The Magnificent Seven Fic - 'A Man Reborn' - 6/6

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Title: A Man Reborn
Rating: PG
Fandom: The Magnificent Seven
AU: Space Cowboys
Main Characters: All Seven.
Summary: Six men make up Team Seven, a group of professional bounty hunters. After a fellow bounty hunter’s cover is blown, he joins the team and begins the journey of changing his life forever.
Disclaimers: The guys are owned by CBS, MGM, Trilogy Entertainment Group, and The Mirisch Corp.
Spoilers: None
Status: Complete
Total Word Count: 58,220





Ezra woke up the next morning to find that Chris was still there. He was sleeping in a bed on the opposite side of the room. He didn't wake him; instead, he tried to understand why the man was spending so much time with him. There was no reason for it, no reason that he could think of. Nathan had told him the day before that Chris had wanted to talk to him. Was that why he was spending so much time in the medical room? Did he want to talk to him before anybody else had a chance to? Was Larabee going to threaten him into being quiet so Travis wouldn't find out what had happened? That he'd almost lost his life because of Larabee's decision.

His eyes shifted focus when someone else walked into the room. It was JD and Buck. He tried to push himself up into a sitting position but fell back down on his good arm. He cringed when the two men rushed to his bedside to help him.

"You okay there Ezra?" Buck grabbed his arm and lifted him but he wasn't doing it right so only one side of his body was being raised and the weight was falling onto his sore shoulder.

"Buck, let go," said Ezra.

"Let me help Buck, you're not doing it right," JD intervened on Ezra's behalf but he didn't do much better.

"You're not helping!" Ezra growled at them.

"We wanted to see how you were doing." JD told him after stepping back. "Nathan said you were improving, so we thought we would come and see for ourselves. I mean we have been sitting with you but you were sick, too sick to talk to us but we talked to you. Tried reading that book Josiah had but I couldn't understand what they were talking about half the time. What's no'm? Is it no or is it something else? You look better. At least you don't look like you're dying anymore because you looked like you were dying for a while there. I didn't think you were going to die but Nathan, well you know Nathan, if you scratched a finger he would think you were dying. That way he could . . ." he stopped when he realised that not only Ezra and Buck were staring at him but Chris was as well. "What?"

"What time is it?" Ezra asked JD.

JD looked at his watch and answered. "Just after seven in the morning."

"And you have that much to say in one breath at this time of the morning?"

"He always does." Buck had crossed his arms over his chest and was standing by Ezra's side. Both of them were still staring at JD. "JD, you woke Chris up."

"Oh shit. Um, I've got things to do Ezra, I'll catch up with you later, okay."

"Now that motor mouth is gone. How are you feeling?" Buck twisted his position so he was facing Ezra.

"Why does everyone keep asking me that? You should know how I feel."

"You seemed to have gotten better pretty quick." Chris growled. "Your smart mouth is getting back to normal."

"Trying to have a conversation here pard." Buck glared at Chris.

"And I'm butting in," said Chris.

"Yes you are and I would like you to butt out."

"I wasn't asking Buck, I'm telling you, I'm butting in."

Ezra had raised his head as far as he could and held it for as long as he could, which was long enough to see the expression on Chris's face. The man was enjoying himself again. His head fell back to the bed and he groaned when the impact caused a strong ache to develop in his forehead. "Is it like this when one of you guys get sick?"

"You mean him," Buck nodded towards Chris, "hanging around you, irritating you, laughing at you, yelling at you-"

"He hasn't yelled yet." Ezra interrupted.

"That'll come. And so will the part where he will ignore the fact that you're still recovering from an illness or wound and expect you to carry out your duties plus more."

"I don't seem to have any duties." Ezra smiled at Buck.

"You will." Chris warned him.

"I'm sick."

"Not for long, Nathan's an excellent doctor, just don't let him know I told you that."

"And if I do?"

"Tell him and you'll find out." Chris was smiling but the threat was definitely there in his pale green eyes.

"I'll take you up on that when I'm feeling better because right now I don't feel very well."
Buck leaned over him and asked. "Are you serious?"

"Yes."

"Get Nathan, Buck." Chris jumped off the bed and practically ran to Ezra's bedside.

"I'm getting." Buck answered.

"What's wrong Ezra?"

"My head hurts."

"Your head hurts. Is that it?"

"Yeah, but it hurts."

"A headache?"

"Yes."

"You're complaining about a headache?"

"I wouldn't be complaining if you didn't keep asking me if it's a headache!"

"So you've got a nasty headache?"

"It's a headache and it hurts. Okay!" Ezra lifted his left arm and held his palm against his forehead. To him it felt too warm.

"Okay," said Chris.

"Okay what?" Ezra eyed Chris looking for the angle the man was trying to play.

"Okay you've got a headache."

"Chris,"

Chris turned around to see Nathan standing behind him. "I didn't do anything Nathan, all I was doing was asking him what was wrong."

"What is wrong Ezra?" Nathan pushed Chris away.

"Headache and it hurts." Chris answered.

"That's what I said." Ezra nodded then frowned when the pain worsened.

"Okay, I'm going to check you over, the usual stuff." Nathan began his examination and when he was finished, he moved to the drugs cabinet. He removed a small vial and a package that held a needle.

"What are you going to do with that?" Ezra shifted away from him as much as he could.

"Your headache is part of the withdrawal process."

"But you said it was out of my system."

"It is but you're going to have some bad headaches on and off for a couple of weeks. Nothing that a painkiller won't cure, as long as you let me know when they're starting and not when they're at their peak."

"Told you."

"Told me what?" Nathan asked after he injected the painkiller.

"Not you, him. Told him I had a headache and that it hurt but he had to keep asking me. He hasn't got a very nice bed side manner Nathan."

"I'm sorry Ezra. I've tried to keep him away but you can only threaten him so much. He holds a grudge you see, and he can make a person's life a living hell."

"Sounds like a challenge."

"Can I ask him some questions now Doctor Nathan?"

"Ask him whatever you want Mr. Boss." Nathan stood up. "I'll go get you something to eat. Josiah's making his famous pancakes."

"Pancakes?"

"You haven't had pancakes?"

"No, I don't think so."

"You'll love them." Nathan walked away but stopped next to Chris and whispered in his ear. "Don't be too hard on him Chris, he's still weak, just because he's talking so much doesn't mean he's okay."

"I'll have a double helping of pancakes and coffee thanks Nathan." Chris slapped Nathan on the upper arm.

