Gloria Potter looked up as JD hurried past the store. She’d seen the young man several times during the day, but something had certainly put a burr in his saddle and she hurried to the door in time to see him wave down Vin Tanner and Nathan Jackson. She stood in her doorway, using her broom to sweep at the dust and listened in on the men’s conversation.

 

“Vin, Nathan, got a wire from a place called Swift Creek!” the sheriff called.

 

“Never heard of it,” Jackson said.

 

“Little burg south of here near Busted Pass,” Tanner explained. “Who’s it from?”

 

“Ezra. Says Chris is hurt and they would be delayed for a couple of weeks.”

 

“Does he say how bad?” Jackson asked.

 

“Just says he’s hurt and that there’s a doctor and she’s…”

 

“She?” Vin asked curiously, a somewhat amused expression on his face.

 

“Yep, she’s looking after him.”

 

“Did ya send an answer?” Tanner asked.

 

“Not yet. Wanted to see if ya had a message for him,” Dunne answered.

 

“Ask how bad Chris is hurt and if they need any of us ta come down there!” Jackson told him as they walked towards the saloon.

 

“Maybe you should go anyway, Nate,” Tanner suggested.

 

“Why?” Jackson asked.

 

“Well, if’n Chris is hurt ain’t no woman gonna keep ‘im in bed,” Tanner joked, knowing Standish would’ve said more if Chris was badly hurt.

 

“Yah, he ain’t like Buck, any woman could keep ‘im in bed!” Dunne said as his hat was knocked off his head.

 

“That’s because of my animal magnetism, Son. Somethin’ you obviously don’t have. Now why’re ya talking ‘bout me and women? You need more lessons?”

 

“No, Buck, but maybe I could teach you a thing or two,” Dunne said as Sanchez joined them.

 

“Better listen to the sheriff, Buck. Women find men who wear a badge highly exciting,” Sanchez said. “Would you boys care to join me for a drink?”

 

“Sounds like a plan, Josiah,” Jackson said as they nodded to Gloria Potter and walked towards the saloon. “So, JD, what was in the wire?”

 

“It was from Ezra. Chris got himself hurt….”

 

“What? How bad?”

 

“Easy, Buck, Ezra didn’t say how bad just that they’d be held up a couple of weeks. JD’s gonna send a message and see if we’re needed,” Jackson explained.

 

“Is there a doctor?” Sanchez asked as they entered the saloon.

 

“As a matter of fact there is,” Tanner said with a grin.

 

“What’s funny?” Wilmington asked.

 

“The doctor is a woman,” Dunne answered.

 

“A woman. Damn, why is he always the lucky one,” the gentle rogue said as he plunked his hat down on the bar.

 

“Lucky? How is getting hurt lucky?” Jackson asked.

 

“Getting hurt ain’t lucky, Nate, but having a woman doctor, probably the only woman doctor in the country looking after you is lucky. No offense meant.” Wilmington answered.

 

“None taken. I have a feeling a lot more men would visit the doctor if he knew she was pretty. Wouldn’t matter to ‘em if she was good at her job or not,” Jackson observed knowing how hard women worked to prove they could do a job. Things were changing, but progress was still slow. There were people in Four Corners who didn’t think Mary Travis should own the newspaper, yet she’d proven herself time and again. The only mark he held against her was that she’d used a man’s reputation to get rid of the ‘bad element’. Chris had since proven he wasn’t one of the so-called ‘bad element’, but there were those in town who still didn’t trust them.

 

“Are you okay, Brother?” Sanchez asked.

 

“Yeah, I’m fine, Josiah, just thinking how things are changing.”

 

“Ah, progress? Sometimes it’s a mighty fine thing,” Sanchez said and smiled as he handed Jackson a glass of whiskey. He knew JD would send a wire to Swift Creek and they’d have to wait to hear just how badly Chris Larabee was hurt. Until then their job was to look out for their own town and they were expecting a bunch of ranch hands who were celebrating the end of a drive. He knew the drink he had in his hand would be the only one he would have until the drovers left town and things returned to normal.

 

“Well, here’s to an easy night,” Dunne said hopefully.

 

“And a whole lot of Divine Intervention, Son,” Sanchez said as each man finished his drink and left to get some rest before the rowdy men arrived.

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

Ezra watched his friend closely as Jennifer O’Neil cared for the wound in Larabee’s back. He knew the blond was awake and wished there was something he could do to help ease his torment, but there was nothing more he could do than to hold the injured man in place.

