azombiewrites (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
azombiewrites) wrote2009-12-11 12:02 pm
azombiewrites) wrote2009-12-11 12:02 pm
The Magnificent Seven Fic - 'Four Corners' - 2/2
Title: Four Corners
Rating: PG
Fandom: The Magnificent Seven
AU: Seven Brothers AU
Main Characters: Ezra and Buck and the rest of the seven
Disclaimers: The guys are owned by CBS, MGM, Trilogy Entertainment Group, and The Mirisch Corp.
Notes: Michelle Naylor created the Seven Brothers AU years ago and as far as I can remember, there has only been three stories written in this AU. "The Reading of the Will" was written by Rebecca and tells of how the seven brothers came together. You will need to read Rebecca's story first to understand the references in this story.
Summary: Buck makes a bet he can't win and Ezra owes a debt he can't pay.
Spoilers: None
Status: Complete
Total Word Count: 12,186
Morgan already had the palomino saddled and his rider was sitting on the animal. His form was relaxed and the reins were hanging loosely in his hands, his right leg crossed over the pummel of the saddle. An expression of confidence told Buck that there was not a chance in hell that he was going to lose to Ezra Standish.
'How do I get on Mr. Wilmington?'
'We're not back to Mr. are we Ezra.'
'Would you prefer I call you fugly?'
Buck couldn't help but smile at the use of the term he had used the day before. Ezra was learning and he was learning fast. He was going to be a part of this, Buck was sure of it.
Jarrod laughed aloud and shook his head in amusement. 'You see this Morgan, he doesn't even know how to get on the horse.'
'Shut up Jarrod!' Buck warned him.
'Not a problem Buck, I'll just sit here and watch.' Jarrod smiled and winked at Ezra.
'Ezra, you put your left foot in here, this is what you call a stirrup. You always mount the horse on its left side... '
'Why?'
'Now is not the time to ask questions Ezra. Then you grab the pommel with both hands, pull yourself up like this and swing your right leg over as though you were getting on a bike. Here, I'll show you first, and then you have a go.'
Ezra watched with a hint of amusement written on his face. These men must think he was an idiot.
'Now you have a go.'
Ezra did as he was shown. His foot in the stirrup, his hand on the pommel then he pulled himself up onto the horse.
'Like that?'
'Yeah, like that.' Buck looked over his shoulder at Chris who had a look of surprise on his face.
'Is there a key or anything to get it started?'
'Now I know you're pulling my leg.' Buck slapped Ezra's thigh.
'You ready Standish?' Morgan asked him.
'Ready as I'll ever be.' he gripped the reins that Buck handed to him with both hands.
'On the count of three.' Morgan told them.
Chris and the others moved closer in case they needed to catch Ezra if he fell from the horse.
'Ezra, hold on tight with your thighs when she sits down.' Buck told him.
'One.'
Buck noticed that Jarrod wasn't even prepared. He hadn't changed his position on the horse. He was actually wearing a stupid grin on his face.
'Two.'
Chris saw a slight change in Ezra's body language. The reins were switched to his right hand, his feet shifted in the stirrups and he leaned slightly forward. Obviously, Morgan and Jarrod didn't notice the change. They were too busy counting winnings they were yet to win.
'Son-of-a-bitch.' Vin had seen the change as well.
'Still have Saddie to consider.' Chris told him.
'Three!'
All it took was a nudge with his heels and Saddie took off at a gallop. Ezra was leaning forward; the reins lose in his fingers. He knew how to ride a horse, with his legs and not his hands. He looked over his shoulder and saw Jarrod struggling to control his mount. He couldn't and the result was his butt landing hard on the ground and his horse galloping off in another direction. 'Now that's what I call an idiot.'
The dust cleared, leaving a group of stunned men.
'Bastard!' Buck pulled his hat off his head and threw it onto the ground.
'Lucky bastard.' Vin said admiringly. 'Saddie didn't even sit down.'
'I just bet him a hundred that she would sit down.
'You've been had Buck,' said Vin.
'I thought he didn't know how to ride a horse.' JD looked at Chris then Vin.
'He didn't as far as we were concerned.' Josiah laughed loudly and nudged young JD with his elbow.
*******
Ezra didn't slow down until he was sure he had a good solid start on Jarrod. The directions that Buck had given him were easy to follow and as long as Jarrod didn't know of a quicker way to get back to the ranch then he would win the race and the two hundred dollars. He gently pulled on the reins and Saddie slowed to a canter. He had time and he wanted to take in the scenery. He'd seen it many times before but it had been from the front seat of the pickup or more often from the back of the truck.