Nathan glared at Chris's retreating back. The man really was too much sometimes.

Chris grabbed a chair on his way to the bed. He knew Ezra was watching him closely. He didn't seem to trust anyone.

"Are you up to talking?"

"Depends on what you want to talk about." Ezra answered.

"I want to find out who wants you dead."

"I don't know who wants me dead. Not anyone specific anyway."

"We had a talk about it and decided that it's someone at the base."

Ezra frowned. "What makes you think that?"

"What did Halis say to you before he shot you?"

"Halis? What does he have to do with it? Or is he still alive?"

"He's dead. We think that the person who wants you dead had Halis try and kill you. That's where it started." Chris explained.

"Oh."

"So what did he say?"

"My job was to stop you," Ezra started, "you Mr. Larabee, my job was to stop you from taking Halis in."

"Why?"

"I was told that he was worth more to the Authority out here, that he supplied good information."

"If that was the case, why wasn't I informed? It would have been easier if they had just told me, that way we wouldn't have gone after him at all."

"They told me you would disobey orders, that you'd done it before and killed bounties to save you the trouble of bringing them in."

"They lied."

"It doesn't make sense does it?"

"No. They sent you in so Halis could kill you. Why go to that trouble? Why not just kill you another way."

"I'm only on the base or out on a job. They wouldn't kill me on the base, they would have to send me out to have me killed."

"But why one of my cases?"

"Maybe you were their insurance." Ezra suggested.

"What do you mean?"

"If Halis didn't succeed you would have."

"It could have happened." Chris nodded. "Who sent you in?"

"Brooks."

"Is there any reason why he would want you dead?"

"None that I can think of. I hardly know the guy."

"Then he's working for someone higher up." Chris sat back in the chair. He could see that Ezra was getting tired. He
should have listened to Nathan. This man obviously knew how to talk, even when he wasn't feeling well. "I'll leave it there for now, you're getting tired."

"I'm fine Mr. Larabee."

"No, it's okay, we've got something to go on now. I'll contact Travis, tell him about Brooks and let him know how you're doing." Chris waited a moment then added. "You're doing okay aren't you?"

"I'm doing fine Mr. Larabee. I'm just tired and my chest still hurts but apart from that I'm doing fine."

"Good."

"Is it?"

"Yeah it is."

Ezra nodded and closed his eyes. "Would you mind going away now."

"You don't like me being here?" Chris asked with a smile.

"No I don't."

"Okay, sure. I'll go talk to Travis then come back."

"You don't have to come back Mr. Larabee." Ezra glared at him.

"No, I don't have to, just want to is all." Chris left the room knowing that Ezra's mouth had dropped open in shock.


******

"What?" Chris couldn't believe it, just when they were getting somewhere this had to happen. "How?"

"He was murdered Chris, shot in the back. It happened right here on the base, I couldn't believe it."

"Whoever he was working for must be getting desperate." Chris knew this meant the whole situation was coming to a head. "We're bringing Ezra back to the base."

"How is he?"

"He didn't do too well for a while Judge, he got sick, so sick that we had to land somewhere so he could get over the travel sickness he gets."

"How is he now?"

Chris smiled knowing that it would give the Judge a sense of relief. "He's mouth is back to normal, does that give you any indication."

"Yeah it does," said Travis.

"His lungs are nearly clear. Nathan thinks it'll be another couple of days. He then wants him to have a few more days to start getting his strength back before we return to base."

"Do you have any idea why there has been no attempt on his life since Okania?"

"No," Chris rubbed his tired eyes, "I thought there would have been an attempt a couple of hours after we landed but there's been nothing. I can't understand why."

"Give me a call when you're on your way and I'll set up some protection."

"No, he won't try anything if there's too many people around Ezra. We need to bring him out."

"You sure about this Chris. The guy didn't have any problem killing Brooks."

"He wasn't dealing with us then Judge."

Travis nodded then said. "Call me anyway, let me know how Ezra's doing."

"Any particular reason why you like this guy Judge, because all I've seen has pissed me off."

Travis laughed then laughed even harder when Chris raised his eyebrows at him. "That's it exactly Chris, he pisses me off, and there's something about him. He never had what we had and for some reason, don't ask me why, I feel like I have to try and give it to him."

"You're not telling me that I'm going to end up doing the same are you?" Chris held his breath and waited for the
answer.

"It depends on the person Chris, some people just don't like him. He's arrogant, independent, and confident and he speaks his mind but what those people don't see is that he's also vulnerable, scared, and lonely."

"Ah shit!" His head hit the desk quickly. "I am going to do what you're doing. Why me? Why is it always me?" Chris lifted his head when he heard the Judge laughing again. "What's so damn funny?"

"I said exactly the same thing."

"God help me."

"Let me know Chris."

"Don't worry about him Judge, we'll get him through it, he'll be fine."

"I know Chris, just call me anyway."

"Call me as soon as you get anything." Chris told him then turned the screen off. He pushed himself out of the chair and headed back to the medical room to tell Ezra the bad news. If they couldn't find a connection from Brooks to the man who wanted Ezra dead then there was nothing that could be done to find him. The only way left to them was to wait.


Seventeen


'You need any help?' Buck had been watching as Ezra slowly and carefully dressed himself; he wouldn't allow anyone else to do it, he said they had invaded his privacy enough already. Two days they had been on the base and already Ezra was acting as though there had been nothing wrong with him. Nathan had warned them that he would still be weak and to not let him overexert himself or there would be hell to pay. So far no one had been able to convince Ezra to stay in bed and no one dared to try and physically force him into one; Nathan wouldn't like that and you didn't do what Nathan wouldn't like.

'Do I look like I need any help?' Ezra was trying to do the buttons on the pale blue shirt but he was having trouble with his fingers.

'Yes,' answered Vin who was sitting on the bed next to Buck.

'Looks can be deceiving.'

'Nathan says you should be wearing that shoulder immobiliser.'

'I don't need it.' Ezra moved his shoulder around in a circular motion to prove his statement. 'See.'

'Don't expect any help from us when Nathan drags you to the ground and has Josiah hold you down while he puts it on.' Vin nudged Buck's side with his elbow.

'He would do that wouldn't he,' said Ezra.

'Yes he would.' Buck agreed with Vin.

'Then I'm going to need some protection.' Ezra left the bedroom and began to search the small apartment for something that he could use against Nathan.

'What do you mean protection?' Buck jumped off the bed and followed Ezra.

