath hot on his ear as she whispered the words. She then gave him a small kiss. He held onto her. He gently kissed her check and hugged her again The darkness came over the town. In the serge of blue sky a slit of a silver moon peered out from the darkness. Ezra and Angeline had retired to their room for the night. She looked at him closely. He was a southern gentleman, a scoundrel, a gambler, a protector, and an angel. The two turned to meet one another. Their eyes met. The soft candle light from the window danced throughout the room and made their eyes look like crown jewels. A sparkling sapphire meeting with a glimmering emerald. He gently brushed a wisp of velvety soft hair from her face. Ezra drew near her slowly, wanting to kiss her soft lips. She met him half way. "Let me know if I hurt you," he whispered softly to her. She could feel his breath on her ear. He wrapped his arms around her body pulling her gently closer to him. She touched his strong chest as he held her waist. He placed a soft kiss on her tender lips. She returned it enveloping her arms around him. Her arms around his body were like the wings of an angel, a soft caress and a feathery touch. He drank in the sweetness of her mouth, kissing her more deeply. She ran her fingers through his chestnut hair and tilted her head back softly moaning at a pleasure she thought she would never find. He lightly kissed her neck, fluttering lips over her throat. She sighed as he came back to her edge of her mouth almost gasping at the sensation. She shut her eyes and let him take over. Deep passion engulfing them both. His hands caressed her body and delicately touched her skin so as not to cause her any pain. His tongue brushed her silky lips before entering her mouth exploring its depths. His hand drifted to the small of her back as she let a delicate hand fall to his slender hips. Never wanting the moment to stop, the luxury that drown her senses, the smell of him sailed on the air, his breath fanned her desire, his touch was so gentle and soft it ignited and burned into her soul. She released herself from his kiss for a moment to nibble on his ear and then leave a trail of delicate kisses along his jaw down his neck before returning to his mouth and running a hand over his handsome face. He groaned in pleasure and she let a smile slide across her lips. Ezra took her hands and looked at her. Words were of no consequence at the moment. They just stood gazing into each other's eyes looking as if in a crystal ball toward the future. "You saved me," she whispered to him. "You're my angel."