The land was green and healthy, the trees both lush and tall. Cattle of more than one variety grazed the fields and Ezra grimaced. There was something about seeing these cows alive during the day and then dead on a plate when you sat down at the dinner table at night. He'd sometimes wondered if the cow he was eating was one of the cows, he had seen on the ranch. It was almost enough to put him off his meal, almost.
He looked away and saw that the road was about to follow the curve of a small hill. Just around the hill was a sharp turn to the left so he slowed Saddie down to a trot and followed the road. The slight bounce made his side hurt so he urged the horse back into a canter. What he saw when he rounded the hill wasn't what he expected to see. He pulled on the reins harder than he should have and Saddie skidded to a stop. He kept his body in the ready position, which caused Saddie to dance around in a circle, but a few quiet words settled her down.
A four-wheel drive was parked in the middle of the trail. Two men, (goons really) were leaning back against the hood. They were waiting patiently for someone or something.
'Country life seems to be treating you well Ezra.' These men worked for Moore. The man he owed money to. The man his mother owed money to. 'Took us a while to find you.' The one in charge continued. 'Mr. Moore wants his money.'
'I don't have it.'
The man who had spoken looked around at the surrounding area. 'You won't get it working on a two-bit ranch like this,' he growled.
Ezra laughed. He couldn't help it. 'Two-bit, is that what you think? If I stay here for a year I'll earn a one million-dollar inheritance.'
'Really? Mr. Moore isn't willing to wait a year; he's waited long enough already, besides a cool million wouldn't cover a year's worth of interest on the amount of money you owe.' The man took three steps forward. 'Get off the horse.'
Ezra hesitated before dismounting. He then moved forward until he was standing in front of the mare.
'He's not going to get his money if you kill me.' Ezra warned him.
'We're not here to kill you Standish.'
Ezra swallowed the lump in his throat. After the first beating, he was warned that the next one would be worse. But it wasn't the beating that worried him; it was the questions that Chris Larabee would be asking when they found him. He would also lose the race and the bets, two hundred dollars that he could have used to help raise the money he owed Moore.
'Another warning?' Ezra ran his tongue along his lower lip.
'Something like that.'
'Something? Then you better hurry because there are more riders coming up behind me.'
'One rider and if he interferes we'll kill him.'
Ezra watched the man for a moment and realised that he was serious. He would kill Jarrod as soon as he came around the corner. Ezra turned and jumped onto Saddie's back without the use of the stirrup. He turned her around but before he could create any sort of distance between himself and the two men he felt the sudden sting of pain in his left and found himself in midair and falling towards the ground. It took only a few seconds but it seemed like he had fallen off a high cliff. It also felt like it.
Air was forced from his lungs when he hit the ground and his left wrist was twisted painfully beneath him. He took a moment to be grateful that he hadn't fallen on his injured side then quickly pushed himself up into a sitting position. He couldn't be caught off guard with these men. Without warning, a fist slammed against his face but his right arm kept him from falling back to the ground. A second punch made sure that he did then a heavy weight was pressed down onto his back. It was the goon's knee. The man then lowered himself so he was looking directly into Ezra's pain filled eyes.
'This is how it's going to be Standish. I can either beat the shit out of you now or I can give you a week to come up with the money.'
'I told you I don't have it.'
The man stood up quickly and kicked Ezra's injured side. A second kick caused Ezra to grunt in pain and he tried to
move himself into the foetal position for protection. Then the weight was on his back again and it stopped him from moving anywhere.
'Do you want to change your mind or shall I continue?'
'I would like to change my mind.' Ezra managed to talk through the pain. He sighed in relief when the weight was lifted from his back. He tried to take in a deep breath but it caused too much pain. 'A week... sounds good.'
The tip of a gun tapped Ezra on the side of the head. He had been shot. There was a silencer attached to the barrel, which explained why he hadn't heard the shot. It also meant that no one else had either. Jarrod was safe. He might be able to keep this incident to himself, tell the others that he had fallen off the horse. It could work. He would collect his winnings and partake in a game of poker and win the money he owed Moore. That's if the people of Four Corners had the kind of money he needed. One problem though; Moore's goons were still here and he was yet to win the race.