'Something to protect myself with Buck. If Nathan decides to force me then I'll be required to protect myself.'

'You're talking about a weapon aren't you?' Vin was leaning against the doorframe of the bedroom.

'Yes I am.'

'You mean a weapon to use against him.'

'Yes I do.'

'You can't do that Ezra, he's trying to help you not hurt you.' Buck told him.

'I have spent almost every minute in a bed since I met the man.' Ezra turned and glared at Buck. 'Could you blame me for wanting to protect myself?'

'No, not when you put it that way Ezra.'

'Then perhaps you could help me find something?'

'Sure, what is it you're looking for?' Buck asked him.

'A weapon Buck, you know, the sort of thing you use to protect yourself with.'

'You do have a mouth don't you.' Buck grinned widely at the smaller man.

'Best protection there is Buck,' he turned around then added, 'best protection there is.'

'How about us?' Vin asked him.

'What?' Ezra spun around again and grabbed the nearest object to stop himself from falling over.

'Us. Why don't you use us for protection?'

'I can't see myself picking up either of you and throwing you at Nathan,' said Ezra.

'We can stand between you and him.' Buck understood what Vin was suggesting.

'I thought you said that you didn't do what Nathan didn't like?' Ezra couldn't understand why they were willing to take the risk. 'He already abused Vin for what he did.' Vin had allowed him to drink alcohol, a little too much alcohol. Ezra had considered it a celebration for being off ORD and Vin had agreed, but Nathan hadn't.

'Vin thought it was worth the risk and so do I.' Buck didn't feel too confident though.

'Why?'

'You're going to have to stop asking why and just accept it Ezra. This isn't a job anymore, you're part of the team and we look after our own.'

'This is too weird for me.' Ezra shook his head. 'I think I'm going to lie down for a while.'

'The bed is this way Ezra.' Vin nodded to the room behind him.

'The couch is fine thank you Vin.'

Vin shrugged, he didn't particularly care where Ezra slept. 'So what are we going to do Buck?'

'Well if there were a couple of ladies that were willing to-'

'There isn't so think of something else.'

Buck let out a sigh of frustration. He hadn't been with a woman since they'd gotten back. Chris had made it an order, no women and no drinking until it was over. 'Cards.'

'Did you say cards?' Ezra sat up and watched as Buck pulled a pack of cards from the bag he had brought with him that morning.

'Why? Do you play?' Vin was clearing the coffee table and didn't see the childish glint in Ezra's eyes.

'Yes I do. Poker actually, usually for money.'

'I've got plenty of money,' said Buck, 'Chris won't let me spend it on the ladies.'

'And you Vin?' Ezra's eyes were gleaming now.

'I've got some but I'm not sure I want to lose it to Buck.'

'I have a way with the game,' Buck laid his money out on the table, 'it seems that I win most of the time.'

'How about we change that,' Ezra smiled but then his face dropped, 'wait a moment, I just remembered that I don't have any money, it's all back in my quarters.'

'I'm sure I could lend you a few dollars Ezra, after all, I'm only going to win it back anyway.' Buck threw a few small notes over to Ezra.

'Why thank you Buck, I appreciate that.'

'Vin, are you in?' Buck asked him.

'Only to a certain amount.'

'Why don't you deal Ezra.' Buck handed him the cards. 'Such a shame we couldn't have some beer or ladies.'

'Maybe you should sneak some in next time,' Ezra said, 'not the ladies though.'

'You don't like women Ezra?' Vin asked.

'I like women, it's the type of women Buck's talking about that I'm not interested in. Give me a woman that can sit down and have an intelligent conversation any day rather than a woman that will sleep with you because you have money that she wants.'

'My mother was one of those women.' Buck told him.

'I'm sure your mother was different.' Ezra rolled his eyes but Buck ignored him. Ezra was right because if it weren't for the money his mother wouldn't have been in that line of employment.

******

One hour into the game and it was Vin that had won most of the money. After the fourth game, Buck had started to accuse them of cheating, something they both denied with resentment. He knew it wasn't Vin, he had never cheated and Buck didn't think he knew how too. So it had to be Ezra but how could he accuse him of being the cheat, he didn't know how Ezra would react.

'You seem to have had a change of luck there Vin.'

'Don't know why. I've never had a change of luck before.'

'Maybe I'm your change of luck.' Ezra smiled as he dealt the cards out.

'What are you saying Ezra?' Buck had been right then; Ezra was cheating.

'Lucky charm is I.'

'Luck is right Ezra, I've never won this much.'

'And I've never lost so much money,' Buck glared at Ezra.

'You're not suggesting something are you Buck?'

'I'm not suggesting anything Ezra.'

'Good, because I don't cheat, there is no need for me to cheat.'

'You're that good are you?' Vin laughed.

'Yes I am.'

'Did you guys hear something?' Vin's head turned so he could see the door.

'Only my money going down the drown.' Buck retorted.

'I'm serious.'

All three men stopped and listened for the noise that Vin had heard.

'There, did you hear it?'

'Heard it.' Buck rose to his feet and was pulling his gun from its holster when the door to the apartment flew open.

Six men wearing dark clothing and facemasks burst through the opening into the apartment and immediately began firing at the two protectors.

'Ezra. Get down!' Vin pulled his gun and fired at the first man coming through the door.

Six men against two; there wasn't a real chance to fire back. They could only manage to take down two of the attackers before the fight was over.

Vin was taken out when a bullet struck his chest high on the right, his head hitting the table on the way to the floor. Buck's life was saved only by the act of bravery by one Ezra Standish. The Infiltrator had yelled out and dove towards Buck. He hit him side on and knocked him to the ground.

'Not for me Buck,' Ezra told him when two men began to drag him off the bounty hunter, 'you're not going to die for me.'

'On his stomach now!' The tallest of the four remaining men started giving orders. 'Get it out.'

Ezra was lifted and thrown onto the couch while all Buck could do was watch from his position on the floor, the gun that was held against his temple stopped him from doing anything; not only that but the words Ezra had spoken to him.

One man put all his weight on Ezra's back while another pushed his face into the cushion. His oxygen was cut off and he started to struggle for air. Once Ezra was in the position they wanted him in, a knife became visible. Buck knew immediately what they were planning on doing.

'Leave him alone!'

'Shut up Wilmington or you'll die now.'

