Ezra breathed deeply of the sweet mountain air and sighed contentedly as he sat on the porch swing. The day had dawned bright and clear and with it came an urge to get home. He still cringed when he thought of Four Corners as being home, but like the others,

that was how he felt about it. Somehow, since meeting the six men he’d laid down family ties, because no matter how you looked at it this group was a special brotherhood, one he was proud to be part of. Their leader, the man who held them together more often than not was upstairs, fighting to get past the injuries caused by Andrew Cross. He shifted in the seat and rubbed at his throbbing shoulder, knowing if O’Neil found him here she’d chew him out. Lifting his right arm, Ezra shaded his eyes from the bright mid morning sunlight and tried to make out who was coming towards the ranch.

 

“Looks like we got company,” Dave White said as he joined the gambler.

 

“Yes, it certainly appears that way. Do you have any idea who they are?” the conman asked, instincts kicking in as his hand came to rest on the gun hidden in his sling. He squinted against the sunlight and breathed a sigh of relief as he recognized the trio riding with Emmett Lawson even as White spoke from beside him.

 

“No…wait…looks like the sheriff, but I’ll be damned if I know the other three.”

 

“Those three I know. Buck Wilmington, Nathan Jackson, and Vin Tanner.”

 

“Friends of yours?”

 

“You could say that,” Standish said, standing and walking out to meet the approaching newcomers.

 

“Ezra, are ya supposed ta be out of bed?” Jackson asked as he drew the wagon to a stop alongside the gambler. The healer quickly took in the pained expression and the too pale face and knew Standish was trying unsuccessfully to hide his discomfort.

 

“I assure you…”

 

“Don’t assure me of nothin’, Ezra! Buck, Vin, take care of the horses while I see to this fool,” Jackson took charge and motioned for the conman to lead the way inside.

 

“It’s not as bad as it looks,” Standish tried, glaring at Wilmington and Tanner as the two men chuckled softly. “I see nothing funny in my pain…”

 

“So, you are in pain. Come on then let’s getcha inside and take a look atcha. Where’s Chris?”

 

“He’s upstairs under the gentler hands of Dr. O’Neil,” Standish said, wishing he’d stayed put in the room. He saw a look of sympathy on the sheriff’s face as the man followed them up the steps.

 

“Yeah, well, gentle never got me anywhere with you bunch. Guess I’ll have to tell Dr. O’Neil a few tales,” the former slave said as they entered the house and were met by the owners of the ranch.

 

“Howdy, Billy, Rose, like ya ta meet Nathan Jackson from Four Corners. Him and two others come down ta check on their friends.”

 

“Howdy, Ma’am,” Jackson greeted and removed his hat. “Mr. Cross.”

 

“Four Corners, you’re friends of Standish and Larabee?” Billy asked.

 

“Sure are, hope they haven’t caused ya too much trouble, Ma’am,” Jackson said.

 

“I assure you Nathan…”

 

“Never mind, Ezra. Mrs. Cross would you mind if I took a look at Chris and Ezra myself?”

 

“I don’t have a problem with it, but Dr. O’Neil is upstairs with Chris right now and Ezra, she’s looking for you.”

 

“I knew it! Come on, Ezra, let’s see just how gentle the good Dr. O’Neil is when she finds out you’ve been outside. Perhaps she can give you a tonic to make you stay put!”

 

“I don’t need a tonic, Mr. Jackson, I need a fast horse,” Standish said as they headed up the stairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Chris rode out the pain caused by O’Neil’s examination of his wounds. His back was to the door and all his energy was concentrated on breathing and being still and he missed the arrival of the newcomers.

 

“Not much more, Chris,” O’Neil assured him as she cleaned the wound in his lower back. Since removing the poultice the day before she found the wound was finally healing on its own. Her patient was also able to move his legs more freely, but she was unwilling to allow him out of bed until she was sure. Larabee’s impatience with the healing process was shining through.

 

“Thank God! Maybe you should find a new instrument of torture!” Larabee groaned as he buried his head in the pillows.

 

“Perhaps I will give some thought to doing just that! I know this hurts, but if you expect to be able to walk….”

 

“Look, Doc, my legs work and I can walk! Just let me out of this damn bed!” A soft chuckle caught his attention and he tried to look over his shoulder at the newcomers. “Shit, Nate…”

 

“Should I be glad that you treat all members of the medical field in the same manner you treat me?” Jackson asked.