 

“Chris, I’m going to need to drain…”

 

“S…shit,” the blond cursed under his breath as he heard her explain what she had to do. He felt a cloth placed beside his back and cried out as she pressed against the wound and sent shards of pain lancing through his lower back.

 

“Just hang on, Chris…”

 

“E…easy f…for you t…to s…say,” Larabee ground out as he tried to remain still. He swallowed several times as he fought back the darkness threatening to pull him under.

 

“I’m almost finished,” O’Neil assured him sympathetically as she pressed against the wound, releasing the bloodied pus and wiping it away with the cloth. Once she was sure the infection had been drained she cleaned the area with water laced with carbolic and finally pressed a clean cloth against the wound. Once she had it secured she motioned for Ezra to ease him back on the pillows and wished there was something she could do to relieve the fever raging through him.

 

“T…thanks, D…doc,” Larabee whispered through dry lips.

 

“I’m sorry, Chris, I know that has to hurt, but I have to keep the wound drained or risk a serious infection.”

 

“I…I k…know,” Larabee wheezed as he began to get his breathing under control.

 

“I can give you a shot of morphine if the pain’s too bad,” she explained, wishing Chet would get back with the extra supplies she needed. Since finding Andrew Cross injured her supply of morphine was rapidly being depleted. She’d given him two shots of the narcotic already, and there was maybe enough left to give this man some relief.

 

“O…okay r…right now,” Larabee assured her, but the lines of strain told her he was lying.

 

“You’re a stubborn man, Chris Larabee.”

 

“B…been told t…that a time or t…two,” the blond said, managing a pale smile as the woman reached for the glass of water on the table. He took several sips, relishing the moisture as it eased the fire burning through his mouth and throat. He knew he had to go slow or risk losing the small amount he managed to get inside his body. Closing his eyes he frowned as a memory fought to the front of his fevered mind. Forcing his eyes open once more he looked at the physician and tried to speak. “B…Billy s…shot?”

 

“No, Billy hasn’t been shot, Chris. His brother was.”

 

“He o…okay?”

 

“He will be if he stays in bed,” O’Neil explained and relaxed as her patient finally found some relief in sleep.

 

“Doc, I can look out for him if you want to check your other patient,” Standish offered and reached for a clean cloth to place on Larabee’s forehead.

 

“I’ll check on him and then I’m going to get some sleep, Ezra. If you think he’s getting any hotter come get me!”

 

“I will,” Standish assured her.

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

Andrew Cross languished in the comfort of his own bed. He knew he was at home and that his wound had been tended to by Jennifer O’Neil, but he could not let on that he wasn’t hurt as badly as they thought. He listened as Billy and Rose talked about him, silently cursing as his sister in law continued to try to ease her husband’s conscience. He needed Billy on his side and would do anything to make sure his brother believed his story. He forced groan past his lips and made a show of trying to open his eyes.

 

“Andy, just lie still, okay?”

 

“B…Billy?”

 

“I’m right here, Little Brother. Just take it easy. You were shot but Dr. O’Neil is taking care of you.”

 

“S…shot? Who? How?”

 

“We were hoping you could tell us,” Rose said as she sat on the edge of the bed.

 

“I don’t…I can’t remember? Who shot me?”

 

“Whoever stole the money.”

 

“Money!” Andy tried to come off the bed as his eyes widened and he swallowed painfully. “God, Billy, Rose, h…he… they stole the money.”

 

“Did you get a look at them?” Billy asked.

 

“Y…yeah…two of ‘em. H…heard ‘em talkin’ ta each other. N…names…”

 

“You heard their names?” Rose asked incredulously.

 

“Y…yeah…think so. One was called Chris…”

 

Rose looked at her husband as they waited for the second name. She saw the same look on his face that she knew was on her own.

 

“…o…other one w…was Ezra….think I…I heard S…Standish…”

 

“Are you sure about this, Andy?” Billy asked, unable to believe they were harboring the very men who robbed his brother.

 

“Y…yeah. I saw ‘em and heard ‘em, Billy. They done it! They took ever’thin’ and s…shot me! T…think I m…might have h…hit one of ‘em as he was ridin’ a…away. C…can’t be sure…happened s…so d…damn fast,” Andy explained and cried out as if in pain. His eyes closed and he fought to remain still and pretend sleep.

 

“Easy, Andy, just lie still. Rose have one of the boys ride into town for Emmett!”

 

“You don’t think? Surely, Billy, you don’t believe those two men did this?” Rose demanded.