When his shirt was pulled down and away from his neck, Ezra also realised what they had in mind. He screamed in pain when the knife cut deep into the base of his neck. He could feel the blood flowing down around him, soaking his shirt and the cushion beneath him. The fingers that began to probe the wound caused him to scream a second time, then the knife started to cut the flesh away from the information chip that had been imbedded in his neck when he was born. Struggling didn't seem to do him any good; the two men holding him down were too strong. Suddenly then the weight was gone and he was dragged off the couch and held up on his feet.

'You come after him and he's a dead man.' Buck was warned.

'You hurt him anymore and you're a dead man.'

The man could only laugh. 'Let's get out of here, the boss is waiting for Standish.'

As soon as the four men had, forced Ezra out of the room Buck rushed to Vin's side. There was too much blood. He pressed his fingers against the already pale and sweaty skin and let out a deep sigh of relief when he found a pulse. Now that he knew Vin was still breathing, he wanted to go after Ezra. But the only thing that would come out of that impulse would be two deaths, his and Ezra's. He had to call Chris; they needed everyone searching the base.

******

Ezra knew exactly where he was and it was going to be difficult for the others to find him. That's if they were looking for him. He was in a small room that was hidden behind the second engine room. The noise from the engines would be enough to drown out his cries for help, or would that be his screams of pain because they didn't seem to have any problem when it came to causing him pain.

The metal cuffs that held his hands above his head were already scraping the skin from his wrists. Another chain held his right foot firmly to the center of the floor. There was no way that he was going to be able to escape from this predicament.

His captors had left him alone three hours ago and no one had returned. He had no idea who these people were or what they wanted and he was beginning to think that he was never going to find out. As if on cue, the door opened and four men entered the room. Three still wore black masks but the fourth one carried a bag and was dressed in a suit, the clean-shaven face was recognisable.

'I see we finally managed to get you.'

'All you had to do was ask Blake, I would have gladly come and spoken to you.' Ezra smiled at the man who had tried to kill him five years ago.

'Somehow I don't think talking would have been what you had in mind.' Blake Henderson replied.

'You know me so well.' Ezra tried to stop his body from becoming tense but he could no longer control it. He knew what this man was capable of.

Henderson laughed and shook his head. 'No one knows you Ezra, you keep to yourself too much. But somehow I think Bounty Seven are starting to get through to you.'

'What makes you think that?'

'How long have you been with them now? Nearly three weeks? They must like you. If they didn't they would have either dumped you or killed you already.'

'They're under orders from Travis, they didn't have a choice.'

'Larabee always has a choice.' Henderson moved forward until his face was close to Ezra's. 'You know he's not looking for you don't you? He's left it to the Authority Guards.'


'I know he's not looking for me Blake. Larabee will be looking for the man responsible for Vin Tanner's death.' Ezra held his breath and waited for the response.

'Oh, Tanner's not dead, nowhere near it in fact so I don't think his shooter would be his first priority.'

'I'm glad to hear that Vin's still alive.' Ezra didn't allow the relief to show on his face. 'You know, Larabee once told me that no one hurts one of his men and gets away with it.'

'I'm going to get away with it.' Henderson smiled.

'You can think that way if you want too.' Ezra's eyes tried to follow Henderson as the man began to walk a circle around him. 'Even if you kill me Larabee will still find you.'

Henderson ran his forefinger down the line of Ezra's backbone and smiled again when Ezra flinched away from him.

'What does Larabee know?'

'About what?'

'Did you give him any information?'

'About what?'

Henderson nodded to one of the three men who were standing in front of the door. Ezra didn't see the nod but the movement of the man coming towards him told him what was about to happen. He tried not to tense up knowing that it would only cause the physical abuse to hurt even more. The man moved behind him and Ezra twisted his neck to try to see what he was going to do. He winced when the open wound on the back of his neck exploded with pain. Even more pain followed when the faceless man pressed his fingers into his injury. Ezra gritted his teeth and tried to pull away from him but the man stayed with him, pressing even harder.

'Did you tell Larabee or any of his team?'

'Tell them what?'

'Don't play with me Ezra! I can make this very painful for you!'

'You already are!' Ezra tried kicking out with his free leg to stop the pain but the man easily dodged his foot.

'Ezra.'

'I don't know what you're talking about.'

Henderson waved his hand and his goon let go. He then changed his position so he was in front of Ezra, reached out, and firmly held Ezra's jaw. His fingers dug deep into the flesh. 'What did you tell them?' he yelled into Ezra's face. There was no answer, only a look of defiance and anger in the green eyes. No fear at all. 'You're not going to tell me are you?'

Ezra spoke when Henderson let go of his jaw. 'I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.'

'One last chance Ezra, if you don't tell me what I want to know I'm going to have to resort to violence.'

'You know I can take whatever you throw at me.' Ezra knew that wasn't true. He was only human and could only take so much but he would be able to last a while.

'You don't want to do this the easy way?'

'No.'

'Okay, if this is the way you want to play it.' Henderson turned to face his men. 'Get one of the others, remove their chip, and then bring them here.'

Ezra realised his mistake too late. 'Wait! You don't need one of the others. You're wasting your time anyway Henderson. I don't know what you're talking about. I don't know what information.'

'Too late Ezra, my men have gone and they will soon return with one of your friends.'

'They won't be able to help you.'

'Maybe not,' Henderson reached down into his bag and removed a roll of tape, 'but between the two of you, there should be one that will talk.'

'I told you that I don't know what you're talking about. If you tell me I might be able to answer your question.'
Henderson tore off a strip of tape and placed it over Ezra's mouth. He heard enough of the man's lies. If he wasn't going to talk then he would make one of the others talk. Another piece was used to cover the green eyes that had a way of making him fear his life but not this time. Standish was in a position that stopped him from doing anything.
The last time though had been the same. Standish had been unconscious and tied up. It took only one bullet to the chest. There was enough blood to make him think that Standish wouldn't last the night. He'd left him for dead. But someone had found him the next morning. He was alive and continued to be that way for five years. Standish could have been taken any time, it would have been easy but the man hadn't been a threat. Not until now.

The fist that hit him on the right side of his face caused him jump in response. Henderson always was a coward; he could only inflict pain when his victim was vulnerable. There was a second punch, this time to his stomach. All he wanted to do was bend over to try to ease the pain and struggle for breath. He could take this, he could take any of this. What he couldn't take was one of the others being beaten for information that he didn't know. The only thing for him to do was to lie. He would have to make something up. He could do that but he knew Henderson would only kill them anyway. The only hope they would have was the rest of the team finding them. Oh god, don't let it be JD, anyone of them but JD.