 

“If he treats you like this I’d make damn sure he was bound and gagged!”

 

“Shot and pissed on!” Wilmington said with a grin as he joined them in the room.

 

“Shut up, Buck! Come on, doc, let me out of here!” Larabee spat impatiently.

 

“Chris…”

 

“Doc, why don’t you let me handle this one,” Jackson said.

 

“Be my guest,” O’Neil said and tightened the bandage around Larabee’s abdomen.

 

“Shit!”

 

“Serves ya right. So, ya think you’re ready to get up?” Jackson asked.

 

“Have been for days!” Larabee snarled as Jackson eased him onto his back.

 

“All right, why don’t we see just how ready you are.”

 

“How?” the injured man asked contemptuously.

 

“Well, ain’t no way ya can walk around until ya get your pants on, so why don’t we start with those? Mrs. Cross, would you mind bringing Chris’ clothes up here?”

 

“Not at all, Mr. Jackson,” the woman said and hurried from the room.

 

“Doc, my name’s Nathan Jackson…”

 

“I’ve heard of you, Mr. Jackson. The people you’ve treated have high praise for your abilities as a healer. I would like to speak with you when we’re finished with his stubborn…”

 

“Not stubborn!”

 

“Chris, ain’t met a man more stubborn’n you except maybe Vin and we both know how he can get,” Wilmington said.

 

“Know what, Buck,” Vin Tanner asked, leaning heavily against the frame. “How ya doin’, Chris?”

 

“Be a hell of a lot better once I get my pants on!” Larabee stated as he looked from Jackson to O’Neil.

 

“Yeah, see whatcha mean,” the Texan said as he moved closer to the bed. He smiled as the Cross woman came into the room with a clean bundle of dark clothing.

 

“I washed and mended what I could, but some of it was fit only for the garbage,” Rose explained as she placed the bundle on the table beside the bed.

 

“Thank you,” Larabee said sincerely.

 

“You’re welcome,” Rose said with a smile as her husband reached for her arm.

 

“All right, Chris, there’s your clothes!” Jackson told his friend.

 

“Can’t expect a man to get dressed with everyone watchin’!” the injured man stated.

 

“All right,” Jackson said and turned to face the others. “You heard the man. Says he don’t want no one watchin’ him while he gets his self dressed!”

 

“Mr. Jackson, I don’t think we should…”

 

“Dr. O’Neil, believe me I know what I’m doing,” the former stretcher-bearer said, smiling as he motioned for the others to leave the room. When the others were gone Jackson smiled at his patient and said, “We’ll be right outside the door, Chris.”

 

“Thanks, Nate,” Larabee said and waited for the door to close completely before using his left hand to lever his body up in the bed. His breath caught in his throat as the upward movement pulled at stitches and stiff muscles that ached from lying in the same position for too long. Finally able to breathe past the pain and nausea he swung his legs over the edge, wincing as he caught sight of the fading bruises and scratches on his thighs. Sitting on the edge of the bed he reached for his pants with his left hand and realized this was going to be harder than he’d imagined.

 

“Shit!” he whispered and flicked the pants out over his legs. Using his uninjured arm he tried to bend far enough to slide his leg in, but the pressure on his broken ribs threatened to send him back into unconsciousness. He sat where he was, his left arm pressed against his side as he waited for the pain to subside once more. He had no idea how long he sat there, but looked up as the door opened slightly.

 

“Are you okay, Chris?”

 

“Damn it, Nathan!”

 

“Something wrong?” Jackson asked as he entered the room.

 

“What the hell do you think?”

 

“Doesn’t seem to matter what me or Dr. O’Neil thinks. You were hell bent on getting up and I just let you figure out for yourself how hard that’s gonna be. Now are ya ready ta listen or is that stubborn pride still in charge?”

 

“I’ll listen…still want out!” Larabee said as O’Neil joined them.

 

“I didn’t say you couldn’t get up, Chris, I said you couldn’t get up without help. Are you ready to accept our help now?” O’Neil asked.

 

“Ah, hell, Doc, at least wait until I get some pants on!”

 

“Chris, I’ve been looking after you for over a week…”

 

“I know, Doc…”

 

“But he’s awake now and he’s embarrassed,” Jackson told her with a smile as he saw the truth in Larabee’s eyes.