 

“I don’t know what to believe, Rose. Andy’s story has a ring of truth to it. He said he thought he hit one of them as they were riding off and Larabee shows up here with a bullet in his back.”

 

“Billy, where are you going?” Rose asked as she followed her husband out of the bedroom.

 

“I’m going to see what Standish has to say about it!”

 

“Billy, maybe you should wait until Emmett gets here!”

 

“No, Rose, I won’t give them a chance to escape!”

 

“Escape! Billy, be reasonable. Chris Larabee was shot in the back! He’s burning up with fever, has a broken arm and at least three broken ribs. Not to mention the cuts and bruises…”

 

“Would you two mind keeping it down,” Jennifer O’Neil warned as she exited the room she’d been resting in. She saw the anger on Billy’s face and understood something had happened. “What’s wrong?”

 

“Andy was awake and he told us a little more about what happened to him. He said he shot whoever robbed him in the back,” Rose explained.

 

“And you think it was Chris?” the physician asked.

 

“It sure looks that way. The timing is right and so are the circumstances.”

 

“Billy, are you sure you’re not just trying to find a way to save your brother from himself again?” O’Neil asked and knew she’d overstepped her bounds when anger once more flared in his eyes.

 

“Why is everyone so quick to think the worst of Andy? He’s my brother, damn it and I can’t help hoping he’s telling me the truth! I figure the best way to find out is to ask Larabee and Standish about it!” Billy told them and walked towards the closed door.

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

Andy overheard the conversation outside his door, and was shocked to realize Larabee and Standish were there already. The fact that Larabee was shot in the back would lend credence to his own story and all he needed to do was keep his story straight. He knew the bodies of Jacob and Hank would be discovered and he could easily cover that by telling them Jacob and Hank were either in on the robbery or were killed by Larabee and Standish. He smiled inwardly at how easily he could manipulate his brother, but the others would need convincing. Straining to hear what was going on he felt like laughing when he heard his brother’s words and knew Billy was on his side. Turning on his right side he kept his eyes closed and a sense of calm relief played through his mind.

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

Ezra heard the commotion outside the room and glanced at the sleeping man before hurrying to the door and pulling it open.

 

“Is there something wrong?”

 

“Maybe, Standish! Would you care to tell me how Larabee really got shot?” Cross asked angrily.

 

“I’ve already been through this, but if you insist I shall endeavor to relate the events once more,” Standish explained.

 

“Look, I’ve already heard the story, so if you’ll excuse me I’ll check on my patient,” O’Neil said and brushed past the gambler into the room where Larabee lay bathed in sweat.

 

“Rose, go tell Dave to send someone into town for the sheriff,” Billy ordered as he motioned for Standish to follow him downstairs and into the kitchen. “Now, are you sure you want to tell me the same shit you told Rose and Jenny?”

 

“I have told the truth to all of you. Would you care to enlighten me as to the reason for your anger?”

 

“My brother was shot by a couple of robbers who took the payroll deposit before he reached the bank.”

 

“I am sorry to hear of your brother’s problems, but neither Chris Larabee nor myself are involved in such wrongdoings.”

 

“Well, that’s where the problem lies, Standish. My brother says he was robbed by two men and that he shot one of them in the back. He overheard them talking and caught their names…”

 

“I’m afraid I don’t understand. Chris was shot by one of several men who thought I cheated in a card game in Swift Creek. There are plenty of witnesses to the fact that I won the final hand and that the man I beat was a sore loser.”

 

“Andy…”

 

“Andy!” Standish suddenly understood the trouble they were in as he heard the name of his accused.

 

“Yes, Andy’s my brother’s name and…”

 

“Oh, Lord,” Standish said and sank into the chair beside the kitchen table. “I do believe your brother is trying to hide the fact that he lost your money in a card game.”

 

“What?” Cross asked and suddenly realized Andy may have pulled one over on him once more, but until they found out the truth he needed to make sure this man did not escape. “I need to ask for your gun.”

 

“My gun?”

 

“Yes, and Larabee’s too. Look, until I get some answers I need to make sure you don’t leave before Emmett arrives.”

 

“Chris is in no shape to be moved and I certainly wouldn’t leave without him.”

 

“That may be true and I wish I could believe you, but until I have some answers I can’t take that chance.”

 

“All right, but there were two other men with your brother when he followed us. Perhaps they can shed some light on what happened.”

 

“Maybe, but for now it’s Andy’s word against yours and he may not be the most trustworthy person, but he is still my brother,” Cross said and accepted the gun from the other man.

 

“I need your promise that Andy does not get anywhere near Chris.”