'A week it is then.' The man stood up. 'If you don't have it when we come back, we'll go after your mother. After all she's the one that owes Mr. Moore the money.'
The comment didn't concern Ezra. He knew Moore wouldn't hurt a woman, that's why Moore had gone after him and not his mother. 'He wouldn't hurt my mother.'
'No, he wouldn't but I would.'
'He wouldn't let you.'
The man kicked Ezra in the side of the head causing the skin to split and blood to flow. He heard the man's words before he lost consciousness. 'That's the difference between us Standish. Like you, I don't need permission to do what needs to be done. Besides, he doesn't need to know.'
Ezra's vision was beginning to blur. The figure that was walking away from him was turning into a moving mist, a darkness that soon turned solid.
*******
'Ezra... Ezra!' A hand shook his shoulder. 'Hey man, you okay.'
He opened his eyes to find Jarrod knelt down next to him. The two men and car were gone. He looked searched for them but couldn't see them. This meant that Jarrod was safe.
'I'm fine. Fell off the horse.'
'You scared the hell out of me. Thought you were dead when I came around that hill. You were just lying here and there was blood and-'
'Could you help me up please?' He needed a distraction and this was as good as any. He held up his good arm and was pulled to his feet. When he felt dizzy, he steadied himself against Saddie who was still standing where he had left her.
'You sure you're okay, you don't look okay. Hell, you ain't even steady on your feet. You look like you're gonna fall over.'
'I'm fine Jarrod. Thank you for your concern.' Ezra smiled at the younger man and was grateful when Jarrod smiled back at him.
'The bet still on?' Jarrod's expression was one of hope. He had been told that if he won the race he would earn half of the winnings.
'Unfortunately a bet is a bet and I never back down from a bet,' Ezra stretched his back to test his side. He couldn't help but groan and bend over slightly. He was sure his ribs were damaged again.
'You're not okay, are you?'
Ezra shrugged Jarrod's hand off his shoulder. 'I'm fine!'
'Okay sure.' Jarrod stepped back from Ezra's anger. 'I'll ride back with you though.'
'There is no need. I am quite capable of riding back on my own.'
'You sure 'cause if you're not I-'
'I'm sure!' He stared hard at Jarrod until the man moved away and mounted his horse. 'I'll see you back at the ranch Jarrod.' He didn't know the man's last name so he had no choice but to use his first name. He didn't like it. It made him feel vulnerable.
'I'll let Buck and the others know what happened and where you are.'
'NO!' he'd realised he had shouted when Jarrod's mouth fell open in shock. 'No, it's alright. I'll get back on my own without any problems. I'll enjoy the quiet time. I don't get much of that these days.' He had to keep Chris and the others away for as long as possible. He needed to get his story straight before his half-brothers started asking him questions he yet had answers to.
'I know what you mean. Those guys can be pretty loud when they want to be.'
'Very,' Ezra chuckled, 'I'm use to being on my own and now all of a sudden I have six half-brothers.'
'Yeah, must've been a shock to find out your father's dead and that you have six brothers.' Jarrod nodded.
Ezra almost corrected him about his half-brothers but caught himself before he could. Lincoln Larabee was not his father (maybe by birth but that was all) and those six men were not his brothers. He hadn't grown up with them; he'd been separated from these people since he was born. No, these people were not related to him.
'I'll see you back at the ranch.' Ezra tipped his hat and watched the man ride away. Thoughts then filled his mind. Thoughts about Four Corners and the men who were now in his life, men he hadn't known about three weeks previously.
He was only here because Chris Larabee had talked him into it. No, not talked, threatened. Larabee had threatened him into staying. He had been sure that he would have been able to spend a year on this ranch. It wouldn't be like prison. He still had his freedom and at the end of the year, he would have a very small fortune. An amount of money that would grow through the use of his gambling skills.
But he'd realised after the first few weeks that he actually enjoyed being here. He relished the outdoors and the physical labour, which had been a surprise to even him. Not that he would tell any of them. He even enjoyed the company of some of the men. JD Dunne was young and full of energy. The type of energy that a man of his own age didn't have any more. In Buck Wilmington and Vin Tanner, he found two men who were not only able to match his sense of humour but who also enjoyed pulling the odd practical joke. He had been the center of attention for the first two weeks but their target had changed. They had both focused in on one Chris Larabee. Ezra was taking his time; when it was right he would seek his revenge and the two men would be none the wiser as to who had challenged them.