'What are you thinking Ezra?'

Ezra knew it was a question that didn't expect an answer. Henderson was trying to figure out what was going on in his prisoner's mind. Ezra was grateful he didn't have to answer because he would give himself away. In his answer would be the word fear. He was afraid that one of the men who had saved his life and put him back onto a road that held some sort of hope would get hurt. Ezra reminded himself that they had already been hurt. First Buck and Nathan, and now Vin. Henderson had told him that Vin wasn't dead but how long ago was that. He'd lost track of time and no longer had any idea of how much time had passed since Henderson ordered his men to take another member of Bounty Seven.

'Are you ready to give me my answer?'

Ezra shrugged his shoulders as best as he could.

'You're still trying to tell me that you don't know what I'm talking about.'

He hated being blind. His body was too tense and he was unable to calm down enough to try to judge where Henderson was at any given moment. The man kept moving as he talked. Damn. Why didn't he just get it over with?

'Did you tell Travis?'

Ezra frowned at the question. He wished he knew what the man wanted. He had to think so he ignored the ongoing questions and instead tried to think of what it was that Henderson was talking about. Obviously, Henderson thought he knew something important, something that would bring the man down. Henderson had thought he had talked to Larabee or one of the others and now he was wondering about Travis. He thought back to the time that Henderson had tried to take his life. There had been a lot of talk before Henderson had given the final blow that sent him into unconsciousness. It wasn't until a week later that he found out that he'd been shot.

'It doesn't matter Ezra, I'll find out and when I do I'll let you go.'

Ezra was going to laugh but the door opened. The only sound he could hear was the struggle of men forcing another man forward.

******

He couldn't see anything but his senses told him that they were close to the engine room; there was enough noise to stop anyone from hearing you. The men dragging him stopped and a door opened. He was pushed through and forced into a corner where he was released. The hands that were held behind his back by a pair of metal handcuffs wanted to reach up and tear the tape from his eyes and mouth. It was a few seconds before someone tore them off for him. He saw Ezra in the middle of the room and was relieved to find him in one piece.

'Why in the hell did you get him?'

'He was the only one on his own. He was with Tanner, the take was easy, and no one saw us.'

'You got rid of the chip?'

'Yes Sir.'

Larabee listened to every word but his eyes stayed on Ezra. Standish's hands were held above his head and a chain secured one leg to the floor. He could see fresh blood mixed with old on Ezra's shirt collar. It made him relive the raw pain he had felt when they had taken his chip. Once he was sure that there were no other injuries he turned his eyes to the man that seemed to be in charge. This had to be the guy that was behind everything that had happened from the moment Halis shot Ezra.

'Ezra didn't give you what you wanted?' Chris ignored the muffled groan that came from Ezra.

'Claims he doesn't know what I'm talking about.'

'Ignorant bastard isn't he.'

'No he's not Larabee, he just knows when to keep his mouth shut. Unfortunately for Ezra this isn't one of those times.'

'Are you going to tell me who you are?'

'Blake Henderson.'

'You're the guy that tried to kill Ezra.' Chris nodded when Henderson smiled. 'Jack sends his regards. Said that he was going to repay the favour the next time he saw you but he won't see you again.'

'And why won't he see me?'

'Because I'm going to kill you.' Chris heard Ezra groan at him a second time.

Henderson ignored the threat. 'Did Ezra tell you?'

'Tell me what?'

It didn't matter, he now had two men to question, and one of them was going to answer his questions. Henderson walked the few steps back to Ezra and ripped the tape from his prisoner's eyes and mouth. 'Are you ready to talk Ezra?'

'About what?'

The answer earned Ezra a crushing blow to his right cheek. Blood flew from his mouth. The force of the blow pushed him away from Henderson and caused his leg to pull against the chain. Ezra quickly regained his balanced only to be hit a second time.

'You okay Ezra?' Chris asked him.

'I'm fine Mr. Larabee, and you?'

'I'm okay.'

'Now the niceties are over, we can get down to business.' Henderson nodded to one of the three men.

Both Ezra and Chris watched as the man moved closer to Chris.

'Did you tell anyone?' The anger and frustration was beginning to sound in Henderson's voice.

'I don't know-' He grimaced when Henderson's man struck Chris sending him to the floor.

'I'm not going to keep asking you the same question Ezra. I want an answer and I want it now!' he shouted the last word into Ezra's ear.

Ezra was able to see Chris using the wall to push himself back up onto his feet.

'I haven't told anyone.'

'What haven't you told them?'

When he hesitated, a second too long Larabee received another blow. Ezra wanted to voice his anger, to physically strike out at Henderson but he knew if he did that then Henderson would think that he cared about what happened to Larabee. He did care though, that was the problem. Chris was going to get hurt because of him. If he had any idea of what Henderson was talking about then he might be able to figure out a way to get Chris out of this without getting him seriously injured.

'Blake, I really don't know what it is you're talking about.'

'Ezra you can out con the best of them. You expect me to believe you?'

'I'm telling you the truth here Blake.'

Henderson was still standing in front of Ezra. He could see nothing in Ezra's eyes or expression. He considered Ezra to be a friend once and because of that, he knew he was wearing his famous poker face. 'I don't believe you Ezra. You're hiding whatever you know behind that mask of yours.'

Ezra glanced around Henderson's shoulder at Chris who was wiping the blood from his mouth with his shirtsleeve. He couldn't allow his feelings to show in front of Chris. He promised himself that he would never show them in front of anyone. He'd made the mistake of breaking that promise twice. He wasn't going to do it again. Not for anybody.
'How about we exchange Larabee's life for your emotions?' Henderson nodded in understanding when he saw the fear flash in Ezra's eyes. The Infiltrator had no intentions of allowing Larabee to die; if it came to that choice he would easily break and tell him what he needed to know.

'I honestly don't-'

'Norman.'

Ezra almost cried out in shame when the man Henderson had called Norman started to hit Larabee. One physical blow followed another. Nothing was left untouched. Five minutes later it stopped. Chris was left lying on the floor with his knees up against his chest.

'Think about it Ezra.'

'Blake-'

Ezra's words ended with another violent blow to his face. 'Think about it Ezra.'

Henderson left the room with the three masked men following him.

'Chris?' Ezra pulled at his restraints. 'Chris?'

'What does he want Ezra?'

'I don't know.'

'Are you sure about that?'