 

“Well, I guess I could send one of the others in, but I assure you Chris I’m not embarrassed by any of this,” O’Neil said and realized those words were true. There was something about this man that she liked and she smiled as the intense sea-green eyes met hers.

 

“Thanks, Doc,” Larabee said as the woman left the room.

 

“All right, Chris, now let’s see if we can get you dressed,” Jackson offered. He took the blonds pants and eased both legs into them before helping Larabee stand. Ignoring the muttered curses and gasps of pain, the healer worked quickly and carefully to get the injured man dressed. Finally done he lowered Larabee back to the bed and waited for the man to relax his muscles and be able to breathe easier.

 

“Sonofabitch!”

 

“I bet. It will get better, Chris.”

 

“Hell, I hope so, Nathan,” Larabee said as he reached for the shirt and nodded as his friend offered to help. By the time he had his shirt, socks, and boots on he wasn’t so sure he still had the energy needed to get up and go outside.

 

“Are you ready to try this?”

 

“No, but I’m going to do it anyway,” Larabee exclaimed, breathing through clenched teeth as he stood up and wavered.

 

“Chris!”

 

“I’m okay, Nathan, just give me a second…”

 

“At this rate you’ll need an hour just ta get across the room!”

 

“Pro…ba…bly,” the blond ground out as he took his first painful step and grabbed Jackson’s shoulder in an effort to stay on his feet. He heard Nathan mumbling about stubborn men and couldn’t help smiling as he recognized the tone as one of worry and friendship. They made the door and it opened before either of them touched it.

 

“Must say ya look better with your pants on, pard!” Wilmington said with a mischievous grin.

 

“Shut up, B…Buck!” Larabee spat as he reached the top of the stairs.

 

“Chris, are ya sure yer up fer this?” Tanner asked worriedly.

 

“Ask me that when I make it o…outside!” the blond answered as he used his left hand to grip the railing and eased his foot onto the first step. The journey felt like the longest one he’d ever taken, and yet the reward at the end was worth the pain and the effort it took to get where he was now. The porch swing was bathed in sunlight as Chris eased himself down and closed his eyes.

 

“Are you okay?” O’Neil asked.

 

“Yeah...yeah, I’m fine,” Larabee lied as he breathed past the nausea.

 

“Here, Chris,” Jackson said, handing the gunslinger a glass of water. He watched as the blond drank the water and was relieved to see some of the color return to the handsome face.

 

“Thanks, Nathan,” Larabee said letting his head come to rest on the side of the swing. His eyes closed once more as he waited for the world to right itself and finally smiled before opening his eyes.

 

“Better?” the healer asked.

 

“Yeah…thanks,” the injured man said.

 

“Ezra, sit down!” O’Neil ordered of the second injured man.

 

“I…”

 

“Do as she says!” Jackson ordered and watched the gambler sit on the swing beside Larabee.

 

“How long before we can head for home?” Larabee asked. He knew the Cross’ needed some time alone…to come to terms with Andy’s death and understood that he and Ezra were harsh reminders of the tragedy they’d all lived through.

 

“Doc?” Jackson asked.

 

“Well, if and it’s a big if, Chris does as he’s told and agrees to riding in the back of a wagon…”

 

“Hell, Doc!”

 

“I’d say you can leave in a few days.”

 

“What about Ezra?” Larabee asked.

 

“Well, yes, he can leave in two days as well,” O’Neil said, smiling at the look on Larabee’s face.

 

“In a wagon…”

 

“Now, Chris, I am able to handle riding a horse…”

 

“You’re hurt,” Larabee said.

 

“Yes, well, shall we take bets on who could stay in the saddle longer?” Standish said with a wry grin.

 

“Hell, Ezra, you’d lose that bet for sure. I saw Chris ride for twelve hours with more’n just a burr under his saddle,” Wilmington teased and laughed as Larabee glared in his direction.

 

“Twelve hours? No man should be in the saddle that long!” O’Neil warned.

 

“Yeah, I’ve told them that often enough, but some of ‘im eat and sleep in the saddle when they’re in a hurry ta get somewhere,” Jackson warned and looked pointedly at the Texan.

 

“Don’t go lookin’ at me Nate, ain’t been in the saddle more’n a couple of hours since…”

 

“Since hell froze over,” Jackson quipped. “Okay, here’s what we’re gonna do. Come the day we head for home Chris rides in the wagon. Ezra, you can ride as long as you do as I say and get in the wagon when you’re tired!”