Josiah Sanchez was a man who liked to talk and Ezra was able to have intellectual conversations with him but sometimes Sanchez took the conversation too far by prying into his past and Ezra had to leave the room before he said something he would have regretted. Nathan Jackson had taken care of his injury for him but that was all.
Whenever he was around the man, he felt the tension that filled the air. He later found out from Buck Wilmington that Nathan didn't like a man who took advantage of other people's misfortunes. Buck had told him in a polite manner that Nathan disliked con artists and gamblers. Ezra didn't know where Nathan had gotten the impression that he was a con artist or even a gambler. They knew he had taken a beating before he arrived in Four Corners and he had told them that he had been mugged and they had accepted that answer.
And then there was Chris Larabee. The man was full of anger and hatred and often directed those feelings towards the wrong people. Ezra was yet to find out why. No one, not even Buck spoke of Chris's past. If Ezra wanted to know, he would have to find out for himself but at the moment, he had no intention of delving into the man's past.
He didn't think he had it in him to get back into the saddle so he took Saddie's reins in his left hand even though it had been sprained it didn't hurt as much as his right arm and began walking back to the ranch.
*******
Ezra stopped and let his shoulders fall when he heard the approaching riders. He lifted his eyes without lifting his head it felt too heavy to lift and saw that only three of his associates came for him: Larabee, Jackson and Wilmington. It puzzled Ezra that all three men looked concerned. Then he remembered that he was covered in blood and dirt. But he was sure the concern would soon change because these men were experienced enough to know that he hadn't gotten his injuries from falling off a horse. Jackson would know the difference between a gunshot wound and a scratch. Jordan had believed his story but these men wouldn't.
'Ezra, you okay?'
'I'm fine Mr. Jackson. It's nothing to concern yourself about.' Ezra finally lifted his head to look at them.
'Doesn't look like nothing to me Ezra,' said Chris.
'It's nothing! I simply fell off a horse. Anyone can do it and anyone can get themselves hurt doing it. Now if you don't mind I would like to get Saddie back to the ranch and taken care of.'
'She hurt?'
'No Mr. Larabee your horse is not hurt. Saddie just decided to... sit down after all.'
'What happened Ezra?'
'I told you Mr. Larab-'
'You're talking bullshit Ezra,' said Chris, 'I don't believe a word you're saying.'
'And why should you, you haven't so far,' Ezra muttered to himself.
He was about to continue walking when he saw that Chris and Nathan were getting off their horses. They handed their reins to Buck who was content with staying where he was and just listening to the conversation going on in front of him.
'Aw hell,' it was spoken so quietly that no one heard him, 'Mr. Larabee, I told you I was fine, it's just a scratch.'
'Why aren't you riding the horse Ezra?' Nathan asked him.
'I am not going to get on a horse that sits down whenever it feels like it. It wouldn't be prudent to my health.'
Ezra watched Chris carefully. The man's mind was ticking over quickly. 'Looks like she did more than sit.'
'Excuse me?' Ezra raised an eyebrow and almost winced at the painful sting the movement caused.
'Looks like she threw a few punches at you as well.'
'Let me have a look at that arm Ezra.' When Nathan reached out for his arm, he couldn't help but take a step backwards.
'I told you I was fine.'
'Ezra.' It was a warning from Chris.
He couldn't help it. He snapped. These men couldn't get involved with his problems. Moore was a dangerous man. A very dangerous man.
'Mr. Larabee, Mr. Jackson, I have told you that I am fine and if you don't believe me... well then... you know what you can do with it.'
'Ezra,' Chris followed Ezra's backward movement, 'I know exactly what I'm going to do with it.' He waited for the answer he knew wasn't coming then continued, 'You want to know what I'm going to do with it?'
Ezra had an idea. 'I think I have an idea of exactly what you wan-'
'I'm going to shove it up your ass and then I'm going to-'
'Chris,' Buck interrupted him and held up a placating hand, 'you wouldn't be able to do what you're thinking of doing because he's too short.'
Chris didn't take his eyes off Ezra when he questioned Buck. 'What does him being short have to do with it?'
'Picture it. You'll make his eyes pop out of his head.'
Chris grimaced in disgust. 'Okay so maybe I won't do that.'
'Then you can shove it!' Ezra stepped into the stirrup and pulled himself up into the saddle. He knew it was a stupid move but he needed to get away from these men. He promptly fell off the other side of the horse and landed on his injured side. 'Shit!'
