By Winnie

Rating PG-mild language

Characters---Chris Larabee, Ezra Standish and the rest of the boys.

Disclaimer-----No copyright infringement intended and no money made in the writing of this fic.

Comments-----This story takes place in the Firm universe. It was written for Pamela and Carol for making some wonderful Pics to go with my fics. It was also written for Ninheve for the wonderful job she does with my website. Also written for Marti and Antoinette for the great beta job they do and the encouragement they give. Thanks ladies. This is straight H/C.

Chris Larabee smiled as he listened to the sounds of laughter from the men around him. The last few days had been wonderful and he’d watched his men unwind as they rode horseback along the Thorofare. Their guides, Robert and Kelly Monroe were giving details about the land around them and making jokes that even made JD envious.

Chris stood up and walked toward the horses. He missed Pony, but the Bay gelding named Thunder had been a welcome challenge for him. The animal had a mind of its own, but they’d come to an understanding during the last two days of riding and getting to know each other. He spoke softly to the animal as he patted its neck and reached for a tuft of dry grass to feed it. The sounds of the night surrounded him and he breathed deeply of the fresh air.

The trip to Yellowstone had been a gift from Orrin Travis for a ‘job well done’ and Chris knew he owed the older man a lot more than just a thank you. The last year had been a rough one between several undercover assignments that ended with more than one of his men in the hospital, but they’d managed to close out the files and get past the injuries. He heard movement behind him and expected to see Vin when he turned, but was surprised to see Ezra Standish join him.

“Mr. Larabee, I believe I owe you an apology.”

“What for?” Larabee asked seriously.

“I know I balked at the very notion of horseback riding through some of the harshest wilderness in the country…”

“Balked, Ez? I thought we were going to have to tie you in the saddle.”

“Yes, well, I am glad you did not have to resort to such uncouth means, especially since I am here to apologize for my atrocious behavior.”

“Ezra, you did nothing wrong,” Larabee assured the undercover agent. “How’s the arm doing?”

“It’s a little sore at times, but Dr. Midland assured me this would do me more good than bad,” Standish said as he rubbed his shoulder. It was a sore spot with him and he’d lost track of how many times he’d dislocated it since coming to work for The Firm.

“Just don’t do anything you’re not supposed to. By any chance do you have…”

“Indeed I do, Mr. Larabee!” The gambler smiled as he reached into his sling and pulled out the small silver flask. It contained the finest Scotch money could buy and Chris took a long, appreciative swig.

“Ezra, I swear you must have shares in the company that makes this,” Larabee said.

“I wish, but I’m afraid I haven’t been able to acquire any as yet.”

“I bet Maude has some.”

“You would win that bet hands down. Mother acquired her stock under cover,” Standish said.

“By under cover do you mean under the covers?” Larabee asked and smiled as Standish chuckled softly.

“Indeed,” Standish said as they walked back to the fire.

“We were just about to send out a search party for you two,” Wilmington said. “Dinner’s ready.”

“It smells great,” Larabee said accepting a plate from Kelly Monroe.

“It better be. Robert added a little of his special ingredient,” the female guide advised.

The trail stew tasted even better than it smelled and the seven agents of The Firm relaxed under a star filled sky. Their guides were well known throughout Montana and they knew the duo had cost Travis an arm and a leg, but at least their backpacking trip was private and they were being given an in-depth tour of the Thorofare. Tomorrow they would be in sight of the Trident and they would spend a couple of days there before going back to the ranger station and finally heading for home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chris awoke at dawn, and opened his eyes. The small campfire still burned and Larabee lifted his head and sought out the sound that had startled him awake. He looked toward the horses and made out the figure of Vin Tanner standing next to the horses. Opening his sleeping bag, Chris quickly stood and walked toward the Texan. The others had elected to sleep in the lightweight tents while he and Vin decided to sleep out under the stars.

“Morning, Cowboy.”

“Morning, Vin, how long have you been awake?”

“’Bout an hour. Figured I’d check the horses and make sure everythin’ was ready.”

“You still nervous about the trip?”

“Ya know me, Chris, ain’t one ta make a big deal, but somethin’s playin’ on my mind and I ain’t sure what it is.”

“Vin, maybe it’s just left over feelings from the last time we were here.”

“No, ain’t that. Jest them little prickly hairs on my neck’s standin’ on edge again,” the Texan said.

“Trust your instincts, Vin, they’ve never failed you…us before,” Larabee said and heard the sound of the camp coming to life. “Sounds like the animals are awake.”

“Guess we’d best get breakfast ready. Got some trail stew left.”

“For breakfast! In Ezra’s words, that my dear man is uncouth!”

Vin smiled at Larabee’s attempt to imitate the southerner as they walked back to the camp just as the others joined them.

“You two are up early!” Jackson said.

“Couldn’t sleep with all that noise goin’ on!” the Texan said with a grin.