 

“Chris, it sounds to me like Nathan knows how to handle all of you,” O’Neil said, studying the pale face as Larabee closed his eyes once more.

 

“Lord knows I’ve had enough practice,” Jackson said before any of the others had a chance. “Chris, I think maybe it’d be better ta get you back upstairs and in bed.”

 

“Hell, Nathan, I just got down here.”

 

“I know, but you need to rest if’n we’re gonna be headed for home anytime soon…”

 

“I can rest here,” Larabee assured him.

 

“Yes, but I don’t think your back can handle the strain,” O’Neil answered for Jackson.

 

“Come on, Cowboy, ain’t gonna letcha rest until yer back in bed,” Tanner said and moved to help the injured man to his feet.

 

“Ah, hell, can’t fight all of you,” he looked expectantly at the Texan before finishing with a tight smile. “Unless ya got my gun handy.”

 

“Sorry, Chris, ain’t seen hide nor hair of yer gun,” Tanner said as Wilmington moved in to take the other side.

 

“Hardly seems worth the time it took to get out here,” Larabee said as he felt the others surround and support him.

 

“Yes, well, I’ll just remind ya of that the next time ya want outta that bed!” the healer said and nodded at the physician as they passed her.

 

Jennifer O’Neil knew her patient was in capable hands, yet she couldn’t help feeling a twinge of jealousy as his friends seemed to take her place. She smiled at Rose and Billy before sitting in the swing and letting those feelings slip away. Chris Larabee was needed in a town called Four Corners and right now she was still needed here. If and when the time came for her to move on she would maybe detour to the north and see how the handsome blond was making out.

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

Chris smiled as the woman who’d saved his life finished checking his wounds and sat back in her chair. He knew she was worried about his wounds and whether he was ready for this trip, but there was no way he was staying behind. In the two days since his first trip outside he’d made several others and was rapidly regaining his strength and his irritation often left him short tempered.

 

“Chris, I really think you should give yourself a few more days. What difference could it possibly make?”

 

“Look, Doc…Jenny,” he reached for her hand and felt the slight tremble in the fingers. “I was hired to help protect Four Corners and lying here is not earning my keep.”

 

“Surely Judge Travis will understand once the others explain about your injuries.”

 

“He will, but I need to get moving. I stay down I lose my edge,” Larabee explained as their eyes met. He knew she had feelings for him and was startled to feel a warmth spread throughout his body as he looked into the expressive orbs. Yes, this was a woman he could definitely love, but for now they both had jobs to do. Without thinking he felt himself drawn towards her until their lips met in a passionate kiss. His body responded to her nearness and he groaned as he tried to hide his growing attraction.

 

“Are you all right?” Jenny asked as the kiss deepened and her own body craved to feel him against her bare skin.

 

“No…but I will be,” Larabee said and felt her pull back a little. “We both will.”

 

“Do you think you’ll ever come back this way?” O’Neil asked hopefully.

 

“I’m damn sure going to try,” the blond vowed as they released each other just as Nathan entered the room.

 

“Is he ready, Doc?”

 

“Yes, I believe he is,” the physician said, but kept her eyes locked with the gunman’s in an effort to keep from letting the tears fall.

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

Two days later the wagon was loaded with a mattress, several pillows and thick blankets. Vin and Buck had made sure everything Jackson asked for was on hand and now all they waited for was the gunslinger. Ezra stood beside the wagon, ready to mount as soon as Larabee was settled in the wagon.

 

“Vin, I’m going to see if Nathan needs any help with Chris,” Wilmington explained and hurried into the house. He looked up just as Chris placed his foot on the top step and began his slow decent. Standing next to him was Jackson, finely tuned reflexes waiting to spring into action if needed. Behind the two men was Jennifer O’Neil, the woman’s beauty shone through her moisture-laden eyes. Buck had seen the growing feelings these two had and vowed to see that Larabee made a visit to Swift Creek when he regained his health. Something told him the gunslinger had already decided to do just that.

 

“Mr. Wilmington,” Rose called.

 

“What can I do for you, Ma’am,” the gentle rogue asked.

 

“I have some supplies for your trip…”

 

“You didn’t have to d…do that, Mrs. Cross,” Larabee stammered as he made it to the halfway point on the stairs.

 

“I know I didn’t, but there was plenty left from supper last night and fresh biscuits and bacon this morning. I’m sure you gentlemen will enjoy them this evening.”

