By Winnie

Rating----PG13

Disclaimer-----The Magnificent seven characters do not belong to me, but I am grateful to have the chance to play with them for a while.

Comments------This story is for Jenny and I hope you enjoy it. It’s mostly Chris Larabee and Ezra Standish, but the others show up eventually. Thanks to Marti for reading along and to Antoinette for always being so supportive and checking for errors.

Chris stood with his back against the bar, a half empty bottle behind him as he watched Ezra skillfully wager against the trio sitting at the table with him. They’d been playing five card stud for hours now and the pile of money in the center of the table could make or break them all. Chris knew by now how to tell who had the best hand and which man was bluffing. He was pretty certain Ezra had them all beat, but one man, a young red head who looked to be the same age as JD Dunne, was definitely holding something more than a pair of deuces. He turned back to the bar as he heard Ezra raise the ante and two of the men slapped down their cards as Chris poured himself another shot. He downed it and smiled as the fiery liquid burned the trail dust from his throat. Looking in the mirror he watched as Ezra smiled, showing his gold tooth as he pushed the final bundle of money into the pot.

“Sir, I call your fifty and raise you everything I have left.”

“I,” the kid fanned his cards once more and looked at the money, salivating at the idea of bringing home more money than his family would ever see. His brother entrusted him with the bank deposit, but the call of a card game had been too much and he’d lost half of it in the first three hands.

“Well, Sir, do you call or fold?” Standish asked, his voice exactly the same as it was during every hand whether he won or lost.

“Call!” the kid said and shoved everything he had into the pot.

“You sure about that, Andy. Yer brother’ll tear off a piece of yer hide if’n ya lost it all!”

“He’ll do that anyway if’n I don’t put it all in the bank, Clyde. Now I called ya mister. Whatcha got?”

Chris continued to watch through the mirror, smiling as he saw the smile on the green eyed gambler’s face. He turned back in time to see Ezra fan his cards out face up on the table.

“Full house, sevens over threes,” Standish said and his opponent threw his cards down on the table and stood up.

“Yer a cheatin’ bastard!”

“Sir, I may very well be a bastard, but I assure you it was unnecessary for me to cheat against a person of your upbringing and education!”

‘Ah, hell,’ Larabee thought as he watched the kid draw his gun. Before the kid’s gun cleared leather Larabee’s gun was out and his voice cut through the tension. “I wouldn’t do that, Kid!”

“This ain’t got nothin’ ta do with ya, Mister!”

“Yeah, it does. See, the man you’re thinking on shooting could very well be a cheat and a swindler, but he didn’t do either this time.”

“How the hell do ya know? Ya weren’t even playin’!”

“Didn’t need to. I’ve played cards against Ezra. Even managed to win a couple of hands, but against a bunch like you, he didn’t need to use any tricks. You gave your hands away and anyone could’ve read you.”

“He’s a cheat...”

“Like I said that could very well be, but he wasn’t cheating today. Now why don’t you and your friends move back and let him pick up his money and we’ll be on our way.”

“He ain’t takin’ my money!”

“It is not your money anymore, Sir, I won it fairly,” Standish said as he began pulling the winnings towards him.

“Look,” Andy said, his hand once more inching towards his weapon.

“I wouldn’t, Kid...not if you want to be able to use that hand to eat your supper with.”

“There’s three of us, Mister, can’t get us all.”

“Maybe not, but I’m willing to take that chance...are you...or better yet are your friends? Better look around you, Kid, you’re all alone here!”

“Ain’t right taking a man’s money...”

“Should have thought of that before you sat in on the game,” Larabee warned, his eyes quickly taking in the tension wracked bodies around them. “Ezra, you ready to go?”

“I certainly am, Mr. Larabee.”

“Larabee...Chris Larabee?” Clyde asked moving back slightly.

Chris heard his name whispered around the room and the tension mounted once more as several pairs of eyes turned in his direction. He began to move towards the door using the bar as his guide and motioned for Standish to follow him. He knew his reputation still followed him and probably always would, but right now they were out numbered six to one and those odds were not very favorable.

“Ezra, when you get through the door head for the horses. I think we’ve overstayed our welcome.”

“An understatement, Mr. Larabee,” Standish said. Quickly moving past the gunslinger he shoved through the batwing doors into the dark street.

Chris continued to hold the men at bay until he came up against the door. He backed through and heard the gambler behind him. Without taking his eyes off the door he gingerly made his way to the edge of the boardwalk and grabbed the reins Standish handed him. Still holding his gun in front of him, he quickly mounted up and turned the horse to the north and headed out of town at a gallop. He heard shouts and curses behind him and several gunshots before he turned Pony down an alley and quickly rode out of the town of Swift Creek. He knew they couldn’t continue the pace for long, but was also worried about the very real possibility of being followed.

The horse’s hooves pounded across the hard packed earth, echoing through the mountainous terrain as the two men fought to put as much distance as possible between themselves and the town. Chris had no idea how much time had passed when he drew Pony to a stop and turned to see Ezra pull his own horse to a stop beside him.

“Do...do you think they will follow us?” Standish asked as he glanced over his shoulder.

“Guess that depends on how badly he wants that money back.”

“He did seem a little irate when I showed him my hand.”

“A little?” Larabee asked, eyebrows arching at the idea of anyone being a little angry after losing so much money. “I think he’s more worried about what his brother will do to him when he finds out.”

“Yes, well, how was I to know he was gambling with someone else’s money?” Standish asked.

“Didn’t say it was your fault, Ezra, just saying there could be trouble when he gets home and that means we should be expecting trouble to follow us. It’s going to take us three days to get back to Four Corners and it looks like we’ll be looking over our shoulders the whole time.” Silence reigned for several long minutes before the southerner looked deep into his companion’s eyes as they began walking the horses along the moonlit trail.

“Mr. Larabee, did you mean what you said back there?”

“About what?”

“That you knew I wasn’t cheating and won the pot fair and square?”

“Ez, we’ve known each other how long?”

“I guess it’s been nearly three years.”

“How often do we play cards?”

“At least once a week. Why do you ask?”

“Well, it seems to me a man who gambles with his friends tends to let his guard down. I’m getting to know a few tells about you, Ezra, and one of them is when you’re cheating.”

“Mr. Larabee I would never...”

“Calm down, Ez. I know you don’t cheat when you play with me or the boys, but I have watched you play some professionals and you have been known to cheat a time or two.”

“Ah, yes, slight of hand is something mothah taught me to be well skilled at.”

“Well, Ezra, your skills are well honed where gambling is concerned, however, you really need to work on when and where to get into a game. That town did not seem very friendly in the first place.”

“I believe you’re right and shall endeavor to be more careful of what I set my sights on,” Standish said and lapsed into silence once more.

“Get the horses, Clyde!”

“Andy, we best get back ta the farm and tell Billy what happened!”

“I ain’t goin back without the money. Ya go get the horses and we’ll ride out after ‘em.”

“But...”

“Shut the fuck up, Clyde. I ain’t ‘bout ta go home empty handed. Jacob, go help him and see if anyone else wants ta join us in a posse.”

“A posse? What for?”

“That bastard stole my money and he’s gonna go ta jail fer it!”

“He won the money, Andy...”

“By cheatin’! Andrew Cross spat. “Now that makes ‘im a thief in my book and since we got no sheriff here it means we gotta take the law inta our own hands. Since he took my money that gives me the right ta go after ‘im. Guess it makes me the law in this case. Now is there anyone else that’s willin’ ta go after that cheatin’ bastard and get our money back?”

“I’ll go...he took my wages too!”

“Anyone else?” Andy asked and watched as the others turned their backs on him. “All right, that makes four. Me, Clyde, Hank, and Jacob. The three of ya are now my deputies and are sworn ta back me up! The rest of ya go on ‘bout yer business and keep yer noses outta mine!”