 

“I told you my brother was shot and there’s no way he’ll be out of bed for a few days.”

 

“I would still like your word that he stays away from Chris.”

 

“All right, you have my word,” Cross agreed and placed the guns in the chest of drawers behind the table.

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

Ezra returned to Chris’ room to find the doctor fighting with the injured man. He’d seen Larabee in the throes of feverish nightmares before and knew it was happening again. Hurrying into the room he moved to the opposite side of the bed and reached for the blond’s upper body.

 

“Sarah! God, no! Hot!”

 

“Be careful!” O’Neil ordered as she watched the gambler restrain the injured man.

 

“Easy, Chris, you are safe!” Standish explained as Larabee’s heated pleas for help echoed loudly in the room. His body suddenly went limp in the conman’s arms and he quickly looked towards the doctor for any sign that his friend was okay.

 

“He’s still with us, but he’s probably torn open the wound in his back. Lift him forward,” the physician ordered and heard footsteps behind her.

 

“What’s happening?” Rose asked as Larabee began struggling once more.

 

“His fever is getting worse! Hold him still, Ezra!” O’Neil explained breathlessly as she reached for a strip of material and quickly wrapped it around Larabee’s wrist and attached it to the bedpost. She quickly passed another one to Rose and ordered her to tie Larabee’s left ankle to the post while she took care of his right.

 

“Chris, you’re all right!” Ezra soothed as he tried not to hurt the fevered man.

 

“No! Damn you! Let me go!” His eyes were wild as he searched the room through the burning flames only he could see. Desperation made him strong as he felt someone restraining him and his mind latched onto the memory of another time, another place. “Let me go!”

 

“Lay still, Chris!” Standish tried as he turned Larabee slightly on his left side as O’Neil began checking the bullet wound.

 

“Buck! NO! S…Sarah…h…have to s…save her…ADAM!” He reacted instinctively to the cries that only he heard and fought with everything he had, but his arms and legs were held immobile.

 

“SH, Chris, it’s Ezra. You’re safe.”

 

“Fire…God help t…them …I c…can save t…them! J…just let m…me go, B…Buck! Let me GO! Damn y…you!”

 

“Whom is he talking about?” Rose asked as she saw the blood on the bandages Jenny was removing from Larabee’s back. She looked towards the door as her husband entered the room and moved to help them.

 

“Sarah was his wife, Adam his son,” Standish explained.

 

“Was?” Billy asked as he helped hold the blond in place.

 

“Yes, they were murdered in a fire by a woman scorned.” the gambler told them worried about the blood on the bandages.

 

“Did they catch this woman?” Rose asked.

 

“No, the unsavory woman is still out there and is often the cause of Chris’ nightmares,” Ezra explained.

 

“Sarah, God, Sarah, don’t leave me,” the blond’s struggles were no longer a problem as he lay quietly against the pillows. His eyes closed and tears slipped past the lids as he relived the nightmare reality of his world. Soft sounds, a cross between sobs and moans could be heard as the gunslinger lost consciousness.

 

“How bad?” Ezra asked as he sat back and gently held the blond in place.

 

“The bleeding has stopped, but this fever is going to sap whatever strength he has. We’ve got to get it down somehow!”

 

“What about bringing him to the creek and bathing him in the cool water?” Rose asked.

 

“I had thought of that, but moving him could be dangerous and leave him crippled. Billy, could you have your men bring some water from the creek?”

 

“I’ll see that it’s done, Jenny,” Cross said and left the room.

 

“He’s a good man, Ezra, but he’s also got a soft spot where is brother is concerned. He wants to believe in him, but he knows Andy has done things he shouldn’t have,” Rose explained sadly.

 

“I have first hand knowledge of the line between what is right and what is wrong, but I have chosen my path and with the help of others I have made the correct choice. Perhaps Billy’s influence will be the turning point for Andy.”

 

“I wish I could believe that, Ezra, but I’m afraid I don’t hold out much hope for Andy. We’ve given him plenty of chances and he’s always turned the other cheek and ended up hurting Billy. I wish just once that Andy didn’t disappoint Billy, but I don’t think that’ll ever happen,” Rose told him as she helped place new bandages over Larabee’s wounds.

 

“Okay, Ezra, ease him back,” O’Neil ordered and helped the gambler make Larabee comfortable. She quickly straightened the blankets and tucked them around the unconscious man.