Ezra narrowed his eyes. Did Larabee think that he would actually allow Henderson to do what he was doing just to protect a secret?

'You don't believe me either?'

'Of course I do.' Chris spat out a mouthful of blood and saliva.

'Is Vin okay?'

'Nathan said he'd be fine.'

'I'm sorry I've gotten you and the others into this. It has nothing to do with any of you.'

'You don't even know what it is Ezra.'

'And you're going to die because of that.'


Chris tested his ribs by lowering his legs. None were broken or cracked, they were only bruised so he shifted his body until he was sitting up and leaning against the wall and watched Ezra. 'How are you holding up?'

'The chains are helping.' Ezra answered.

'Ezra.'

'That man is going to come back here and torture you until I answer his question. How am I supposed to do that when
I don't know the answer.'

'Lie.' Chris grimaced when the pain started to develop in his abused leg and back muscles.

'You mean lie convincingly.'

'You could try that.'

Ezra nodded and a flash of pain crossed his own features.

'Your neck okay?'

'Yeah, what about yours?'

'Could be better.'

'Chris, is there any chance they're going to find us?'

'Only if they look in this room.'

'That's what I thought.'

******

Chris could see that Ezra was tiring. His head starting to relax, his body following it's example and then his weight would pull at the cuffs around his wrists causing him to jerk awake. Chris wanted to lie down and close his own eyes but forced himself to stay awake so he could keep an eye on Ezra. Not that he could do anything for him. His watch was out of sight but he was sure that at least three hours had gone by. Add to that the amount of time Ezra had been on his own and it was a total of seven hours.

When the door opened, Chris didn't take his gaze away from Ezra. He saw a flicker of fear in the set of green eyes but it was gone in a second. Ezra wasn't afraid for himself Chris knew that. He smiled when he saw the poker face back in place. He hoped Ezra knew what he was doing. His eyes finally moved when he heard Henderson's voice.

'Have you thought about it Ezra?'

'Go to hell!'

Chris rolled his eyes. He never expected Ezra to say that.

'It won't be me who goes to hell Ezra.'

Chris pushed himself against the wall when he saw Henderson nod to his men. Was a nod the secret code for beat the crap out of him?

'You can kill him for all I care Blake. You're not getting anything out of me!' yelled Ezra.

Bastard. This wasn't the sort of lies I was talking about Ezra.

Henderson watched Ezra's face when he heard Larabee cry out in pain. If Ezra cared there would something, even a glimmer of worry and fear. After the fourth cry, there was still nothing.

'You're a cold son-of-a-bitch Ezra.'

'I learned from my mother. Look after number one.'

Henderson nodded. 'Look after number one. She always did say that didn't she.'

'I'm going to finally follow her advice.' Ezra smiled. 'I did tell. I told the people who needed to know. And you sure as hell aren't going to get anymore out of me.'

'Really?' Henderson was unsure for a moment. He had to think and think quickly. He didn't want Ezra to see his confusion so he turned and saw Chris Larabee curled up against the wall. 'Maybe you won't say anything but I'm sure he will.'

'What would he know!' Ezra kicked out with his leg and struck Henderson's thigh but he failed to keep the man's attention focused on him.

'What about it Mr. Larabee? Are you willing to tell me what I need to know?'

'He didn't tell me anything.'

'Tape his eyes and mouth.' When his man started to move towards Chris, Henderson held out his arm. 'Standish. I don't want him to see what I'm going to do.'

His orders were obeyed and within a matter of moments tape covered Ezra's eyes and mouth.

'Again Mr. Larabee, did he tell you anything?'

'Please call me Chris.'

'Did he tell you?'

'Now, if you told me what it is he was suppose to tell me I could tell you if he told me.'

Henderson ignored him and walked back to Ezra. He could see that Ezra was straining to hear anything in the silence that would tell him what was happening. He moved around the tense form, placed his fingers against Ezra’s open wound, and smiled when Ezra jerked away from him. He grabbed Ezra's shoulder to keep him still.

'Did he tell you anything?'

Chris didn't answer.

Henderson pressed with more force and Ezra screamed through his tape-covered mouth.

'Mr. Larabee?'

'He didn't tell me anything.'

'He must have told you something.' Henderson let go.

'Nothing.'

'Bring me my bag.'

Chris watched, his body filling will fear, when Henderson withdrew a long bladed knife from the bag.

'He didn't tell me anything that sounded important.' Chris knew Henderson wasn't listening to him anymore.

'Henderson! You hurt him anymore and I'm going to make sure you suffer a lot of pain before I kill you! Do you hear me!'

******

The words scared the hell out of Ezra. Henderson was planning to do something to him and it was the not knowing that caused a thin film of sweat to cover his face. His shirt was pulled away from the back of his neck again and he waited for the pain to start but it didn't happen. Instead, his shirt was ripped down the middle and pulled away from his shoulders exposing his back to the man behind him. His body shivered and he heard Henderson laugh.

'You scared Ezra?'

Ezra forced his body to stay still. He wasn't going to give Henderson the satisfaction of knowing that he was right. In his mind, he could imagine all sorts of pain, knowing that Henderson enjoyed inflicting every sort of pain that he could think of. Ezra knew it was his back that was going to be abused. He heard Chris threatening Henderson with everything he could think of. If you had asked Ezra twenty-four hours ago if Chris cared or would try to do anything to stop someone from hurting him he would have said no but the threats coming from Chris's mouth told him something completely different.

He couldn't understand why Henderson wasn't answering Chris's threats. Usually the man scared easily and the threats were enough to make a man wet himself.

Henderson decided that it was time to inflict some pain. He didn't care what Larabee had to say, not at the moment anyway. He wanted the pleasure of hearing Ezra scream first. Then he would listen to Larabee and if the man didn't tell him what he wanted to hear then he would continue to enjoy himself with Standish. He placed the knife back into the bag and withdrew the small whip.

Larabee continued to make threats but he refused to listen to a man that had his hands restrained behind his back. The three men who worked for him helped his boldness. Larabee couldn't hurt him and once he found out who Ezra had spoken to, Larabee would be killed along with Standish.

He stood in front of Ezra and saw the sweat on Ezra's face. 'You are scared aren't you Ezra? Blindness can make everything more frightening for a person, even terrifying if they were in the position you're in.' He ran the tip of the whip's handle down Ezra's cheek. There was a slight shift in Ezra's position but he could tell that Ezra was trying hard not to show his fear. 'Not to worry Ezra, I'll have you screaming in no time.'