 

“Yes, Ma’am, we sure will,” Buck said and followed her into the kitchen.

 

“Almost down, Chris,” Jackson said, noting the slight tremor in the man’s shoulders and upper body.

 

“O…okay,” Larabee said, fighting to stay on his feet once more. He concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other until they reached the bottom and he sank breathlessly onto the chair someone had placed there after his first trip.

 

“Nathan, did you remember to pack the extra laudanum I gave you?” O’Neil asked worriedly.

 

“Yeah, it’s in my saddle bag. Chris ya sure you’re up to this?”

 

“Yes, Nathan, just might take a while to get started,” Larabee said, eyes closed against the throbbing in his skull. When he finally had his breathing under control Chris opened his eyes and regained his feet. Feeling Jackson next to him, Larabee made his way to the door as Jenny opened it and waited for him to step outside. The day had dawned bright and clear and Chris made his way down the steps and over to the wagon. He looked from Tanner to Standish before Buck and Vin moved to help him into the wagon. Nathan jumped into the back and between the three of them he was soon lying in the back, propped up by several pillows. A canteen of water was placed beside him and Chris reached for it, uncapping it and taking a long swallow.

 

“Chris, if you need anything just holler,” Jackson said as he climbed over the seat and took the reins from Standish.

 

“I will. Billy, Mrs. Cross, don’t know how to thank you for everything you’ve done for us, but if there’s ever a time when you need something you know where I am…”

 

“Where we are,” Standish corrected. “Your hospitality rivals the finest hotels in Paris and London,” Standish said, tipping his hat to the couple before mounting up.

 

“You’re both more than welcome. Just make sure you listen to Mr. Jackson and don’t go undoing everything Jenny has done,” Rose explained with a smile.

 

“They won’t!” Jackson assured the woman.

 

“Thank you, Jenny,” Larabee said, their eyes locking once more as Tanner and Wilmington mounted up. As the wagon drove away from the ranch, Chris continued to stare at the woman who saved his life. ‘Beautiful,’ he thought as the woman followed the couple into the house.

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

They traveled late into the evening, stopping only for lunch and to make sure Chris was comfortable. Ezra alternated between his horse and the wagon until finally giving in and stretching out alongside the injured gunman.

 

“We need to stop soon, Vin. I need to check Chris and Ezra,” Jackson said when Tanner returned from one of his forays ahead.

 

“There’s a creek about a mile up ahead. Figure it’s a good place ta spend the night,” the Texan explained and led them towards the small clearing. The mountain air was cooler than they were used to and Vin knew they’d be protected from the winds that sometimes ripped through the area by the wall of rock that loomed up on three sides of the creek.

 

Chris drifted in and out of sleep, never fully giving in to his body’s need for rest as they traveled the rough terrain. He opened his eyes to the sound of the wagon hitting the water. Leaning up, he muttered a curse as he forgot about the broken arm and ribs and moved too quickly.

 

“Perhaps you would be more comfortable if you remained in a reclining position,” Standish suggested and saw the green eyes glaze over with pain. “We’re about to make camp.”

 

“Thank God,” Larabee spat as he settled against the pillows. “You all right?”

 

“I’m afraid this trip has unavoidably jostled my injury and I am in dreadful pain, but I’m sure it is nothing compared to your own discomfort.”

 

“Discomfort? Is that what you c…call this?” Larabee quipped as they made it across the shallow creek and into the hidden recess.

 

“Chris, Ezra, you two stay put until we get camp set up!” Jackson ordered as he climbed out of the wagon and came around to check on his patients.

 

“I can…”

 

“Stay put!” Jackson interrupted Standish’ protest and hurried to help with the camp.

 

“He can be quite the tyrant,” the gambler whispered softly.

 

“With us he sometimes has to be,” Larabee answered in the same tone.

 

“He’s a man who is very passionate about his chosen field of expertise.”

 

“Yeah…he is. I don’t think I ever met a man so ready and willing to give so much of himself,” the blond agreed tiredly.

 

“Would you call that a weakness?”

 

“In anyone else, maybe, but in Nathan Jackson I’d call it a gift,” Larabee said and the two men lapsed into silence while their friends set up camp. Chris opened his eyes when a hand touched his shoulder and he forced a thin smile to his face as Wilmington offered to help him out of the wagon.