Chris knew they could not keep riding. The terrain was rough enough during the day and next to impossible to negotiate during the night. They’d managed for a while because of the round full bodied orb of the moon high overhead, but they’d lost even that when clouds obliterated the stars overhead. He knew they had to find shelter as the wind began to pick up and pulled Pony to a stop, wishing, not for the first time, that they had the lanky Texan with them. Vin Tanner could track a fish through water if he had a mind to and right now his tracking skills would’ve helped them find a place to hold up for the night.

“Ez, we’re not gonna get much further. Keep your eye out for some place to make camp!”

“Mr. Larabee, I don’t think there is adequate housing in the area,” Standish said, smiling as the gunslinger shook his head.

“Not about to find anyplace fancy...guess we’ll just have to take rocks and brush instead of a mattress and feather pillows.”

“Please, just the thought of a feather pillow is enough to put me to sleep.”

“Well just keep thinking of it and maybe we’ll both get some shut eye tonight,” Larabee said as he started picking his way along the trail once more. The rocky ledge they were on narrowed the higher they went, but Chris knew they could not turn back. There had to be someplace where they could make camp at the top of this trail. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Standish’s horse stumble, and was relieved when the gambler kept his wits about him and moved the horse forward.

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

“Andy, maybe we should stop!” Clyde suggested as darkness fell over the land.

“Ain’t lettin’ ‘em get away, Clyde. He got somethin’ that don’t belong to ‘im and I aim ta get it back. Billy always said I’d amount ta nothin’, well maybe it’s time I showed ‘im what I’m made of. Me, you, Jacob and ol’ Hank there could have a real good time in one of them towns north of ‘ere.”

“You mean take the money from them two and not go back ta Swift Creek?” Jacob asked.

“Tha’s right! Why the hell should we go back ta that two bit town and keep workin’ fer nothin’. I ain’t got nothin’ ta keep me there. When pa died he left it all ta Billy and I got nothin’!”

“Your pa gave it to Billy ‘cause of your gamblin’ problems,” Clyde observed.

“Andy ain’t got no problem with gamblin’...”

“Thanks, Jacob...”

“His problems with losin’,” Jacob Kennedy finished and laughed with the other two.

Andy pulled his horse to a stop and turned to the man on his left. “Ain’t gonna listen ta ya bad mouth me, Jacob, ya want in on this then ya’d best shut yer mouth lessin ya want me ta shut it for ya!”

“Wasn’t bad mouthin’ ya, Andy. I’s just funnin’ with...”

“No funnin’ allowed either. Now are ya with me or not?”

“We take all the money and head north. What about the gambler and his friend?”

“We kill ‘em.”

“Robbin’ ‘em’s okay, Andy, but I ain’t one fer killin’” Clyde said.

“Well, if they give us the money without fightin’ us we’ll jest take their horses and leave ‘em with a good long walk ‘head of em’,” Andy explained as he started his horse forward once more.

“Billy, I know you trust Andy, but I’ve been trying to tell you he shouldn’t be trusted with the payroll deposit,” Rose Cross told her husband.

“Andy’s seventeen now, Rose, and I want him to know he’s as much a part of this farm as we are. I’m going to tell him about making up the papers giving him half of this place when he gets back. Billy pulled his wife close and wrapped his arms around her as they stared out over their land.

“I hope he doesn’t let you down.”

“I do too, Honey, but if he does it’ll be the last time. Owning half of this place depends on how well he does his job over the next year. I was eighteen when Pa left this place to me and it changed me...”

“Did it ever,” the brunette laughed as she turned in his arms and accepted his kiss. “Sometimes I miss my wild young man.”

“I thought you said I was still wild, especially in bed...”

“Billy!”

“What? Don’t tell me I’ve tamed my Wild Irish Rose”

“Not on your life,” Rose said flipping her unruly red hair over her shoulder as she nipped his lip.

“Oh, hell, baby, do you know how much I love you?”

“I believe I do, Billy, and believe me I feel the same way about you.”

“Want to take a walk down by the creek?”

“At this hour?”

“Seems to me you didn’t care what the time was when I came for you, least not until your father caught up to us.”

“Daddy really did like you, Billy, he just didn’t like the idea of his little girl getting married.”

“Especially to a rabble-rouser,” Cross said, picking his wife up and carrying her towards their bedroom at the back of the house. His wife had always been able to get his mind off his worries, but even now he wondered if he should have entrusted his younger brother with the money.

Chris reached the top of the plateau just before his friend and looked down the trail. They were at the top of a steep upgrade that leveled out onto a ground that was strewn with rock and debris. Below was a vast maw of darkness that concealed everything from those at the top. Chris continued to stare downward until he was sure there was no one following them.

“Mr. Larabee, I must say the view is exhilarating,” Standish said and turned away from the deep valley.

“Yeah, just too bad it doesn’t have the luxury of a bed,” Larabee said as the moon peeked out from behind the clouds.

“One should be so lucky,” the gambler sighed as they moved away from the edge.

“I didn’t know you had a problem with heights, Ez?”

“It’s not something I boast, Mr. Larabee, but it stems from a childhood experience that still sends shivers down my spine.”

“Want to talk about it?”

“I really wouldn’t want to bore you with tales of my younger days.”

“Don’t have anything better to do,” Chris assured him as they started the trek across the top of the plateau. There were several places Chris could see to make camp, but for now he preferred to ride while they still had light.

“Well, it happened while Mothah and I were traveling with a man named Stevenson in a little town in the south of France. Mothah was working on another of her infamous cons and they needed me to pull it off. I was three...no four at the time and so the details are not too clear, but I remember Stevenson accusing Mothah of conning a con and he picked me up and proceeded to dangle me over the edge of a cliff by my right leg.”

“Jesus, Ez, how did she get you away from him?”

“As I said the details are sketchy, but I do remember screaming and then passing out. When next I regained consciousness I had no voice and refused to go anywhere near the edge of a cliff and even grew terrified of stepping onto a terrace. I have since outgrown that little affliction, but cliffs tend to remind me that there are things worthy of a man’s fears.”

“I guess there is.”

“What about you, Mr. Larabee? Is there anything you fear?”

“As you said, we all have something we fear.”

“Care to elaborate?” The gambler looked at the man riding beside him until their eyes locked. He knew there really was something Chris Larabee feared, and he wanted, needed to know what that was, but he wouldn’t force the blond to open up. He turned to the front again and listened to the silence of the night.

“Fire.”

“Pardon me,” Standish asked, unsure of what he’d heard.

“You asked me what I fear. It’s fire. Ever since...Sarah and Adam were murdered, I’ve hated and feared the flames. Not so much now, but in the months after they were murdered the sight of flames terrified me. I spent many nights cold because I couldn’t strike a match.”

“Was that before you and Mr. Wilmington parted ways?”

“Both. I don’t think Buck knew just how much it affected me. I’d drink...he’d set up camp and start a fire...I’d put it out and we’d argue. Buck put up with a lot of shit before he finally left. Don’t think he really gave up on me though. Seems like every town I went to Buck turned up there sooner or later.”

The two men grew quiet once more as they rode across the plateau. The sound of a coyote sounded in the distance and Chris knew they had to rest the horses. He’d been watching for a place to stop and had been studying a rocky outcropping and decided it was as good a place as any.

“Ez, what do you say we stop for the night?”

“Sounds like music to my ears, Mr. Larabee,” Standish said as he directed his horse towards the outcropping. They were nearing the cluster of rock and debris when the sound of a gunshot echoed across the valley.

“Sonofabitch!” Larabee said, cursing his own lack of attention to the possibility that they were still being followed. He pulled his gun from its holster, turned and shot over his shoulder as he let Pony have his lead. The hooves kicked up gravel and stones as it sped over the rough terrain. Chris could see Ezra riding against the wind alongside him and he looked towards the cluster they’d spotted earlier. He knew if they made it to the rocks there was a good chance they could hold their pursuers off, but he knew they had little chance of making it.