“What noise?” Dunne asked.

“Ya mean Bucklin’s sonic serenade didn’t keep ya awake, Kid?” Tanner asked.

“Funny, Tanner, seems to me I heard a lot of serenading from you last night. Although it sounded more like a wounded cat with its tail cut off!” Wilmington said.

“Buck, you and Vin have breakfast detail,” Larabee said and moved to the tents to help the Monroe’s take them down.

“Josiah, feel like taking a walk?” Jackson asked.

“Sure. Anyone else care to join us?” Sanchez asked.

“I would!” Dunne called.

“I believe I should supervise the making of breakfast in an effort to make sure it is edible,” Standish said.

“Sounds like a plan, Son,” Sanchez said as they headed toward the trail Robert Monroe had pointed out the day before.

“Just make damn sure you stay on the trail!” the big guide yelled as they moved deeper into the alpines.

“They won’t do anything stupid,” Larabee assured the experienced man.

“Good, because it would be stupid for them to go anywhere they shouldn’t,” Kelly Monroe stated.

“Tell me about it,” Larabee said as they made quick work of dismantling the gear and carrying it to the horses tethered nearby. He saw Vin watching the trail and moved toward him. “You okay?”

“I’m fine!”

“Vin, they know what they’re doing.”

“I know, Chris, just got my damn hackle risin’ again!”

“Do you want to follow them?”

“Nah, not yet…think it’s just nerves,” Tanner said.

“All right, but if they’re not back by the time we eat we’ll track them!”

“Sounds like a plan,” the Texan agreed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The trail was rugged, but manageable and they caught glimpses of the peaks in the distance. The three men walked steadily along and caught site of several buffalo grazing in a clearing.

“Wow,” Dunne said excitedly as a small red fox dashed across the trail in front of them. “Did you guys see that?”

“Sure did, JD,” Jackson said, smiling at the younger man’s excitement. “We’d better head back soon.”

“Just a little further!” the Bostonian pleaded.

“Five more minutes, Son, or they’ll send out a posse,” Sanchez told him.

“Besides I do believe I’m hungry enough to eat one of those buffalos,” Jackson said as his stomach grumbled loudly.

“Me too…Look!” Dunne said and pointed to a large moose as it rubbed its antlers against the trunk of a tree.

“Did you bring your camera, JD?” Jackson asked and smiled as he heard the easterner pull the item from his pocket and snap several images. They stood where they were, watching the majestic animal until it moved deeper into the pines and disappeared. They walked along for several more minutes until Sanchez called a halt and turned them back toward the park.

“Wait until Vin sees these!” Dunne said as he snapped several more pictures of the area. He continued to capture the scenic view and the animals that crept out of hiding only to scurry away once they sensed danger in the area. By the time they reached the end of the trail they could smell the food and smiled as the others greeted them.

“Get any pictures, kid?” Wilmington asked as he noted the digital camera in the younger man’s hand.

“Sure did! Take a look at this, Vin!” Dunne said and showed the Texan the pictures of the moose.

“Nice, JD, National Geographic would probably pay big bucks for that one!”

“It’s not for sale, Vin. I took these for us!” the Easterner said as he placed the camera back in his pocket. This was his first real camping trip and it was having a profound effect on him. He’d never had the opportunity to see wildlife and everything was even more beautiful than he’d expected. The pictures would be used to make an album for each member of the team. It would be his gift to them. Breakfast consisted of biscuits and bacon and he ate heartily as his stomach grumbled appreciatively.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Robert Monroe was impressed by the men they were taking on this backpacking expedition through the Thorofare. They may be from the city, but they knew the ins and outs of what they could and should do in the back country. They would reach their destination within a few hours and he reined his horse to a stop and pointed to the mountains on his right.

“On your right is the middle Tine of the Trident and that’s where we’ll be making camp for the next few days. The mountain in the distance is Colter Peak so named for John Colter, first United States explorer into the Yellowstone region.”

“It’s awesome,” Dunne said as he snapped several more photos.

Horses and riders continued along, enjoying the warmth of the evening sun. The abundance of wildflowers cast a sweet scent on the air and Chris smiled as he drew abreast of Buck Wilmington, with Vin Tanner pulling up on the other side.

“You look like you’re enjoying yourself, Pard,” Wilmington said.

“That’s probably because I am,” Larabee answered easily as he watched Standish riding slightly ahead of the rest of the team. Things happened so quickly that no one had a chance to react to the parody of events as they happened. Something spooked Standish’s horse and he seemed to fly through the air to land on his right side, crying out as the old injury came back to haunt him.

“Shit!” Wilmington shouted as his horse; already a nervous mount, shifted into Larabee’s and Thunder lived up to his reputation and reared up, sending his rider flying off his back and onto the dusty trail.

Chris grunted as he hit the ground and rolled over, his eyes filled with fear as he heard a sound that reminded him of the Indiana Jones movie.