Henderson gave himself plenty of room and gave the first lash high across the shoulders. He smiled when Ezra started to scream and move away from him but he stopped suddenly. That was all right, he knew it would take more than one to get Ezra started. After a second blow in the same area Ezra's knees buckled.

He enjoyed using the whip. He liked the thin lines of broken flesh that appeared after each blow. The way the victim's body flinched no matter how hard they tried to stay still. Ezra was trying, he could see that, but his body still jerked each time the whip hit his bare skin. He stopped after ten lashes and moved to stand in front of Ezra.

'That was fun for me. What about you Ezra? Did you enjoy that?' He smiled when Ezra refused to answer him. 'You might find it more enjoyable next time perhaps.'

When he turned around to face Chris Larabee, he had to force himself not to show any fear. Pale green eyes were staring fiercely through his soul.

'You're a dead man Henderson,' Chris said in a calm voice, 'even if I don't kill you one of the others will. When they see what you've done to him, they will kill you. They'll hunt you down and they will kill you.'

'And how are they going to know who I am?'

'They'll know.'

'No they won't.'

'My men aren't stupid.' Chris smiled up at Henderson, 'They'll work it out.'

'Your threats don't scare me Larabee.'

'Maybe you'll find them more threatening next time perhaps.' Chris repeated Henderson's own words.

'Did he tell you?'

'He told me nothing about a guy named Henderson.'

'Then what did he tell you?'

'What was he supposed to tell me?'

'Apparently I haven't hurt him enough for you.' Henderson slowly walked back towards Ezra. 'Why don't we try something else this time.'

'I don't know what it is you want!' Chris shouted. 'The only words that came out of his mouth were insults.'

Henderson returned to his position behind Ezra. Chris thought that he was going to continue to whip Ezra but he dropped the whip and pulled out a pair of gloves and a thin length of rope. Chris watched with fascination as Henderson pulled on the gloves and then place the rope around Ezra's neck, allowing the ends of the rope to hang down his chest.

Chris could see Ezra's body shivering in fear. Standish had no idea what was going to happen and that's what made it so fearful for him.

'I not messing around anymore Larabee, I want to know what he told you . . . Now!'

'I hardly talked to the guy and when I did it wasn't pleasant.'

Henderson lifted the rope ends so they crossed over and pulled with both hands until Ezra began to struggle for air.

What could he say? 'Yes he told me! Now let him breath for Christ's sake!'

'I want to know what he told you!'

'He told me everything. Okay! Everything.'

Henderson didn't see the trickles of blood beginning to flow down Ezra's neck when the rope burnt through the flesh but Chris Larabee could see it and he had to say something before Ezra stopped breathing. Words suddenly repeated themselves in his mind. 'Someone we trusted, told us that you were dead.'

'He told me you were a traitor to the Authority. That you gave information to the Rebellion.'

'What else?'

There's more? Use your brain Chris! Damnit! 'That you were a double agent, that you also gave the Authority information on the Rebellion.' It was a guess but it was all he had.

'Who else did he tell?'

'I don't know!'

Before him, Ezra's legs collapsed as he fell into unconsciousness. Death would follow in a matter of seconds.

'The entire crew of Bounty Seven!' Henderson let go of the rope but Ezra didn't get up. 'He told all of us. I then told Travis. Who knows who he told. What are you going to do Henderson? Kill all of us?'

Henderson laughed. 'That's a load of shit and you know it Larabee.'

Chris sighed in disappointment and said again. 'I don't know anything.'

'I think I may have to use different tactics. Once I know what I need to know I'll take my time inflicting some pain on both of you, especially Ezra.' Henderson left the room again but this time he left once of his men behind.

******

Chris ignored the man who stood by the door and concentrated on Ezra who hadn't moved since Henderson had left. He had tried calling his name and when he tried to get closer the guard took a threatening stop closer to him.

'Ezra.' He would count to a hundred then call Ezra's name again. It wasn't until he reached six hundred that he received an answer. Ezra's feet shifted as he tried to take the weight off his wrists.

'Ezra, you're okay, he's gone.'

Chris wasn't sure if his voice was registering in Ezra's mind. 'Nod if you can hear me Ezra.' There was a slight nod but it wasn't enough to convince Chris that Ezra was fully conscious. 'You okay Ezra.' Ezra didn't respond this time. Chris could see that Ezra was putting everything into just staying on his feet. 'Don't worry Ezra, I'll take care of you. We'll get out of this.'

'I doubt that very much Mr. Larabee.' Henderson walked into the room and headed straight towards Ezra. He reached out with his hand and lifted Ezra's head then ripped the tape from his mouth. 'You're going to talk this time Ezra. I should have done it this way to start with but for some reason I enjoyed the idea of causing you pain but I'm running out of time.'

'Don't even think of hurting him again Henderson.' Chris told him.

'I don't intend to, not yet anyway.'

'Then what are you going to do?'

Henderson took a syringe from his pocket and showed it to Chris. 'This will get him talking.' He pulled down Ezra's shirtsleeve and smiled when Ezra pulled away from him. 'Come and hold him still!' One of his men came forward and held Ezra from behind. Henderson roughly inserted the needle and slowly forced the plunger down until the syringe was empty. 'It'll take a few minutes to get into his system.'

'Move away from him! Do it now!' Buck Wilmington stormed his way into the room and allowed Nathan and Josiah to take care of the two men at the door.

When Chris heard his long time friend's voice, he ignored any pain he was feeling and carried out his threats. He jumped to his feet and lunged at Henderson. Chris rammed into his stomach and felt Henderson's fists slammed against his back. He was too full of hate, anger and fear to allow it to stop him. His body kept forcing Henderson backwards until they hit a wall. When Henderson doubled over Chris took the opportunity, brought his knee up, and used it to break Henderson's nose. He then stepped back and began to use his feet much like Norman had on him. Someone grabbed him from behind and pulled him back.

'Take it easy Chris.' Buck spoke to him with a voice that told him everything was going to be okay now. That they had found them, they were safe and there was nothing more to fear.

'Ezra.'

'He's okay, Nathan's got him.'


eighteen


Chris Larabee lay back on the bed, (he would have been on his side but the bruising was too painful) watching Ezra sleep. Nathan had given him a full report, Ezra's injuries had looked worse than they actually were. Only two of the ten lashes had required stitching. The worst of the injuries had been the dislocated shoulder. Nathan had taken the opportunity to operate and repair the damage so the shoulder would no longer pop out of its socket so easily. Ezra was going to be bed ridden for at least a week and wouldn't be able to work for at least two months. Nathan wanted Ezra to have the time to get his health back as well as give the shoulder the time it needed to heal.