 

“Nate’s got your bedroll all set up, but he said you could walk around a little and stretch your legs before he takes a look at your back and gets you settled for the night.”

 

“Shit, not sure I can walk much. Legs are stiff,” Larabee explained.

 

“Yeah, figured as much. Nate says we’ll have to make more stops tomorrow just so you don’t get too stiff.”

 

“Where’s Ezra?”

 

“Call of nature,” Wilmington answered simply.

 

“Shit…”

 

“Maybe,” the mustached man chuckled.

 

“Don’t make me laugh, Buck!”

 

“Oh, sorry, forgot. What about you?”

 

“W…what a…about me?” Larabee asked when he finally stood on shaky legs.

 

“You know…nature and answering the call.”

 

“Yeah, just point me in the right d…direction.”

 

“Do you need…”

 

“Say it, Buck, and I swear you’ll never have to answer that particular call again!”

 

“Ouch! Just over that way,” Wilmington said and followed a few feet behind his friend. He stopped as Standish returned and watched the gambler make his way to the campfire the tracker had started. He watched as Jackson fidgeted with the conman’s shoulder and made sure everything was okay.

 

“Is he okay?” Tanner asked, nodding towards the brush.

 

“Think so,” Wilmington said as Larabee rejoined them.

 

“You two still here?” the blond asked as he made the painful trek to the campfire. The mattress had been pulled from the back of the wagon and was set up next to the fire.

 

“Got no where else ta go right now!” Tanner answered and moved in beside his friend as Wilmington moved to the other. They watched as Larabee sank onto the mattress and reached for the cup Jackson held out to him.

 

“Chris, I put some laudanum in there and before you ask the answer is no whiskey,” Jackson said as Larabee screwed up his face at the bitter taste. He quickly served up some bacon and biscuits and placed it on the injured man’s lap. He knew the blond was hurting as he lifted a biscuit and ate slowly. Within an hour Nathan had finished checking Larabee and settled him onto the mattress where the man promptly fell into a laudanum- induced sleep.

 

At midnight Buck woke Vin to take the next watch and the tracker quickly did a patrol of the perimeter. The lanky Texan settled himself on the edge of the wagon and watched over the sleeping men. It wasn’t long before he felt someone watching him and locked eyes with the gunslinger. No words were necessary, just a look, a nod, and a smile that said everything was as it should be and that the seven would soon be whole again.

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

Chris sat on the landing of Nathan’s clinic and watched as the people of his town moved along the street. Since returning to Four Corners a week ago he’d been struck with fever once more from the wound in his lower back, but he was once more healing with the help of his friends. The sound of footsteps brought his attention to the stairs and he smiled as Ezra joined him and quickly handed over his silver flask. Chris took several quick swallows and sighed contentedly as he licked his lips.

 

“Thanks, Ezra.”

 

“Anytime, Mr. Larabee. Does Mr. Jackson know you’re out here availing yourself of such a wondrous day?”

 

“Yep, sure does and as soon as I have another shot of your whiskey I’m taking a stroll down to the saloon.”

 

“Ah, so our esteemed healer has deemed you fit…”

 

“Well, he didn’t quite say that, but he knows I’m not staying at the clinic any longer. I guess he figures I’ll be a better patient if I have some freedom.”

 

“Ah, yes, freedom is something we all need. If you don’t mind I would like to buy you the first drink,” Standish said.

 

“Sorry, Ezra, but the first drink is on me. I heard what you did.”

 

“What I did? I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

 

“Heard you sent the money back to the Cross’.”

 

“I did what any man would do under the circumstances.”

 

“No, Ezra, not many men would give away the money they won fair and square.”

 

“I didn’t…”

 

“Ezra, I watched you that night and you didn’t need to cheat to beat those men. You won their money and if not for Andrew Cross being a cheat and a thief none of this would have happened.”

 

“The money was not his to gamble.”

 

“But you didn’t know that at the time. You didn’t have to give the money back and it proves something I’ve known for a while now.”

 

“That would be?” Standish asked.

 

“That you’re a fraud! That behind that cool façade there beats the heart of a man I’m proud to call friend.” Larabee held out his injured arm and accepted the conman’s handshake.

 

“Thank you, Chris.”

 

“You’re welcome, now let’s go get that drink,” Larabee said as the two made their way towards the stairs. The events of the last month would remain with them for a long time as would the family ties they’d made with the other five peacekeepers.