‘Why did it have to be snakes?’ Chris thought in mock humor as the rattlesnake readied to strike. He heard the others, but did not understand their words, as everything seemed to happen in slow motion. He tried to move his arm away, but was not in time as the snake struck. The pain at the site was instantaneous and he rolled away from the reptile as he grabbed his left arm with his right hand.

“Chris, listen ta me! Lie still!” Tanner warned as Robert Monroe joined him.

“Kelly, bring the snakebite kit!” Robert shouted as Jackson moved to help the second injured man. He’d seen the snake that had bitten Larabee and although they were uncommon in this area he had little doubt as to the species.

“Shit!” Larabee cursed as he tried to control the mounting pain.

“Here it is,” Kelly said as she joined them. Josiah and JD exchanged glances when they heard the words snakebite kit and relieved Jackson with Standish to give the medic a chance to check on the second injured man.

“J…Josiah, Wh…what’s wrong with Chris?” Standish asked as the older man knelt beside him.

“Easy, Son, just lie still. Where are you hurt?” Sanchez asked.

“Shoulder…head,” Standish answered and tried to look past the ex-preacher. “Chris?”

“Snakebite,” Sanchez answered as he carefully prodded Standish’ shoulder and held the younger man down. “Stay put!”

“I am perfectly capable of…”

“Doing nothing right now!” Sanchez finished for him. “Lie still, Ezra, and give Nathan a chance to help Chris. JD, get the first aid kit!”

“On it,” Dunne said and watched the others working on Chris Larabee. Kelly Monroe was on the phone and he prayed she was calling for help.

“Give me the extractor!” Jackson ordered having been told Larabee was bitten by an adult rattlesnake.

“The damn thing is not in here!” Wilmington said as he went through the contents of the kit.

“What do you mean it’s not in there?” Robert snapped as he looked into the kit. “Sonofabitch!”

“All right,” Jackson said as he looked into the sea green eyes. “Chris, I need to put a bandage above this…not a tourniquet, just something to help stop the spread of the venom.”

“How do you feel right now?”

“O…okay,” the blond answered, but knew the others didn’t believe him.

“Nathan, I just spoke with Ken at the ranger station and he’s putting in a call to Life Flight. He’ll call me back as soon as they are in the air! I told him to tell them we’ve got a snakebite victim and another victim,” Kelly Monroe said as she watched the medic working on the injured blond.

“Ezra?” Chris whispered as he tried to sit up.

“Ezra’s gonna be fine, Cowboy and so are ya if ya stay put!” Tanner warned knowing how important it was to keep Larabee calm.  

“Buck, you and Vin get his boots off…”

“Why?” Larabee asked, fear evident in his eyes.

“It’s a precaution, Chris. We need to take off all constricting clothing and jewelry. Will you trust us to keep your ring safe?” Jackson asked as he reached for the blond’s left hand. The bite was halfway between his wrist and elbow and the bandage was in place just above the painful bite. Nathan had made sure it was not cutting off the blood flow and was now taking other precautions.

“Yeah, Ahhh!” the injured man cried out as Wilmington tugged on Larabee’s right boot.

“Chris, what’s wrong?” Jackson asked.

“Nathan, you’d better take a look at this,” the ladies man said as he watched Jackson remove the ring.

“What is it?”

“I think he may have broken his ankle when Thunder threw him!” Wilmington explained.

“Damn it!” Jackson cursed.

“What…what is it?” Larabee asked, his voice filled with anxiety and pain.

“It’s nothing, Chris. Just lie back and relax,” Jackson warned as Robert Monroe used one of the sleeping bags and placed it under Larabee’s head.

“Chris, try not to move your arm,” Monroe ordered as his wife pressed a button on her phone once more.

“Try,” Larabee agreed as the older man made sure his arm was lower than his heart. Sweat beaded on his forehead as Jackson probed his ankle. He heard Kelly Monroe speaking to the park ranger, but found things were fading in and out.

“Chris, stay with me,” Jackson ordered as he looked into Larabee’s face.

“S…still here,” Larabee grumbled.

“Good, I need to know if you’re hurt anywhere else?”

“H…head.”

“Your head hurts?” Jackson asked.

“Yeah…hit the ground.”

“Where?” Jackson said, unable to see any wounds.

“Back!”

Nathan felt around the back of Larabee’s head and winced as his fingers came in contact with a knot there. He looked toward the woman as she put the phone back in her pocket. “What did he say?”

“Life Flight is on the way and Lake Hospital is ready for them. They have the anti-venom ready for Chris!” Kelly explained as she watched her husband tenderly care for the blond’s wounded arm. She knew the man was angry about the snakebite kit and there would be hell to pay when they contacted the company itself because the pack had been sealed and should have contained the extractor they’d needed.

“Is Lake Hospital able to handle this?” Wilmington asked.