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

Carl Lewis rode slowly along the trail left by Andrew Cross’ horse. So far there was nothing that disproved the man’s story, but Lewis was determined he’d find the truth. He’d worked at the Cross ranch for nearly ten years and had seen the difference in the two brothers. Where Billy was fair and understanding, Andy could be described as a bully who only looked out for his own good. He looked down at a patch of grass that had been trampled recently and was only just beginning to bounce back. Dismounting his horse he began examining the thick blades and frowned as he spotted a dark area and reached out to touch it. Several blades of grass were stained with it and he knew instinctively it was blood.

 

“All right, Andy, looks like this is where you were shot, but something tells me you’re lying about who shot you,” Carl whispered as he stood up and looked around. The trail led towards the mountains and again he questioned why Cross would be coming from this direction. Mounting once more he again followed the trail, his mistrust of Andrew Cross mounting as the day waned and the late evening twilight spread over the land.

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

“Where’s Carl?” Billy asked Dave as the two men walked towards the barn.

 

“I saw him ride out earlier, but I didn’t see him come back. His horse is still missing so I’m guessing he’s still out. Probably checking the fence along the north boundary,” White answered.

 

“Tell, him I want to see him when he gets back here.”

 

“Sure. How’s Andy?”

 

“He’s hurt, but Jenny says he’s going to be okay.”

 

“That’s good news. Chet should be back any time with Emmett.”

 

“Good, the sooner we get to the truth the better. I just hope Andy’s not lying to me,” Cross told his friend.

 

“Me too, Billy, but we both know…”

 

“Yeah, I know. I’ve done all I can for him, but he’s still family and I can’t turn my back on him now.”

 

“I don’t think Larabee or Standish would rob Andy. They’ve been doing good things in that town of theirs and I don’t think Judge Travis would’ve hired them if he didn’t trust them.” Dave said as two riders entered through the main gates of the ranch. “Looks like Chet and Emmett.”

 

“Yeah, take care of Emmett’s horse.”

 

“I will,” Dave agreed and looked at his friend’s worried face. “Billy, no matter what happens you know you’ve done what you could to help your brother.”

 

“I know, but it still doesn’t make it any easier,” Cross said as the newcomers pulled to a stop in front of them and dismounted.

 

“Billy, Chet tells me Andy’s been shot.”

 

“Dave will take care of your horse. Andy’s in the house and you know about my other two guests?”

 

“Larabee and Standish. Peacekeepers from Four Corners?”

 

“That’s right,” Cross said as they made their way towards the main house.

 

“I was on my way out here to get their story. Have a message here from JD Dunne for Ezra Standish.” Emmett Lawson explained as they reached the door and Cross pushed it open.

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

Chris felt the darkness leaving him, but he wasn’t sure he was ready to face the pain and heat that came with the light. Knowing there was no way to stop the inevitable he forced his eyes open and waited for them to adjust to the light from the lamp beside the bed. He tried to move, but something held him in place and he realized he was restrained on the bed. He licked at dry lips and turned his head slightly as he heard soft snores from beside him. It took him a few minutes to remember where he was and what had happened and he smiled in spite of the pain as he watched the sleeping gambler. A sound at the door brought his head up and he frowned as the woman stood framed in the doorway. She came closer to the bed and he knew her name, but couldn’t find the moisture needed to form coherent words.

 

“Hello, Chris, how are you feeling?”

 

“T…thirsty,” Larabee rasped as she moved to the opposite side of the bed and touched his forehead.

 

“Well, I can do something about that,” O’Neil said as she reached for the pitcher of water and a glass.

 

“H…how long’s he been l…like that?” Larabee asked.

 

“Not long. He refuses to leave your side until he’s sure you’re okay.”

 

“Gonna get a stiff neck.”

 

“Yes, he is, but I think he’d gladly put up with a stiff neck as long as he could watch over you. He’s a good friend.”

 

“Yeah…yeah he is,” Larabee said and swallowed some of the water she offered him. He sighed as she let him relax against the pillows once more. “Doc.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Can you take these damn things off?” Larabee gestured towards the restraints. He smiled as she leaned over the bed and quickly removed the material from around his wrists and then moved to his ankles. Once they’d been removed Chris looked at her and smiled. “Thanks.”

 

“You’re welcome.”

 

“Doc, think I need to apologize.”

 

“For what?”

 

“S…seem to remember f…fighting…hit someone?”

 

“Nothing serious, Chris, you were not feeling very well and the fever made you fight. I think it’s finally easing some. How’s the pain right now?”

 

“Not too bad…not like i…it was.”

 

“Well if that is the truth than I’m glad. I do have a little morphine left so if it gets bad again just let me know.”