Andrew Cross smiled as they topped the plateau and heard the sound of riders ahead of them. Growing up in the area he knew the trail and had been able to guide the others quickly up the rocky trail. The horses were surefooted and the riders confident after years of hunting in the area. The moon had peeked out from behind the clouds and shone brightly, lighting up the area enough for them to make out shapes and shadows.

“That’s them up ahead,” Cross explained as he waited for the others to catch up.

“Where?” Jacob asked, squinting into the darkness. “I don’t see a damn thing!”

“Keep yer voice down! Ya know sounds travels up here! They ain’t that far ahead and we can catch up ta ‘em real quick!” Cross explained.

“Ya ain’t gonna kill ‘em, right?” Clyde asked.

“Depends on how friendly they are and if they’re gonna give me back my money!” the red head stated and kneed his horse forward.

“Our money,” Hank corrected as they raced across the open area. He drew his gun as the gap narrowed and pressed on the trigger. He knew there was no chance of hitting the fugitives, but it felt exhilarating to be in on the chase.

The two horses moved stride for stride in their flight to escape the bullets kicking up the ground underfoot. The rocky outcropping loomed darkly ahead, but the two men were in a flight for their lives. They were quick to turn and fire a shot at their pursuers, but hadn’t hit anything that they knew of.

“SAVE YOUR BULLETS!” Larabee shouted.

“WHAT?”

“SAVE YOUR BULLETS!” Larabee repeated and saw Standish’s head nod once as he turned his attention to the front once more. They rode as if the demons from hell were on their tail and both men knew to be caught would mean their deaths. The sound of hoof beats drowned out everything else as the two groups raced across the plateau.

Chris knew time was running out as he looked to the left and saw two riders silhouetted against the backdrop of the star studded sky. On his right he could see Standish, his body bent low over the front of his horse in an effort to keep up the pace. The outcropping was directly ahead of them now and Chris could make out the edge along the cliff as Ezra made the turn. He knew the gambler was safe as he made to turn Pony into the opening, but cried out as a bullet slammed into his lower back. He held tightly to the reins, but was unable to stay in the saddle as Pony made the sharp turn. His body slid to the side and he slammed into the hard packed ground as Standish’ fear-filled cry reached his ears. He knew there was no stopping his fall as forward momentum pushed him over the cliff and for a brief moment he was freefalling. The pain in his back exploded as he landed on his left side and began cart-wheeling down the side of the rocky embankment. He lost count of how many times he slammed into the ground before finally coming to rest at the bottom of the cliff.

“D...damn!” Chris cursed as he tried to ride out the mounting tide of pain and nausea. He tried to move, but nothing seemed to work as he blinked his eyes rapidly. He heard the echoing sounds of gunfire and realized Ezra Standish was trapped above him with at least four men shooting at him. Shifting his weight to his right side he tried to push his body upwards, but again his body remained immobile.

Ezra had little time to realize what had happened to his companion as Pony raced through the narrow opening. There was little space for him and the two horses as he looked past the rock, ducking back as rock splintered next to his face sending shards into his right cheek. He pulled his gun and quickly sent a shot towards his pursuers, but didn’t know whether he hit anything as several shots ricocheted off the rock around him. He knew these men only wanted his money, yet he also understood giving it to them would not stop them from killing him. He leaned out and again fired the gun, this time he though he’d hit his mark as a sharp cry reached his ears.

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

As the four men neared the outcropping of rock they drew the horses to a stop and dismounted in order to find cover. Andrew Cross turned just as Clyde cried out and fell to the ground. He didn’t take the time to check on him as he hurried towards several large boulders to the right of the pass where his nemesis had disappeared.

“Standish!”

“What do you want?” the gambler shouted.

“Throw out my money and we’ll let ya and yer friend go!”

“I was the victor in a well-played hand of poker and that, Sir, makes it my money!”

“Ya cheated! But I’ll let ya get away with it if ya give it back now...otherwise, I’ll make sure yer friend and ya pay the price of yer cheatin’!”

“I will give it serious thought!”

“Ya have five minutes or we’ll come in after you!” Cross screamed and fired a shot towards the opening.

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

Chris could just make out the voices above him, but there was nothing he could say or do to help Ezra Standish. In the time since his fall, his body had become a mass of agony that seemed to escalate with each breath he took. He’d tried to take inventory and cursed when he realized there was no point.

“J...just count w...what d…doesn’t hurt,” Chris rasped as he shifted and finally managed to use the wall of rock to help him sit up. The world around him shimmered and shifted with his blurring vision and he barely had time to turn his head as he lost the contents of his last meal. He lifted his head and looked up to the top of the cliff, but dizziness made it impossible for him to make out the distance. There was no way he could make his way to the top, let alone help Standish. Closing his eyes Chris tried to form a plan, but his mind refused to focus on anything but the tremors of pain that surpassed anything he’d ever felt before. He fought the encroaching darkness, but soon lost the battle and was swallowed up by the black void of unconsciousness.

Ezra leaned forward a little and looked out over the plateau in hopes of finding Chris Larabee. The fact that Cross had not used him as a bargaining chip told Ezra that they didn’t have the gunslinger, but that gave wake to another question. Where was Chris Larabee? The answer came as quickly as he thought the question and he looked towards the edge of the plateau.

“Please, God, no!” he whispered, ducking quickly as a bullet struck too close to home. Things were happening too fast and Ezra knew he had to find out what happened to his friend. He looked towards the back of the outcropping and wondered if there was a way he could work his way to the top and maybe get the upper hand against Cross and his men.

“Ya got two minutes, Standish!”

“Two minutes,” the gambler whispered and quickly made his way towards the back. The two horses blocked his way, but he managed to squeeze past them and made his way deeper into the pass. The sky had begun to lighten up and he knew he’d have to make his move soon or he’d be trapped here.

“One minute!”

Ezra made it to the opening and quickly looked around. His pursuers were still unaware of this opening and he looked around without hearing any gunshots. The pass he was in opened up on the edge of the cliff and he looked down, closing his eyes as a wave of dizziness washed over him.

“Time’s up! Ya gonna hand over my money?”

Ezra turned away from the edge and moved towards the entrance once more before calling out. “You’ll have to give me a couple of minutes to converse with Mr. Larabee!”

“Converse? What the hell’s that mean?” Jacob shouted, frowning as he listened to the gambler’s words.

“Means he’s gonna talk ta him! I’ll give ya five more minutes and if’n the money’s not out here then I’ll jest have ta kill ya both and take it from ya!”

“Five minutes should just about do it,” Standish thought as he looked around. He hurried past the horses and again searched the area around the back entrance. There seemed to be a serviceable pass leading down to the valley floor and he knew it was probably the only way out other than squaring off with the men waiting for them. If it was only the money, Ezra would gladly give it up, but he knew his life and Chris’ were also at stake. He glanced upwards and tested the rocks that had fallen into a short crevice and knew he could probably make a small slide that would cover the opening, but would it also bring the whole thing down on top of him and the horses.

“Ya got four minutes, Standish!”

“Does this guy ever shut up!” Ezra mumbled as he reached for the horse’s reins. He knew he would have problems with the horses, but if he could get them through the pass and onto the path then he might just be able to pull it off.

“Okay, let us endeavor to make this a joint effort shall we?” Standish began.

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

Chris forced the darkness away as his eyes opened once more. He had no idea how long he’d been out, but it couldn’t have been that long as the moon was just going behind the mountains and dawn was beginning to bring the promise of another day. Shifting slightly, his arms quaking with the effort it took to move at all he glanced above him once more. This time the world didn’t shift, but he could see nothing that could tell him what was happening.

“Jesus, Ezra, what the hell’s going on up there?” Frustrated by his own inability to help, Chris turned on his right side and tried crawling towards what looked like a trail leading upwards. Each inch he gained cost him more than he could afford and he began to realize just how badly he’d been injured in the fall. Cursing under his breath he struggled to stay awake as he continued to do the impossible.