“Lake Hospital is an acute care facility,” Robert explained. “Dr. Riley is the best and he’ll take care of your friends.”

Jackson watched as Larabee’s eyes moved back and forth as he watched those around him. He knew the blond would be worried about Ezra, but there was not much he could tell him about the gambler’s condition.

“G…go,” the blond stammered.

“What?” the medic asked.

“C…check Ez.”

“Might as well go, Nate, he’s gonna worry until ya do!” the Texan said as he removed the watch from Larabee’s left arm. He handed the watch to Wilmington as Jackson moved to the other injured man.

Jackson quickly knelt beside the gambler as JD moved out of the way. “How are you doing, Ezra?”

“All things considered I’d prefer my own bed,” Standish answered.

“I’m sure. What else besides your shoulder?”

“He’s complaining about his ass!” Dunne said in an effort to lighten the mood.

“My posterior is not part of the equation. My shoulder however is a different story,” Standish explained as he suffered through Jackson’s examination. By the time the medic was finished Ezra was bathed in sweat and clenching his teeth.

“Well, it looks like you’ve probably broken your collarbone, Ez, but they’ll x-ray it to make sure,” Jackson explained.

“How is Mr. Larabee?”

“He’s in much the same boat as you,” the medic told him. “Life Flight is on the way and should be here shortly. Meanwhile, why don’t you relax…”

“Bring me over with Mr. Larabee,” Standish ordered.

“Might not be a bad idea, Nathan, at least you’d have both patients in your sight,” Sanchez suggested.

“All right, but go easy. Ezra, we’re going to get you on your feet and move you over by Chris,” Jackson said as they gently lifted the injured man and slowly walked toward the others.

“Ya look like shit, Ezra!” Tanner said as the enigmatic gambler was placed on a sleeping bag next to Larabee.

“Wonderful, now I’m being likened to human waste,” Standish blustered and turned toward Larabee. The blond was looking at him closely and Ezra could tell he was in pain.

“I…ignore him, Ezra,” Larabee said and groaned as he shivered uncontrollably.

“Buck, could you grab another sleeping bag?” Jackson asked.

“Sure, Nate,” Wilmington said and moved to the horses. Kelly Monroe had them all tethered to several small trees while she watched over the group. A trip that had started out with such promise had turned into a deadly race against time. She knew snakebites were seldom deadly, but there was always the possibility that this could be one of those times. She’d heard Jackson’s request and tossed the sleeping bag to the gentle rogue.

“Thanks,” Wilmington said and hurried back to his friends. He helped Jackson cover the blond and watched as the medic reached for Larabee’s right wrist and began to take his pulse.

Nathan looked at his watch and noted nearly thirty minutes had passed since Standish’ horse had thrown him causing a domino effect that ended with Larabee landing too close to the rattlesnake. He knew the blond was suffering from shock, but there wasn’t much more they could do except keep him comfortable and warm until the specialized chopper arrived. Larabee’s eyes were closed, but the medic knew he wasn’t sleeping.

“How’s he doing, Nathan?”

“About as well as can be expected at this point, Buck. There’s not much more we can do until the chopper arrives! How are you doing, Ezra?” Jackson asked the second patient.

“I have been better, but I believe I have been a lot worse at times,” Standish told them.

Chris heard the others talking and knew they were worried about him. He wanted to reassure them, but right now he needed a little reassurance himself. He felt Jackson testing the bandage he’d placed around his arm and groaned as pain stabbed through him.

“Sorry, Chris. I’m just going to loosen this a little,” Jackson explained.

“Okay,” the blond whispered, his mouth and tongue tingling as he spoke. He shivered and tried to curl into a ball, but was stopped as Jackson placed a hand on his shoulder.

“I need you to lie still, Chris,” the medic said and again glanced at his watch. Forty-five minutes had passed and his gaze swept the sky for any sign of the Life Flight chopper.

“There it is!” Dunne shouted and pointed to the southwest.

“Thank God!” Jackson said as Robert Monroe moved to signal them.

“Help’s here, Chris. Won’t be long ‘fore you and Ezra are restin’ in bed,” Tanner said.

“Resting, Mr. Tanner. I don’t believe being poked and prodded and undergoing all kinds of tests and x-rays is resting,” Standish winced as he shifted and set off the pain in his shoulder once more. The sound of the chopper grew louder as it approached the clearing where they waited.

The chopper landed and two men climbed out. They handed equipment to Robert Monroe and Josiah Sanchez and hurried toward the injured men.

“How long ago did the bite happen?” the first man asked as Jackson moved to his left.

“Approximately fifty minutes ago,” Jackson asked. “I’m a fully trained EMT in Billings is there anything I can do to help?”

“Is there anything else besides the snakebite?” Carl Jenkins asked.

“His horse threw him. Looks like his right ankle is broken and he hit his head pretty hard too,” the medic answered.

“N…Nathan?”