 

“I will…l…looks like sleeping beauty i…is w…waking up,” Larabee explained as Standish shifted on the chair.

 

“Chris!” the gambler said, smiling at the injured blond. “How are you feeling?”

 

“I’m okay…you need to go get some rest!”

 

“He’s right,” O’Neil explained as she reached for her stethoscope and began listening to her patient’s lungs.

 

“I’m fine…”

 

“Ezra, I’m okay. You can’t sleep in a chair the whole time we’re here,” Larabee warned tiredly.

 

“I…”

 

“Will go…”

 

“Jenny, Emmett is here,” Rose said having watched the two men ride into the yard.

 

“Tell Emmett he can talk to my patient if and when I say so,” O’Neil ordered.

 

“W…who’s Emmett?” Larabee asked and frowned as no one answered right away. “Ezra?”

 

“Emmett Lawson is the sheriff in Swift Creek. He wants to talk to you and Ezra about Andy’s shooting,” the physician explained.

 

“Andy?” the injured man asked.

 

“Andy Cross. My husband’s brother,” Rose told him.

 

“I…I don’t r…remember meeting him,” Larabee said, searching his memory for the missing pieces.

 

“You didn’t exactly meet him, Chris. Andy was one of the men I was playing cards with the night we left Swift Creek.”

 

“Damn! T…that means he’s o…one of the men that s…shot at us on the mesa!” Larabee said and tried to get out of bed.

 

“Stay put!” O’Neil warned as she moved to restrain the blond. “Are you trying to undo everything I’ve done to keep you alive?”

 

“No, I need to talk t…to the sheriff!” Larabee groaned as his body began to tremble with the reawakened pain.

 

“Let that be a lesson to you because if it’s not I’ll put those restraints back in place!” the physician ordered and heard a muffled chuckle from the man seated beside the bed.

 

“Something funny, Ezra?” Larabee asked irritation evident in his voice.

 

“I think both Nathan and Buck would get a kick out of this. Chris Larabee bested by a woman,” Standish explained and found himself the victim of two sets of glaring eyes.

 

“Just because I’m a woman doesn’t mean I can’t handle men!” O’Neil spat as she looked towards the door as Rose moved aside to let Billy and Emmett enter.

 

“Is everything okay in here?” Emmett asked, frowning at the disheveled doctor.

 

“Everything’s fine, Emmett. Now if you men would leave me to examine my patient I’d be grateful!”

 

“I need to speak with Larabee and Standish,” Lawson told her.

 

“Standish is free to go, but Larabee stays put and you can wait until I’m done before you return. If he’s awake and if I think he’s up to it I’ll let you question him!”

 

“Doc!”

 

“I mean it, Chris! You’re my patient and I’m not going to let anything happen to set you back. That fever has taken a lot out of you and you go getting up and opening the stitches it’s going to mean I’ll confine you to this bed for a lot longer than I planned. I don’t make idle threats, Chris, I mean what I say!” O’Neil told him and was glad to see the blond relax.

 

“Well, Doc, I guess we can start with Andy,” Lawson said, amazed at the feisty physician’s ability to take charge of any situation.

 

“You do that, and Emmett, go easy on him as well. Andy was also shot and he lost a lot of blood. Make sure you don’t upset him!”

 

“I’ll try not to, Doc, but I have a feeling that’s easier said than done. Standish, I have a message for you from JD Dunne,” the sheriff said as he handed the paper to the gambler.

 

“Ezra, is e…everything okay?” Larabee asked and realized O’Neil had been right about his injuries. His back and arm were throbbing and he tried to keep his breathing light as broken ribs reminded him they were there.

 

“Everything is fine, Chris. JD is enquiring about our need of their presence,” Standish said as he placed the paper inside his jacket. “I’ll be back as soon as we figure this out, Chris.”

 

Larabee nodded and watched as the three men left him alone with the two women. He knew the physician could see right through him and didn’t bother hiding how he felt.

 

“Chris, I want you to rest,” O’Neil said and saw the blond nod once before the sea green eyes closed once more.

 

“How is he, Jenny?”

 

“His fever’s coming down, but he’s not out of the woods yet. We need to get him eating. Can you…”

 

“I’ve already made a pot of stew and thinned it out a little for Chris. Hopefully he’ll be able to eat it when he wakes up,” Rose said with a smile as she looked at her friend.

 

“Thanks, Rose, could you stay with him while I check on Andy?”

 

“Certainly, Jenny,” Rose said and sat next to the bed.