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

Ezra finished getting the horses clear of the opening and again closed his eyes as dizziness assaulted his senses once more.

“Three minutes!”

“Three minutes,” Standish repeated as he reached for a thick stick and used it to prod the rocks above his head. He knew it wouldn’t take much to dislodge them. Reaching for the rope on his saddle he tied it around the stick and shoved the stick into a crevice between the stones. Gripping the end of the rope tightly he began leading the horses down the treacherous path. 

“Two Minutes!”

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

Chris heard the countdown and wondered what it was for. He knew he had to keep going, but every muscle in his body ached with a fierceness he’d never felt before. Every nerve ending screamed in protest as he tried to stand, but his left leg gave way before he could put any weight on it and he slammed into the ground once more. The air was driven from his lungs as again the call of darkness was too much and he fell into the welcoming arms of oblivion.

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

The trip down the cliff face was slow as Ezra maneuvered the two animals down the path. As he reached the end of the rope he heard Cross’ voice once more and tugged sharply on the rope. He watched the stick move and prayed it wouldn’t break as it bent against the weight of the rocks. Taking a deep breath he pull harder and was rewarded with a small trickle of stones and other debris. With one last effort he pulled with everything he had left and cursed as the stick broke, leaving the dam exactly where it was.

“Damn it!” Standish cursed as he made to move past the animals, but was brought up short by a sharp creak and the sound of rocks and debris cascading from atop the outcropping. The horses whinnied and shied away from the noise and almost sent Standish over the edge, but he managed to stay on his feet. He looked down once more, before starting his journey down the cliff.

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

“Times up, Standish! Throw out my money!” Andrew Cross shouted and fired a warning shot towards the hiding place. There was no reaction at first, but the sudden shifting of rock at the back of the crevice caused him to frown. He fired once more and signalled for the two men to follow him as he rushed towards the hideout. He stopped to reload before hurrying to the entrance.

“Ya hear me, Standish?”

“Maybe they got away, Andy!” Hank suggested.

“How? We’ve had the entrance covered!” Cross told him.

“Clyde’s dead,” Jacob said as he joined the two men.

“Least now we only gotta share the money three ways!” Andy said with a sly grin as he moved towards the entrance once more. “Standish, this is your last chance!”

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

Ezra smiled as he heard the voice above him and knew the man was in for a rude awakening when he discovered the blocked entrance. He knew he had to concentrate on the trail as the horses continued to slip and slide on the loose stones and gravel.

“Slow and steady, Ezra,” the gambler berated himself as they continued down the rough trek. He knew he could not afford to make a mistake or it would send him and the horses over the edge. With painstakingly slow steps he led the animals down the steep grade and silently prayed they’d make it to the bottom in one piece.

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

“That bastard!” Andrew Cross cursed as the opening vanished before his eyes. Rock, shrubbery and other debris collapsed at the end of the outcropping and quickly obliterated the other end.

“Maybe we can catch him on the other side!” Hank suggested.

“Not much chance of that Hank! The other side opens out onto the cliff. Wait a minute, Andy, there’s an old trail leading down into the valley on the other side. We could follow him down!”

“Good plan, Jacob, except yer fergettin’ the only access is through this pass. Damn fools made sure we couldn’t follow them. Come on, maybe we can still head them off by going back the way we came.”

“That’ll take us hours just to make it around to this side of the valley,” Hank complained.

“I know that, but we’ll have the advantage of knowing the old trails. We’ll make a wider arc and come out in front of ‘em b’fore they reach Kalley’s Meadow!”

“Ya sure we can do it?” Jacob asked.

“Ain’t steered ya wrong yet, have I?”

“No, but seems ta me ain’t nothin’ gone right since we started out!”

“Well, Jacob, why the hell don’tcha just ride on back ta Swift Creek and leave me and Hank ta catch up with Standish and Larabee. Hell, that might not be such a bad idea would it, Hank? Split the money two ways steada three?”

“Sure, if’n Jacob don’t wanna stick ‘round he don’t deserve his cut of the money.”

“Ain’t sayin’ I’s leavin’. Just saying maybe we better think ‘bout what we’re doin’. Standish and Larabee seem ta know what they’re doin’.”

“Yer givin’ ‘em too much credit. They’ve been lucky so far, but ain’t know way their luck’s gonna be all good. I got me a couple of bullets just waitin’ fer ‘em. Come on boys, lets go grab ourselves a couple of cheatin’ bastards!” He raced back to his horse and quickly mounted as his partners joined him.

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

Ezra had no idea how long it took him to reach the bottom of the plateau, but he could give you the exact time of each missed step and how many feet he’d traveled on his butt before coming to a stop. Twice his grip on the horses had slipped and he’d had to grab for the ropes in order to stop his own fall. Pony was as surefooted as he always was, but Ezra’s unfamiliar mount grew more skittish.

Once he reached the bottom he glanced up and realized he’d traveled over one hundred feet at a steep grade. He turned his attention to the area he thought Larabee might have fallen and was somewhat relieved that the cliff wall didn’t seem nearly as steep, but it still terrified him that Chris might’ve fallen over the edge.

“Chris!” he called as he led the horses away from the trail. Receiving no answer he called again and was rewarded by what sounded like a weak moan from his left.

“Chris, where are you?”

“H...here, Ez...o...over here!”

“Just stay where you are and I’ll find you!” Standish said and hurried towards the sound of Larabee’s voice. The sun was barely over the horizon when he spotted a patch of black against an otherwise unbroken sea of greenery. He tugged on the reins and quickly pushed aside the thick brush and foliage in an effort to get to his fallen friend. He looped the reins over a twisted branch and hurriedly knelt beside the blond. Chris laid on his right side, his head on his left arm and his eyes clenched tightly as if his body was wracked with pain.

“Chris, that must have been some fall!”

“Y...yeah, watch out for that first step it’s a real bastard!”

“I bet. Where are you hurt?”

“E...everywhere!”

“Yes, well, that’s probably the truth, but where is the worst of the pain localized?”

“Back...”

“You hit your back?”

“No...shot. S...shit.”

“Not now, Chris, I have enough to clean up.” Standish heard a raspy chuckle and smiled at his injured friend.

“Ez, don’t make me l...laugh. O...okay?”

“Sorry, I’ll try not to subject you to any sort of levity until such time...”

“Ez, please...h...head can’t h...handle a...any bullshit.”

“I apologize, Mothah always said I could talk the ears off, damn, sorry, Chris. Okay, so you’ve been shot in the back. Now before I move you is there any other pressing injury I should know about?”

“P...probably broke a couple of r...ribs. H...hard to breathe. Right arm’s not in the best of shape either.”

“All right, let me take a look...this will probably hurt. Perhaps it would be best if I removed your weapon before going any further?”

“Afraid I’ll s...shoot you?”

“The thought has crossed my mind,” Standish said light heartedly.

“Ma always said not to bite the hand that feeds you...in this case the hand that aids you. I won’t shoot you, Ez. Might try and hit you a few times though.”

“I shall consider myself warned. Now, try to lie as still as possible!”

“O...okay...ah....shit!”

“Sorry, but I believe you're right about the broken ribs. There are at least two that I can feel.”

“D...don’t feel ‘em anymore!” Larabee warned.

“As you wish, but I will have to bind them before I get you on Pony!”

“Pony? Where is he?” Larabee asked, eyebrows furrowing as he shifted slightly. “How did you get down here? Where are those bastards?”

“I came down a trail I found at the end of the pass. Our pursuers cannot come down the same way.”

“How can you be s...sure?” Larabee asked, wincing as Standish touched his right arm at the elbow.

“I sort of closed off their only avenue of making it onto our trail.”

“You what?”

“I caused a small landslide and blocked the only entrance.”

“Well done, Ez...Sssshit!”

“Sorry, Okay, it does appear to be broken.”

“No shit!”

“Yes, well, we’re going to need to immobilize it, but first I think I’d better take a look at the bullet wound. Did it go...”

“No, damn thing’s still in there!”