“Easy, Chris, helps here!” Jackson reassured the injured blond.

“Let’s get him on a backboard and put on a C-Collar,” Jenkins said and was glad of Jackson’s help as his partner worked on the second victim who seemed a little more mobile and was insisting on sitting up.

“Carl, I’m going to get Ezra secured in the chopper.”

“All right, Pat, tell Andy I’m almost ready here!” Jenkins said. He knew they needed to get Larabee to the hospital as quickly as possible to start the anti-venom.

“What hospital are you taking him to?” Wilmington asked.

“Lake Hospital. By the time you boys get there he’ll be well taken care of!” Jenkins assured them as they finished securing Larabee to the backboard and placed him in the Stokes. They carried the patient to the waiting chopper and helped load the injured man inside. Standish was already complaining about the paramedic who was taking his vitals.

“Ezra, we’ll see you both in a couple of days,” Sanchez said, knowing it would take them that long to ride out of the wilderness.

The Gambler nodded as the men moved away from the chopper and watched as Carl Jenkins began working on Chris Larabee once more. The man was getting ready to start an IV and Ezra tried to look into his friend’s eyes, but his own paramedic was speaking to him.

“Do you have any allergies, Ezra?”

“Pardon me?”

“Allergies?”

“None that I am aware of,” Standish said, wincing as the man finished immobilizing his arm.

“How does your head feel?”

“I’m afraid between it and my shoulder I am in dire straights,” the conman said as the medic began setting up an IV for him.

“We’ll be at the hospital before you know it,” the medic said.

“Ezra, do you know if Chris has any allergies?” Jenkins asked as he quickly attached the ox-meter and leads to his now unconscious patient.

“No, not that I am aware of,” Standish answered. “How is he?”

“He’s doing about as well as can be expected at this point in time,” Jenkins answered. “What’s our ETA, Andy?”

“ETA sixteen minutes,” the pilot answered.

“Any chance you could shave some time off that. Dinner’s on me if you do!”

“As long as it’s not at that little greasy spoon you took me to the last time,” Andy Trevino said with a small chuckle.

“You name the place,” Jenkins offered, worried about the patient as he started a second IV. “Contact Lake Hospital and let them know the snakebite patient also appears to have a broken right ankle and head injury!”

“Tell them the second patient is conscious and alert, but is in a great deal of pain!” Pat Williams amended.

“Will do!” Trevino answered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chris opened his eyes as the chopper landed and several newcomers hurried out to meet them. His left arm remained in place and he could not move his body as they lifted him from the chopper and placed him on a gurney.

“What are his vitals?” Peter Riley called above the whirring noise of the blades.

Carl Jenkins quickly gave him the readings and helped push the stretcher toward the open doors of the hospital. He knew Carrie Evans would be taking care of the second patient and that the two physicians were well trained for any contingency.

“What’s your name?” Riley asked the patient in an effort to judge how bad the head injury was.

“Chris Larabee,” the blond answered and winced as pain throbbed through his arm.

“Well, Chris, I know you’re not feeling very well right now, but we’re going to do something about that as soon as we run a few tests. Okay?”

“O…okay,” the blond answered as he was pushed through the main doors and into a fully stocked trauma room. His vision blurred and his stomach churned as they transferred him onto the bed and he groaned as they removed the mobile monitoring equipment and replaced it with the hospital’s equipment. He closed his eyes and tried to calm his stomach, but he knew there was no way to stop the churning as noxious fluid rose in his throat. He felt someone turn him on his side and heard the orders being given by the doctor as he lost the contents of his stomach into the basin.

“The anti-venom is ready, Doctor!”

“All right, Jane, run it through at one cc per minute! Chris, we’re administering the first dose of anti-venom,” Riley explained in an effort to let his patient know what was being done.

Chris nodded as he tried to focus on the people in the room with him. The pain was impossible to ignore now and he groaned as the physician ordered blood work and urinalysis. He felt someone removing the rest of his clothing and a Foley catheter was inserted. He gasped and suddenly started coughing as the medical team worked on him. His eyes grew wide with fear as he fought to breathe.

“Dr. Riley…”

Chris heard the concern in the nurse’s voice and the physician’s words were crisp and clear as Chris struggled to breath. He heard something about Benadryl and Epinephrin and piggybacks, but that was the last he heard as he lost consciousness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezra wished more than anything else that he would be spared the indignity of wearing a hospital issue gown, but that was not to be. The doctor, who’d introduced herself as Carrie Evans, made short work of any arguments he might have tried. An IV was running into his arm and he was being sent for an x-ray of his shoulder and head. He’d also been given a mild medication that had taken the edge off the worst of the pain. Nearly an hour had passed since they’d been brought in and so far there was still no word on how Chris Larabee fared.

“Please, Cheryl, would you inquire as to the condition of Mr. Larabee?”

“If you lie still and rest I’ll see if Dr. Riley can speak with you,” Cheryl Martin explained.