When Nathan and Buck walked into the room, he pulled his eyes away from Ezra. He waited patiently while Nathan went to check on Vin first. The Sharp shooter was asleep. Apparently, he had stayed awake all night watching the two new patients. Chris watched Nathan's every move until he reached his bed.

'They okay?'

'They're fine Chris. You can see yourself that Vin's almost back to normal, he'll be leaving tomorrow. Ezra's fine but he's going to be sleeping a lot for a couple of more days, mostly because of the pain killers I keep giving him.' Nathan answered.

'So I've got some peace and quiet for a while?'

'Yeah, but you're not going to be staying much longer either. Your urine is almost clear of blood so I would say that you would be able to back to the ship in a day or so.'

'Good, now tell me how you found us and what the hell is going on with Henderson!'

'He's back to his normal self.' Buck slapped his friend on the shoulder.

'Yeah I am so tell me how you found us.'

'Well, you see, it's like this. You're not going to believe it Chris. I wouldn't if you told me. I mean, the chance of it happening, well the chance of me making something of it. You're going to laugh.'

'Buck, just tell me what happened.'

'JD and me were in the corridor near Travis's office and we saw this guy walking towards us with this pained expression on his face. He also had a couple of security guards with him. Now, I started thinking and thought that those two guards should be searching with the rest of the guards. Then the guy's expression sort of reminded of you when Vin pisses you off,' Buck stopped and tried to look innocent when Chris glared at him, 'when we piss you off. I was going to ask him what was going on but instead I decided to follow him. And therefore, I, Buck Wilmington, a man loved by all women, was able to find you and rescue you. Pretty clever huh.'

'You followed the guy because he looked pissed off?' Chris was stunned. He couldn't wait to relay the explanation to Ezra.

'But it was the way he looked pissed off and the two guards of course.'

'You followed him because of the way he looked pissed off and because he had two guards that weren't taking part in the search?'

'Yep. I am greatness.' Buck raised his hands above his head in triumph.

'Wow.'

'That's all you've got to say?'

'Yeah,' Chris nodded, 'wow.'

'Henderson is part of the Authority but he works off a small base on Adelin. Brooks was his inside man here.' Nathan added.

'Why did he want Ezra dead?'

'He didn't know Ezra was alive,' Buck shrugged, 'it's as simple as that.'

'Said he saw him about six weeks ago.' Nathan explained. 'He would have killed him then but he found out that Travis had taken him under his wing so he decided that Ezra had to die in the line of duty.'

'Halis.' Chris nodded.

'Henderson had Brooks send Ezra on a job to infiltrate a group whose leader worked for him. Halis was supposed to kill Ezra. You were supposed to kill Halis. It would have worked except Ezra didn't die.'

'Why was it Ezra's job to stop us from taking Halis in?'

'That was a lie.'

'He needed something to get Ezra to do the job,' said Nathan.

'So he was worried that Ezra would turn him in for trying to kill him.'

'That's about it.' Buck was looking at Ezra when he answered.

'He went through all that trouble . . .' Chris started. 'Travis knows everything?'

'Yeah, he was here this morning to check up on you guys.' Nathan smiled.

'Did he say if Standish has to stay with the team or are we rid of him?'

They could tell by his face that he wanted Ezra to stay.

'He's staying with us.' Buck told him.

'Oh.'

'Do you have a problem with me staying with the team Mr. Larabee?' Ezra had heard most of the conversation but only now decided to take part in it. He gazed down at the arm that was strapped to his chest. 'Why is my arm like this?'

'I operated on your shoulder.'

'Why?'

'Because it keeps popping out when it shouldn't. I told you when this was over that I was going to operate to fix it.'

'But you didn't even give me the chance to refuse it. I didn't get to argue the point.'

'And we know how much you like to argue the point.' Chris rolled his eyes.

'You can argue now.' Buck suggested.

'I don't feel like arguing now and what use would it do me anyway. No one listens to me.'

'I wonder why.' Chris winked at Buck.

'I see our little adventure together hasn't changed anything.' Ezra said in disgust.

'It's changed everything Ezra,' said Chris, 'you're one of us now and don't you forget it. Me boss, you Neanderthal. This means I can say what I want when I want. Got it.'

'Don't worry Ezra, we have ways of getting around all of that.' Buck was staring down at Chris. 'You could at least wait until he's better before you starting throwing insults.'

'That's two weeks or more.' Chris complained. 'I can't go that long without insulting him.'

'You're going to have to try. Either that or spend the time insulting Vin. He's been missing out lately and he's feeling a bit lonely because of all the attention you've been giving Ezra.'

'Really.' There was a lot that he could do to Vin. 'I think you've got an idea there Buck.'

'Does that mean I'm off the hook?' Ezra asked them.

'Only until Nathan tells me you're well enough to be picked on.' Chris growled back.

'Gives me time to come up with a plan.' Ezra muttered.

'What was that?' Chris sat up.

'I said that was not fair.'

'That's what I thought you said.'

'Time to rest guys.' Nathan ordered them. 'We're off to have a few drinks and get in a couple of games of poker. I'll come by and check on you later.'

'Bastards!' Chris and Ezra said together.

'At least that's one thing we agree on,' said Chris.

'I suggest Mr. Larabee that we give them thirty minutes then follow them.'

'You're not up to that Ezra. Your arm and your back aren't doing too well.'

'Chris, I am so full of pain killers right now that I can't even feel my back and I'm sure a cold beer and a stiff drink would do me the world of good.'

'Thirty minutes.' Chris agreed.

'Shall we take Vin?' Ezra glanced over at the sleeping form.

'No, just you and me Ezra, we need to deal with a few things.'

'Of course Mr. Larabee.' Ezra smiled. 'Does Nathan have credit at the bar?'

'He does.' Chris took quickly to the idea.

'Then I also suggest that Nathan pays for our drinks.'

'I knew I liked you for a reason Ezra.'

'Excuse me?' Ezra sputtered the words out.

'I liked you from the beginning Ezra. I could see right through you.'

'You Mr. Larabee are a liar.'

'Call me a liar again Ezra and I'm going to have to hurt you!'

'You Mr. Larabee are a liar.'

'Shit!'



The End.





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