“All right. I’m going to grab the supplies Mr. Jackson sent along and see if I can make you comfortable.”

“Ezra, just do what you can. We need to get out of here before they get on our trail again.”

“Chris, there’s no way I am going to put you on a horse until your wounds have been properly taken care of.”

“Gettin’ downright bossy, Ezra!”

“Yes, and please remember that as of right now I am in charge!”

“Damn!”

“Lie still!” Standish warned as he hurried to the horses and dug through the saddle bags. He found several small packets and his own silver flask. He knew the healer made sure they had everything they needed in case of an emergency and had made sure they all knew what the herbs were for. ‘Thank you, Mr. Jackson,’ he thought before rushing back to his friend’s side.

“F...find a...anything use...ful.”

“Affirmative, Mr. Jackson sent along everything we might need.”

“A...any whiskey?”

“I’m afraid that was something he neglected to supply.”

“Damn!”

“I, however, have this!”

“E...Ezra, remind me just how much I owe you!”

“I’ll gladly remind you when we return to our humble abode. Take a long drink, Chris!”

Larabee nodded and accepted the flask. Taking a deep breath he lifted the flask to his mouth and took several long swallows of the fiery liquor. Not wanting to get drunk Chris handed the flask back to his friend and turned slightly onto his left side. He grunted as his injured ribs came in contact with the hard ground and readied himself for the onslaught of new pain to come. He felt Standish ease him out of his duster and gritted his teeth as the movement jarred his arm.

“Sorry, Chris, but...”

“It’s o...okay, Ez. N...not your fault!”

Ezra hardened his heart to the muted moans emanating from the blond and quickly realized there were newly forming bruises covering most of Larabee’s body. There were several shallow scratches along the blond’s chest that would need cleaning and Larabee’s forehead was a mottled collection of blues, blacks, and reds. The man needed a doctor, but right now all he had was a conman who did not want to gamble with this man’s life.

“Ez, you okay?”

“Oh, sorry, Chris, I was lost in thought,” Standish said as he succeeded in removing the duster and rolled it into a makeshift pillow which he placed under the blond head.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” the gambler said, cursing as he spotted the red stain encompassing most of Larabee’s shirt.

“That bad?” Larabee mumbled tiredly.

“Well, in our tracker’s words. Ain’t pretty! Just hold still while I take a look.” Standish opened the packet that held bandages and placed them within easy reach before tackling the shirt once more. It took some time before he finally caught a glimpse of the angry wound and he knew they would need to get to a doctor as quickly as possible.

“Ez?”

“Hold on, Chris. I’m going to clean it and put a bandage on it until we can get you to a doctor!”

“O...okay,” Larabee whispered and held his breath as the conman pressed something wet against his wound. He gasped and drew his legs up as the pain threatened to throw him back into the waiting abyss. Chris tried to remain still, but the pain escalated until he cried out and tried to draw away from the helping hands at his back. He heard Ezra’s sharp apologies, but cursed him anyway until he felt the younger man’s hand on his shoulder.

“I’m going to sit you up a little, Chris.”

“J...just shoot me...”

“I would, but I’m afraid you are already suffering from lead poisoning and I do not want to endanger you further.”

“Ah, hell, Ez, asked you not to make me laugh!”

“Sorry, my apologies once more. This is going to hurt like a”

“...sonofabitch!” Larabee cried out as he was lifted into a near sitting position. He felt the other man’s hands as they wrapped a tight bandage around his waist and tied it tightly. He knew by the uncomfortable lump at his back that Standish had padded the wound.

“Chris, I’m going to bind your right arm to your chest and use the bandages to wrap your ribs as well,” Standish explained.

“Just do it fast!” Larabee ordered through clenched teeth.

“I shall endeavor to do my best,” Standish blustered as he reached for another thick piece of material. Again he maneuvered the bandaging around his friend’s upper body before finally tying it off and holding Larabee against his chest as the man finally passed out. Taking a deep breath he looked at the horses and wondered how he was going to get Larabee on Pony and then keep him there. Easing the man back to the makeshift pillow he looked towards the brightly shining sun and wondered if there was anyplace close enough to supply them with the help they needed.

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

Rose Cross watched her husband and knew the man had too much on his mind. Since inheriting the ranch he’d taken on the responsibility of not only the land and the men who worked for him, but also that of a wife and a younger brother. She knew he was strong and that he believed in working the land with his own hands, yet he was soft when it came to Andrew Cross. The younger sibling had done things that could have landed him in jail, but Billy and several of his hands had stepped in to keep Andy out of jail. Now it looked like more trouble was brewing since Andrew Cross had not returned with the paper that would confirm the payroll deposit. She pushed open the door and hurried over to the barn where Billy was talking with two of his men.

“Chet, you and Ryan take the south trail to town and see if you can find out what happened to him. I’d go myself, but I need to make sure the fence in the north pasture gets mended before any more cattle get stuck in that bog.”

“No problem, Billy. What do you want us to do if he’s still in town?” Chet Miller asked as he placed his hat on his head and smiled at Rose Cross. “Good morning, ma’am.”

“Good morning, Mr. Miller, Mr. Graham.”

“Ma’am,” Graham tipped his hat to his boss’s wife.

“If he’s in town tell him to get his ass back here or he can collect his pay and get the hell out of my sight!” Cross explained.

“Billy, are you sure you want to do this?” Rose asked as she linked her arm through his.

“Yeah, Honey, I’m sure. If that lazy good for nothin’ brother of mine has done something he shouldn’t have then it’s high time he honed up to it and I stepped back. I’ve been helping him outta his troubles for so long and I think maybe I’m at fault for some of it, but Andy just doesn’t seem to understand what it mean to care about anything. Maybe some time on his own, away from here, will teach him what I haven’t been able to.”

“You’ve done more than any man I know, Billy. Most people would have wrote him off long ago,” Ryan explained. The three men had been friends since they were first able to hold a fishing pole and had remained that way through the years. Billy came to them for advice and the two often gave it freely and accepted anything he said in return.

“Thanks, Ryan, I just hate thinking Andy is doing this because he thinks I let him down.”

“If he thinks that, Billy, then Andy is a bigger fool than I thought,” Rose assured her husband.

“Thanks, Rose. Are you going to be okay here until I get back?”

“I’m a big girl, Billy, I’ve been alone on the ranch more than once. What makes you think this time will be any different?”

“Nothing, Honey, it’s just...well, if Andy does return...”

“I’ll tell him where you are and that you want to talk to him. Okay?”

“Sounds good. Chet, you boys let me know as soon as you find out anything!”

“Sure, Billy. We’ll see you later.” The two men nodded and tipped their hats before mounting up and riding out of the yard.

“Billy, how bad is it if Andy took off with the money?” Rose asked, knowing her husband would not lie to her and hoped the news would not be as bad as she thought it would be.

“It’ll put us in a bind, but it won’t break us. I only gave Andy half the payroll. Seems I have a wife who keeps telling me about not keeping all my eggs in one basket,” Billy explained, holding her close once more.

“Yes, well, Mama never raised no fools,” she countered as he kissed her forehead.

“I love you, my wild Irish Rose!”

“And I you, Billy Cross,” she said as they walked arm and arm towards the house.

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

Andy picked the way down the trail as he tried to figure out the best route to intercept Standish and Larabee. He knew the two men with him would be of use until he got the money, but considered them a liability he could do without once the money was back in his hands. A plan was forming in his mind and he smiled inwardly at the thought of killing these men, but the beauty of it all was that it would also bring down his high and mighty brother. He wished he could see Billy’s face when he realized there would be no money to pay the men and that he’d have to go into even more debt in order to save the ranch. A place that should’ve belonged to Andrew Cross, but his own brother had made sure their father thought he was a worthless sonofabitch. The further down the trail they went, the more agitated by his lot in life Andrew Cross became.

“I’ll make you sorry, Pa,” he whispered as he continued thinking about what might have been.