“I shall endeavor to do so,” Standish assured her and closed his eyes. The physician had assured him that though the hospital was small it was well equipped to handle this type of emergency. His mind drifted back over the last few hours and he wished he could have handled his horse when it had spooked. He had no idea what had caused the docile mare to rare up and throw him, but the results had been worse because somehow Larabee’s mount had also been spooked.

“Mr. Standish?”

Ezra forced his eyes to open and looked at the man he’d only glimpsed earlier. “Yes…Chris how is he?”

“I’m Dr. Riley, Mr. Standish. We gave Chris the first vial of anti-venom, but he is showing signs of an allergic reaction to it…”

“Oh God! What are you going to do?” Standish said his eyes filled with fear for his friend.

“We’re treating his symptoms with Epinephrin and he‘s responding very well to it. We’ll continue the anti-venom infusion and watch him closely,” Riley explained.

“Do you have the facilities to take care of him?”

“Don’t let our size fool you, Mr. Standish. This is a fully equipped acute care facility and our staff is among the best in the field. Mr. Larabee will be well taken care of and I assure you we are doing everything to make sure he recovers. We will be moving him into our ICU and a nurse will be with him at all times.”

“What about his ankle?”

“I have called a colleague who works out of Cooke City Hospital and he should be here by tomorrow. His specialty is orthopedics and he’ll be able to tell if Chris needs pins or if it just needs to be placed in a cast. Meanwhile Chris is resting right now and I suspect Carrie wants you doing the same!”

“We’re going to take him for an x-ray first. Then we take care of his shoulder and anything else we need to before settling him in a room,” the physician said as she joined them.

“I assure you I do not need…”

“Ezra, you’re going to be a guest for observation. You’re showing signs of a concussion and we want to keep an eye on things,” Evans explained.

“Carrie, I have to get back to my patient. I’ll update you with his prognosis,” Riley said and hurried from the room.

Carrie Evans watched as Ezra Standish shifted on his bed and she knew he was more than a little worried about his friend. She placed a calming hand on his shoulder and smiled as she spoke. “Ezra, believe me when I tell you your friend couldn’t be in better hands.”

“Thank you, Dr. Evans,” Standish said and closed his eyes once more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The somber group began the trek back to civilization as soon as the chopper took off. The trip out would not take as long since they wouldn’t be sightseeing and only stopping long enough to eat and feed and water the horses. They rode until the Monroe’s called a halt because of the dangers along the trail.

Kelly Monroe knew how worried the men were about the missing members of their team and quickly pulled out her cell phone and checked to make sure she had service. She walked over to the two men who seemed to be taking this the hardest and held the phone out to the ladies man.

“The hospital’s number is programmed in if you want to find out how Chris and Ezra are doing,” she offered.

“Thanks, Kelly,” Wilmington said and pressed the number she’d indicated.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

“Lake Hospital,” Julia Cannon answered the phone on the fourth ring.

“Hello, my name is Buck Wilmington and I was wondering if I could get some information on Chris Larabee and Ezra Standish.”

“Please hold while I see if the doctor can take your call,” the nurse said and smiled as Carrie Evans stood in front of the desk.

“What is it, Julia?” Evans asked.

“I’ve got Buck Wilmington on the line and he wants to know how Standish and Larabee are doing.” She handed the phone to the physician and listened to the update.

“Mr. Wilmington, my name is Carrie Evans and I’m a doctor here at Lake Hospital.”

“How are Chris and Ezra, Doctor?”

“Ezra Standish’s collarbone was broken, but he is resting comfortably. He’s also suffering from a mild concussion.”

“Is he going to be all right?”

“He should be fine, but we’ll be keeping him for several days.”

“What about Chris?”

“I’m not his attending physician, but I can tell you he’s in ICU…”

“ICU! Why?”

“It’s standard procedure with a snakebite victim. Hold on a minute and I’ll get Dr. Riley for you,” Evans said as her colleague exited one of the cubicles where a new patient had just been examined.  “Peter, I have one of Chris Larabee’s friends on the line and he’d like an update on his condition.”

Peter Riley hurried to the desk and took the phone. “Hello.”

“Doc, how’s Chris?”

“Chris is in stable condition right now,” Riley answered. “We’ve given him several vials of the anti-venom, but we’re watching him carefully as he had an allergic reaction to it.”

“What? Is he going to be okay?”

“We treated him with Epinephrin and other medications and as I said he’s in stable condition right now.”

“Damn, look, doc, I have no idea how long it’ll be until we get there, but if they need anything…anything at all you call Orrin Travis in Billings and he’ll okay it.”

“I have to get back to my patients, but if you would give the number to the nurse we’ll make sure it’s on Larabee and Standish’s charts.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

“I will, Doc,” Wilmington said and gave the information to the nurse before hanging up the phone and passing it back to the guide.