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

Ezra knew there was no way Chris Larabee would be able to stay in the saddle on his own. He looked at Larabee’s face, the slack features, the pale face, the discoloring contusion on the right side of his face and knew Larabee did not belong in a saddle at all. He also knew there was no choice but to get him on Pony if he was to get him to a doctor. Looking around he wondered how he would even reach help with the thick foliage and vegetation.

“Well, Chris, it appears we are in dire straights. I’m afraid this little escapade is going to be very rough on you,” Standish explained as he moved towards Pony. He patted the animal’s neck as he reached for the reins of both horses. He quickly tied his own horse to Pony’s saddle before leading them closer to the injured man. Once more he knelt beside the blond and gently tapped his cheek.

“Chris, I’m sorry I have to wake you, but there is little choice if I’m to succeed in getting you into the saddle. I wish I were as versatile as our capable trapper, but I have no idea how to create a travois,” Standish explained as he watched Larabee’s face contort in pain.

“E...Ezra?”

“Affirmative, how are you feeling?”

“D...don’t ask...e...everything hurts,” Larabee muttered as his eyes opened and he looked at the other man through blurred vision.

“We need to get you on Pony,” the gambler explained.

“L...looks kinda high,” the blond said as he looked at the saddle on Pony’s back.

“Yes, well I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do about that, but perhaps it won’t seem so insurmountable once you’re on your feet,” Standish tried.

“You could go for help...”

“That, Sir, is not an option. I promised I would not run out on you again and I will not do so now.”

“W...won’t be a...able to s...stay on h...him my...self,” Larabee mumbled as Standish moved to help him.

“I have thought on that and I do believe I will be able to hold you in the saddle until we arrive at some sort of sanctuary.”

”How long was I o...out?”

“No more than half an hour, but I believe it is imperative that we leave these premises immediately.”

“Get me up!” Larabee ordered, his voice weak, but still carrying the strength Standish was used to hearing.

“All right, but lean on me.” Standish reached down and gently grabbed Larabee’s left arm. He heard the man cry out, the sound tearing at his heart, but he knew there was no other way.

“Jesus!”

“I wish he was here to help us, but alas there is only me.”

“Shit, Ez, told you n...not to...to m...make me l...laugh.”

“Sorry, perhaps I should work on my repertoire with Mister Dunne!”

“J...just as l...long as y...you d...don’t p...practice on m...me!” Larabee ordered as he finally made it to his feet. He leaned heavily against the conman as wave after wave of dizziness assaulted his senses. Pain invaded every pore of his body as he struggled to remain on his feet. He knew Standish was speaking to him, but there was no way he could answer the worried man. He felt Standish’ grip tighten as his own legs began to collapse.

“Hold on, Chris, just a little longer!” Standish stated as they stood beside Larabee’s gelding.

“T....trying...”

“I know, now comes the hard part...”

“T...thought that was t...the hard p...part,” the blond said breathlessly.

“I’m sure it felt that way, but I’m afraid the next part involves you calling on every ounce of strength you have.”

“Why?’

“Because this will probably feel as if you’re scaling a mountain,” the gambler explained as he put Larabee’ left hand on the saddle.

“S...shit!” the blond groaned and leaned against the familiar horse. He felt Standish grab his leg and put his foot in the stirrup.

“All right, Chris, I’m going to hoist you into the saddle and all you have to do is stay in place for a few seconds until I can mount behind you.”

“We have to do t...this?”

“Unless you can walk?”

“N...no, don’t t...think s...so,” Larabee said, screaming as Ezra helped him into the saddle. His vision blurred once more and he grasped the saddle horn in a white-knuckled grip in an effort to stay where he was. He felt his body listing to the right and realized he’d be even worse off if his shoulder connected with the ground. “E...Ezra.”

“Almost there, Chris. Just hang on.”

“E...easy f...for you t...to say,” Larabee snapped as the gambler caught him and held him in place. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Now why don’t you lean back and try to relax.”

“Any more w...whiskey?”

“I believe you could indulge a little,” Standish said, holding the reins with one hand while he dug his flask from his pocket once more. He held it to Larabee’s mouth and waited for the blond to signal he’d had enough before taking it away and recapping it.

“Thanks, Ez, n...needed t...that!”

“Yes, I’m sure you did. Now relax and...”

“Ezra?”

“Yes, Chris.”

“Thanks for n...not r...running o...out on me!”

“You’re welcome...as I said a promise is a promise,” Standish said and caught the lean body as Larabee lost consciousness. He was relieved that the blond was out of pain for the moment, but worried that the injuries he’d sustained were even worse than he first feared. The bullet wound needed immediate care, but they were so far from help that he wasn’t sure Larabee would survive. Flicking the reins he gathered his courage and resolved to do everything in his power to bring Larabee home.

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

“Andy, are ya sure this is the right way?” Hank asked as they rode through the rough terrain.

“Hank, we came down on the opposite side of the plateau and that means we have to ride halfway around before we find where they came down. Now keep moving!”

“I don’t like this. They could be waiting for us!”

“Could be, Jacob, but think about that money and what it means to us. Imagine not having to worry about where yer next drink comes from or how many nights ya can pay ta stay with one of them saloon ladies yer always talkin’ ta.”

“Would be nice ta spend a full night warming Millie’s bed.”

“Millie? Ya gotta set yer sites a little higher’n Millie, Jacob,” Hank explained.

“Whatcha mean?”

“With that kinda money ya’ll be able ta buy one of them fancy ladies and sleep in a real bed!”

“Yeah, yeah, tha’s right...maybe even two of ‘em right Andy?”

“Tha’s right, Jacob, ya can have as many as ya want. But first we have ta catch Larabee and Standish!” Cross explained. His gaze was on the trail ahead as tree limbs brushed at him and nearly dragged him from the horse. He knew the men he was chasing were traveling over the same rough terrain and smiled at the thought of killing them and hiding their bodies where no one could find them.

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

Ezra carefully picked his way through the tangle of scrub brush and trees as he held tightly to his friend’s limp body. Several times he’d nearly lost his grip and had to shift his own body in order to keep Larabee from falling to the ground. The sounds of birds screeched through the wilderness as he journeyed past their homes and intruded on their domain. Unable to reach for his pocket watch, Ezra had no idea how long they traveled, but the sun had already reached it’s zenith and begun it’s slow trek towards the horizon. His back ached and his arms felt ready to break, but there was no way he could stop, for that would mean getting Larabee off the horse and right now he didn’t trust himself to get him back on. He winced as a new kink made itself known and a raspy voice whispered to him.

“Ezra, n...need to r...rest!”

“I’m fine, Chris,” Standish tried reassuringly.

“May be a conman, Ez, b...but y...you’re not fooling m...me. F...find a p...place to make c...camp f...for a few hours.”

“I’m afraid that is not an option, Chris. If we dismount there is no guarantee that I’ll be able to get you back in the saddle.”

“Ezra, c...can’t s...stay like t...this much l...longer. B...back’s killing me...not to mention my butt,” Larabee tried to lighten the mood, but could tell Standish didn’t feel like joking.

“Yes, well, right now I am in charge and since I am the only one who can get us off Pony I say we keep going until we find a suitable place. Maybe something with a feather bed that will do wonders for your aching posterior!”

“Big words again, Ezra.”

“Oh, yes, well, I am sorry, but...”

“That’s better.”

“What is?” Standish asked bewilderedly.

“Said butt and not post...what...ever it w...was.”

“Chris, perhaps you should consider working on your repertoire as well before we all become the butt of somebody’s jokes.” This time he was rewarded with a soft laugh from the injured man, but it quickly turned into a cry of pain as Larabee tried to move and set off another wave of pain. He fought to keep them both in the saddle as the blond struggled to get past the agony of his wounds. He drew Pony to a stop and held tightly to the trembling body until Larabee went still in his arms. With trembling hands he held tightly and waited to feel the gunslinger draw breath and sighed thankfully when he felt a trembling breath. 