“What’s goin’ on, Buck?” Tanner asked as the others joined them.

“Ezra’s collarbone was broken and he’s got a concussion, but the doc says he’s going to be okay,” Wilmington explained.

“Thank God,” Dunne said.

“And Chris?” Sanchez asked.

“Doc said they started the anti-venom, but Chris had an allergic reaction to it and they had to start him on Epi…Epi…something or other.”

“Epinephrin,” Jackson finished.

“Yeah, that’s it. What is it for, Nathan?” the gentle rogue asked.

“It’s used in cases of allergic reaction amongst other things,” Jackson explained. He knew these men were looking to him for information, but until they reached the hospital there wasn’t much more he could say.

“Some vacation,” Dunne said as he heard the words from the medic.

“They’re gonna be okay, Kid,” Tanner said and tried to sound convincing.

“Dr. Riley knows what he’s doing, Gentlemen. He’s dealt with snakebites and allergic reactions many times in the past,” Kelly said and turned to her husband. “Robert was one of his patients and had a severe allergic reaction to the anti-venom and if it wasn’t for Dr. Riley’s fast actions he wouldn’t be here today!”

“Kelly’s right and I know that’s not much consolation right now, but it’s all I can tell you. Right now I think it’s time we set up camp for the night,” the male guide suggested.

“All right, boys, you heard the man!” Sanchez said and took charge of keeping the others occupied.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezra woke to the soft sound of someone humming and opened his eyes, blinking rapidly as the sunlight from the open window beat against his skull. He tried to sit forward, but couldn’t find the strength needed for even that small movement.

“Easy there, young fella, hang on and I’ll get the nurse,” the man said and walked to the open door.

“Millie, ya’d best get in here!”

“Is he awake, Harry?”

“Yes, and I don’t think he’s feeling too good right now,” Harry Simmons answered as the nurse entered the room.

“Hello, Mr. Standish, how are you feeling this morning?” Millicent Andrews asked.

“Dreadful, I believe a drum brigade has taken up residence inside my head,” the gambler answered softly.

“That bad?”

“Worse,” he mumbled and kept his eyes closed.

“I’ll be right back with your meds,” the nurse said and turned away from the bed. “Harry, would you close the drapes?”

“Sure, Millie,” the cleaner agreed and hurried to do as the nurse had asked. 

Ezra closed his eyes until the drapes were closed and opened them in time to see the nurse returning. He remembered being woken on and off during the night, but much of what was said or what went on was lost to him. He watched as she placed a syringe into his IV juncture and delivered the pain meds.

“That should help, Mr. Standish. The doctor also ordered something to calm your stomach and I’ve given you this morning’s dose. Breakfast will be here shortly.”

“I’m not hungry,” Standish told her as he tried to get comfortable.

“Well we’d like you to try and eat something.”

“How is Chris this morning?” the gambler asked.

“Mr. Larabee is doing well considering what you’ve both been through,” Andrews said as she plumped his pillows. She busied herself with getting a fresh glass of water for her patient and then smiled at him as she leaned on the bedrail.

“Can I see Chris?”

“I tell you what we’ll do. If you eat some breakfast I’ll get you a wheelchair and take you to see your friend.”

“I shall endeavor to do so,” Standish said and closed his eyes once more.

Millicent Andrews hurried across the hall to the doctor’s lounge and sat down to have her coffee. She knew the small kitchen would be bringing something light for her patient and wanted to finish her own before the patient’s meals arrived. She sipped at her coffee and decided to check on the second patient who’d been admitted the night before. She walked to the room at the end of the hall and pushed open the door. The monitoring equipment gave out its normal clicks and beeps and she smiled as Marilyn Connors looked up from adjusting the IV flow.

“How is he doing?”

“His temperature’s up a little and he’s had some trouble with his breathing, but Dr. Riley is not too concerned right now. Good morning, Chris,” Connors smiled as her patient forced his eyes open.

“M…morning,” Larabee groaned and tried to remove the oxygen mask.

“Uhuh, that stays put a little longer,” the nurse scolded mildly.

“H…hate it…”

“I can tell, but right now Dr. Riley wants that left in place. How do you feel?”

“Tired,” Larabee answered.

“Any nausea or dizziness?” Connors asked.

“Both,” the blond told her as she removed the bandage from the wound on his arm.

“Hello, Dr. Riley, Dr. Calderone,” Andrews said and moved out of the way.

“Good morning, Millie, I believe Dr. Evans is looking for you,” Riley said smiling as the nurse left the room. “Good morning, Chris, how are you feeling?”

“Tired,” Larabee repeated what he’d told the nurse.

Riley took the chart from the nurse and frowned when he saw the elevated temperature. “Well, we won’t keep you too long. I just wanted Mike to take a look at your x-rays. He’s an orthopaedic surgeon from Cooke City.”

“Hello, Chris, I hear you had a one on one meeting with a snake.”