“Don’t you think about running out on me, Chris Larabee, because I’ll hunt you down if you do,” the gambler said and continued his journey.

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

Andrew smiled as he looked up the steep slope. It was late afternoon and most of the valley was in shadow, but there was no mistaking the signs that someone or something had fallen from above. He quickly dismounted and began searching the area as the other men joined him.

“What is it, Andy?” Hank asked.

“Think maybe something fell from the plateau,” Cross explained as he touched a stain on several limbs at the bottom of the trail.

“Think it was one of ‘em?” Jacob asked.

“Think so and whoever it is was hurt and tried to crawl over there,” Cross explained as he handed his reins to Hank and quickly hurried along the unmistakable path.

“Where are ya goin’?” Jacob asked.

“I want to see where the trail leads. Ya both can wait here until I get back!” Cross slowly made his way along the trail, checking the area for any sign that the injured man was still nearby. He came to an area that was beaten down and again knelt to check the grass. He found more evidence of blood and two sets of footsteps that lead to the unmistakable signs of two horses. There were deep prints in places and he knew two men were riding one horse and leading the other. Finally satisfied that one of the men was seriously hurt he stood up and quickly found the trail leading away from the plateau. He knew the two men were in unfamiliar territory and smiled at the thought of catching them and killing them both before taking his money and disposing of his two companions.

“Did ya find anything, Andy?”

“Yeah, looks like they went this way and one of ‘em’s hurt. Come on, boys, it’s time for a coon hunt!” He heard the sharp whoop from the two men as he mounted up. He could put up with them for a little longer and then he’d see the look on their faces when he killed them and left them in the dirt.

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

The sun had already set when Ezra spotted the ranch house in the distance. Larabee was now sporting the start of a mean fever and was caught in some nightmare that only he could see. Several times he’d nearly pulled them both from the saddle and only Ezra’s quick reflexes had saved them both a hard fall. He knew they’d have to stop soon if only to check the wound to Larabee’s back, but he needed to find a source of water first. He knew the blond needed help and the ranch house looked to be their salvation. Standish hurried the exhausted horse forward.

“I promise both of you a clean barn and extra hay and oats tonight,” Standish whispered and felt the blond stiffen in his arms.

“Ezra, w...where are w...we?”

“Well, Chris, I’m hoping we’re about to enter heaven...”

“What?”

“Not literally, My Friend, but there seems to be a rather friendly looking building ahead.”

“Building?”

“Yes, it appears to be a house and several outbuildings. I believe you’ll soon be resting in a bed...just can’t guarantee feathers.”

“C...could sleep on a b...bed of r...rocks,” Larabee muttered as he held his breath against the pain slamming into him.

“Not much longer, Chris,” Standish assured the blond and prayed he would find a willing hand ahead.

Rose Cross looked towards the mountains that covered the horizon to the right of her home. Several times she’d gone with her husband to the creek that ran along the trail and now she was making plans for another outing. She would make a picnic lunch and they could spend the afternoon relaxing in the sun.

‘Maybe you’ll forget about Andy for a while,” she thought as she squinted her eyes in an effort to pick out the rider coming towards her from the mountains. As they neared the ranch she made out two horses, but only one seemed to be carrying a man. At first she thought it was Andrew Cross, but knew she was wrong as the shadowy image formed into two distinct men. She could tell one of them was injured and quickly ran to the barn.

“Dave, I’m going to need your help out here!”

“What’s wrong, Mrs. Cross?” Dave White asked as he stepped out the door washing his hands in the horse trough as she hurried towards him.

“It looks like we have company and I think one of them might need a doctor!”

“Where are they?”

“Just west of here. Two horses, but one is being ridden by two men.”

“All right, ma’am, I’ll have one of the boys set up a bed in the bunkhouse...”

“No, if he’s hurt he’ll need someone to care for him and I won’t be able to do that if he’s in the bunkhouse.”

“But, Ma’am,” White tried, but was stopped by the woman’s fiery glare.

“Dave, are you gonna help me or do I call one of the others?”

“I’ll help you, Ma’am, just tell me what you want me to do.”

“If the second man is injured I’m going to need you to help me get him into the house. Are Frank and Carl around?” She asked as the horses entered through the gate.

“Yes, Ma’am. Frank’s working that new horse Billy purchased, Carl’s in the barn cleaning the stalls.”

“Tell Frank to come help us and tell Carl to go get Dr. O’Neil!” Rose ordered as she raced to meet the newcomers.

“Ma’am, if there are such things as angels then I must be in heaven,” Standish blustered tiredly.

“Well, you’re not in heaven and I’m no angel, but it appears as if your friend is nearing the pearly gates,” Rose said as she walked beside the horse.

“Yes, Ma’am, he’s hurt bad,” the conman answered as they neared the ranch house and a trio of men hurried towards them.

“I can tell,” the woman said as they drew to a stop in front of her home. “If you’ll hand him down Dave and Frank will carry him into the house.”

“I...d...don’t w...want to p...put you o...out, ma’am,” Larabee ground out through tightly clenched teeth.

“You’re not,” she said as Dave White stood beside her. “Dave, did you send Carl for the doctor.”

“Yes, ma’am, he’s just leaving!”

“All right, let’s see about getting him cleaned up before the doctor arrives.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Dave agreed and reached for the injured man.

“Be careful...his arm is broken and he has a bullet in his back.”

“A bullet? Mister, what kind of trouble are you in? Did you have a run in with the law?” White asked moving protectively in front of his boss’s wife.

“I assure you the vermin who shot Chris were in no way involved with the law, but it’s possible they were wanted by them!” Standish explained as he shifted Larabee’s weight slightly.

“Look, it doesn’t matter right now! This man needs help and I’m not about to stand here while he bleeds all over the front yard. Dave, you and Frank get over here!”

“Yes, ma’am,” Frank agreed quickly and reached for the injured man.

Chris felt himself lowered into the waiting arms and tried to hide just how much pain he was in as his feet hit the ground and tremors of white hot pain spread from his lower back to every extremity. His stomach churned and he tried to fight off the nausea, but there was no stopping the bile that rose up in his throat. He hated being sick, especially in front of a woman, yet there was no stopping the vile tasting fluid that left his mouth in a noxious stream. He gasped as this new torment continued for several long agonizing seconds before he was able to draw air into his lungs. Two sets of hands held him tightly as his legs gave out and the nausea abated momentarily.

“S...sorry.”

“Nothing for you to be sorry about. Lord knows I’ve seen enough sickness over the years,” the Cross woman assured him as she looked into the pain filled green eyes.

“T...thank you, Ma’am,” Larabee said through a throat ravaged by vomiting.

“You’re welcome. Dave, take him to the guest room at the top of the stairs!”

“Yes, ma’am...”

“B...bunk...house,” the blond tried.

“I don’t think so, Mr...”

“Larabee. His name is Chris Larabee and mine is Ezra Standish. We’re peacekeepers from Four Corners.”

“Peacekeepers? Four Corners? You’re a long way from home right now.”

”Yes well, we were delivering papers to a rancher south of Swift Creek. It was a special order from Judge Travis,” Standish explained as he followed the woman into the house.

“Judge Travis is a good man and well known in these parts,” Frank explained as Rose held the door for them to bring the injured man inside. 

Chris heard them talking, but every part of him was a fiery agony that refused to be dampened. He kept his mouth closed and breathed through his nose as they stopped at the bottom of the stairs. He swallowed quickly in an effort to ward off the feeling of sickness that came over him once more and knew he wasn’t going to be able to make it up the stairs as his legs trembled and buckled once more. He felt himself lifted between the two men and groaned as a hand brushed against the wound in his lower back.

“Be careful,” Rose Cross ordered as she hurried up the stairs. She moved past them in the hallway and opened the door to the spare bedroom. “Put him on the bed!”

“N...no!” Chris gasped as the two men carried him inside.

“Why not?” the woman asked in disbelief.

“D...dirty...”

“Oh please, do you really think I’m concerned about whether or not my sheets get dirty? I’ve got plenty of linen and we can change the bed once we’ve made you more comfortable. Now put him on the bed!” she said as she pulled back the blankets.

“No,” Larabee tried again, but was gently deposited on the clean sheets.

“Sorry, Mister, but Mrs. Cross is boss when her husband’s away,” Dave said with a grin.

“All right, you two help him out of his clothes while I get some clean linen and hot water. I may even be able to find a little whiskey to help ease the pain, Mr. Larabee.”

“Thank you, Ma’am, I’m obliged.”

“Yes, well, I don’t think you’ll be as obliged when we start cleaning you up. Mr. Standish, would you like to come down to the kitchen and get something to eat?”

“I would prefer to stay with Chris for now, Mrs. Cross...”

“Go, Ezra, I’ll be here after you’ve e...eaten,” Larabee mumbled as Frank eased the duster off his injured arm. He bit back a cry of pain as the movement jarred the limb and sent shards of pain from fingertip to shoulder and continuing until it met up with the other reawakened pains.

“Come, Mr. Standish, you got him this far, now let us help both of you before you fall over and injure yourself in the bargain,” the Cross woman suggested firmly.

“She won’t take no for an answer, Mister, so ya might as well go with her,” White explained.

“Chris...”

“I’m f...fine, Ez, g...go,” Larabee whispered as the two men helped him sit up.

“Be careful of his ribs too,” Standish said before Rose Cross latched onto his arm and pulled him from the room.

“Sorry, Mister, but this is not gonna be easy,” White explained as they carefully removed the remainder of the tattered clothing.

Chris held his breath as his body was maneuvered each time a new article of clothing was removed from his body. By the time they removed his socks he was nearly unconscious and he fought to stay awake. He had no idea how long it took the two men to rid him of his clothing, but was grateful when a soft warm blanket was eased up over him.

“T…thanks,” he whispered, watching the duo closely.

“You’re welcome. Mrs. Cross is a fine woman and you’d best be telling the truth about where you come from,” White warned.

“T…telegraph Four Corners…Josiah Sanchez. H…he’ll vouch for us.”

“I’ll do that first thing in the morning,” the older man vowed, looking up as the soft billow of skirts reached his ears.

“Frank, would you mind making sure there’s more water boiling and tell Mr. Standish there’s plenty of food so he doesn’t need to worry about how much he eats! I also left a cup of Willow bark tea on the counter and would like that sent up as well. Dave, I’m going to need your help to clean him up.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Frank said and hurried from the room.

“Mrs. Cross, maybe you’d better let me take care of him,” White suggested.

“Nonsense, Dave, I’ve taken care of most of you at some point in time and you know I’m not squeamish.”

“No, Ma’am, squeamish you’re not,” the older man agreed as they folded back the blanket.

“Mr. Larabee, this might hurt a little,” the woman said as she watched fever baked green eyes open.

“T…that’s what N…Nate a…always s…says,” Larabee said as a cloth was gently wiped over his face. He winced as she came in contact with the wound on his face and heard her apologize. “It’s o…okay…just s…sore.”

“I bet it is,” she said sympathetically. “You’re running quite a fever and hopefully the tea will help.”

Larabee felt himself drifting as the warm clothe continued to remove the dirt from his wounds. He knew he wouldn’t be awake much longer and again thanked the woman for her help. Just before he gave in to unconsciousness he felt a soft hand on his shoulder.

“Mr. Larabee, I want you to try a little of the tea for me,” the Cross woman said as White lifted the injured man’s head slightly. She helped him take several sips from the cup and knew there was nothing more she could do as he finally lost the battle to stay awake.

“He’s in bad shape, Ma’am.”

“Yes, he is, Dave. Look, I want you to ride out and meet Billy. Tell him what’s happened and that I’d like him to come home.”

“Yes, Ma’am. Will you be all right?”

“I’ll be fine. Frank will stay with me until you or one of the others return, but something tells me we can trust these men.”

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Thanks, Dave.” Rose said and went back to the job of cleaning up the injured man’s wounds.

The sky was beginning to darken when Andrew Cross realized where the two men were headed. He silently cursed his luck as the two men riding with him drew up alongside him. He drew his horse to a halt and looked at them both before coming to a decision. The fact that Larabee and Standish were headed for the Cross ranch made it imperative that he get rid of these two now. To have them ride in would put suspicion on him and right now he was coming up with a plan that might just get him out of trouble. All he had to do was convince his brother that Standish had indeed cheated or even stolen the money. He knew his brother wanted to believe the best about him and maybe, just maybe, he could get back under Billy’s good graces if he admitted to having a weakness when it came to gambling. He knew it would be hard, but if it meant he would get his hands on the money than he could do it.

“What’s wrong, Andy?” Hank asked as he drew alongside his friend.

“Nothing, not now anyway.”

“Whatcha mean?” Jacob inquired.

“I know where to find Standish and Larabee!”

“Thought we was followin’ ‘em,” Hank said.

“We are and guess what’s just a couple of miles from here?”

“What?” Jacob asked.

“My place…or should I say my brother’s spread. It’s just on the other side of the creek that runs along Kalley’s Meadow. Seems like they’re headin’ into the lion’s den.”

“Ya callin’ yer brother a lion, Andy?”

“Nope, Hank, I’m the lion and well I just may have come up with a way out of this mess.”

“Thought we were gonna take the money and run?”

“That was the plan, Jacob, but I’ve got a better one,” Andy said and drew his weapon. “See, I can convince my brother of anything and he’ll believe me when I tell ‘im Standish cheated during the game.”

“Andy, put the gun away.”

“Sorry, Hank, but in order for this to work I’m gonna have ta kill ya. Jacob too, sorry, boys, but ain’t got no use fer ya anymore. Ya’ll jest get in my way!” With those words he fired at both men, hitting his targets and watching them fall from the saddle. The two men landed with a thump and a cloud of dust rose from the spot where they landed.

“Sorry, Boys, but the money was supposed to be mine anyway,” Andy said and smiled as he rode away from the two men.

Billy Cross rode slowly along the trail towards his home and sighed contentedly. He loved being a rancher and owning the land that had been in his family so long. Since his father’s death he’d made a go of the ranch and his only regret was his brother’s seeming disregard for the things he cared about. He knew Rose was right and yet he could not quite bring himself to give up on Andy. He wondered if there was anything else he could do to help his younger sibling to see ranch life as he did.

Billy looked up as the sound of hoof beats met his ears. He pulled his rifle from its scabbard and waited for the newcomer to reach him. He relaxed his stance as he recognized the man.

“What’s wrong, Dave?”

“There’s trouble at the house…”

“What kind of trouble? Andy?”

“No, not Andy, but a couple of men rode in about two hours ago…one of ‘em’s got a bullet in his back.”

“What about Rose?”

“She’s taking care of the wounded one. They claim to be peacekeepers from up around Four Corners.”

“Who’s with Rose?” Cross asked as they rode towards the ranch.

“Frank is there. Carl should be back any time. Rose sent him for Dr. O’Neil.”

“Good. Any word on Andy?”

“No, Ryan’s not back yet,” White said and knew it wasn’t the news he wanted to hear. “The kid’s trouble, Billy.”

“Yeah, I know, but I keep hoping he’ll wise up and see what he’s got here. I told him half of this was his when he proved he could take care of it.”

“He’d probably just sell out without a backwards glance.”

“Probably, ah, hell, Dave, I should’ve listened to you a long time ago. I’ve given him enough chances…”

“More’n enough, Billy, most men would’ve wrote him off a long time ago. There’s only so much you can do before it’s too late and right now it’s too late for Andy.”

“I hope Ryan finds him and brings him home. Least that way he can pack his stuff and get the hell out of my sight! Come on, let’s get home and see if those men really are peacekeepers.” The two men picked up the pace and hoped nothing happened before they reached the ranch.