“Yeah, not something I want to repeat,” Larabee said, his words muffled by the oxygen mask covering the lower half of his face.

“I bet,” Mike Calderone agreed with a smile as he looked at the readings on the monitors.

“Chris, I’m going to take a look at the bite marks,” Riley said, donning a pair of surgical gloves as the nurse eased the bandage from the wound, frowning in sympathy when his patient winced. The bite marks were still swollen and slightly red, but very tender to the touch and Riley knew from experience that it would be tender for a while.

“Damn,” Chris grimaced as the physician and the nurse cleaned the marks left by the fangs. He closed his eyes as a wave of nausea and pain washed over him and was glad when they completed their examination.

“Chris, the bite marks are showing signs of infection and I’m going to order a broad spectrum antibiotic,” Riley said and wrote out the new orders. “Marilyn, start this right away.”

“Yes, Dr. Riley,” the nurse said and hurried from the room.

“Chris, Dr. Calderone has some good news for you,” Riley explained.

“C…could use some,” Larabee said.

“Your ankle is a simple break and Dr. Riley set it yesterday. We’ll wait for the swelling to go down and then place it in a cast for six to eight weeks,” Calderone explained and watched the man try to get comfortable.

“Chris, I know you’d like to get out of that bed, but right now we need to monitor everything until we’re sure the venom has been neutralized,” Riley explained.

“Hate being c…cooped up,” the blond said.

“I’m sure you do,” Riley said as Connors returned with the prescribed medication and hooked it into the IV line.

“Millie just told me Mr. Standish is just having his breakfast and then he’ll be coming to visit for a while,” the nurse explained.

“Ezra’s okay?” Larabee asked.

“He’s feeling much better this morning,” Connors said.

“Chris, we’re going to leave you in Marilyn’s capable hands. If there’s anything you need don’t hesitate to ask. I’m also adjusting the pain medication and I want you to let her know if it doesn’t help,” Riley said.

“I w…will. Thanks, Doc,” the injured man said and let his eyes close.

“Marilyn, if there’s any change at all call my cell number!” Riley said as they left the room.

“Chris, why don’t you try and sleep until Mr. Standish gets here,” Marilyn suggested.

“Can’t get comfortable,” Larabee told her, but let his eyes close anyway.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Never having been a man who needed much sleep, Vin had been up since dawn and had kept the fire going while he waited for the others to join him. The sounds of the night were like a soothing balm on his soul as he stared at the flickering stars overhead. Several times he’d seen a shooting star and remembered the times as a child growing up in Texas with his mother. She’d given him a good start in life and most of her early lessons were still with him and made him who he was today. The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon when he heard movement behind him.

“Vin, you all right?”

“I’m fine, Buck, sleep well?”

“Yeah, fresh air always did knock me out. Did you get any sleep at all?”

“Slept some,” the Texan answered simply as Sanchez and Dunne joined them.

“Morning, boys. Vin you make that coffee?”

“Sure did, Josiah, ya want a cup?” Tanner asked.

“How long ago?”

“Little over an hour,” the younger man answered.

“Damn, Josiah, did you bring a knife to cut it with?” Wilmington asked.

“Ya don’t know what’s good fer ya, Bucklin,” the tracker said as Sanchez helped himself to the coffee.

“No, I just know what my stomach can handle,” the ladies man said.

Vin reached for the pot and filled his own cup before dumping the rest near the flames. “Guess I’ll make this one for anyone with a delicate stomach.”

“No…no thanks, Vin. I’ll take care of it,” the gentle rogue said and took the pot from Tanner’s hand as he walked away.

“I see what you mean, Vin,” Dunne said with a grin.

“Works every time, JD,” Tanner agreed.

“What are you two up to?” Sanchez asked.

“See, Vin has this theory about making things like coffee and such,” the Bostonian answered.

“What kind of theory?” the ex-preacher asked with a grin.

“The way I figure it is if I do it wrong no one will ask me to do it again,” Tanner said. “Works every time with Buck.”

“I can see that,” Sanchez said and sipped at the strong black coffee.

“Just doesn’t work with you,” Tanner said.

“That’s because I’m of an older school than any of you and I learned long ago to take the bad with the good. Amazing how easy that theory of yours can work on some people,” the older man said, smiling as a grumbling Wilmington rejoined them.

“Guess I’d best make breakfast if I want something edible.”

“I’ll have bacon and eggs over easy,” the Texan said with a grin.

“In your dreams, Tanner!” Wilmington said, smiling as Jackson and the Monroes came out of their tents.

“Buck, are you making coffee?” Jackson asked.

“Yeah, won’t take long,” the ladies’ man said.

“Work’s every time,” the sharpshooter whispered and saw the conspiratorial smile on Dunne’s face. The group hurried to prepare breakfast and break camp. In an hour they were mounted up and heading toward civilization once more.