'Ezra!' Larabee grabbed Saddie's reins while Nathan moved around the horse to check on Ezra.
Ezra tried his best to push Nathan's hands away but the man was experienced in dealing with difficult patients. His hands were quick and accurate in their examination of his injuries. And then it happened.
'Chris, this is a gunshot wound.' Nathan let go of Ezra's arm then knelt back so he could stop Ezra from trying to get up again.
'What the hell happened and this time I want the truth!' Chris demanded of Ezra.
'You're going to have to settle for what I've told you because that's all you're going to get.'
Chris nodded. 'If that's the way you want it. After Nathan patches you up you can pack your things and leave Four Corners.' Chris turned and walked back to his horse. He knew everyone's eyes were on him and did his best to ignore them. He had spoken the words as a threat hoping that Ezra would cave in but he didn't. The man was as stubborn as their father had been.
'There is no need for Mr. Jackson to do anything. I'll leave as soon as I get back to the ranch.'
'Chris,' Buck started.
'I don't want to hear it Buck.' Once he was on his horse, he turned it to face North the direction of the ranch then looked at Buck, 'He's keeping something from us. Something dangerous. What if it spreads and hurts someone else? What then? No, he can leave and take whatever trouble he's in with him.'
'Chris, he's hurt, you can't force him to leave!' This time it was Nathan who was arguing for Ezra.
'Mr. Jackson, I am able to take care of myself.' Ezra used the stirrup to pull himself up into a standing position and looked away from Nathan's piercing gaze. 'Mr. Larabee is right. I don't want anyone else to get hurt. This is my problem and I will deal with it my way.'
'Damn it Ezra! You're as stubborn as our father.' Nathan told him.
'How the hell would you know?' Ezra spun towards Nathan a little too quickly and punched his chest with his forefinger.
'You don't know me, you'll never know me and do you know why? Because I won't let you. But I will let you know one thing. I am nothing like Lincoln Larabee because I would never abandon a woman who has given birth to my child. NEVER!'
'He had his reasons Ezra, you would know that if you'd read the letter he left you.'
'If he wanted me to know the reason why he left me and my mother he would have answered my letter.' He realised what he'd said too late. He also knew that it was a subject Chris wasn't going to let go.
'And what do you mean by that?' Chris had turned his horse back around so he could look at his younger half-brother.
'Nothing,' said Ezra.
'You said earlier you gave him a chance and now we're finding out you wrote him a letter,' Chris nodded, 'you want to explain the situation to us.'
'No.'
'I'm not accepting a no this time Ezra, tell us what you're talking about.'
Ezra sighed and leaned against Saddie. He didn't want these men to know about his past. There was too much there for him to deal with. Too much pain and too much loneliness.
'Ezra.' Buck's tone was gentle. He had a small idea of what Ezra was going through. Although he had known his father since birth he hadn't lived with him. He had lived with his mother in town. Being near his father was better than nothing but it still hurt. There were times when he hated his father for not allowing him and his mother to stay at the ranch particularly when he saw that Chris and Nathan were there with him. As he grew older, he began to understand more. His mother had explained that she was the one who had made the decision to live in town, not his father. She had wanted to stay close so he could see his father, to spend time with him, and to get to know his two brothers, which he did. And it was those times that he enjoyed and cherished.
'I sent him a letter when I was seven years old. Sent it so he would have to sign for it. I still have the signature card in my wallet as a reminder that he didn't want to know me, didn't want anything to do with my mother or me. Can you even imagine what it would be like for a child to wait for an answer from his father: a week, a month, a year... thirty-three years.' Ezra looked from Buck to Chris who had his down to Nathan. 'When I do finally get an answer it's from a lawyer telling me my father was dead. He had all that time to answer my question and he didn't. Waited until he was dead to even make contact.'
'What question was that Ezra,' asked Buck.
'I wanted to know why he didn't want me.'
'I'm sorry Ezra,' said Chris, 'I have no idea how you felt then or how you feel now. Vin, JD and Josiah would, but I don't.'
Ezra didn't have anything else to say so he took Saddie's reins and began walking back to the ranch.
'I can help you onto the horse if you want Ezra,' said Nathan, 'it'll probably be easier for you than walking.'
'Perhaps that would be better,' nodded Ezra.
Once Nathan had helped him onto the horse Ezra rode away from the three men who were now grouped together and discussing his situation.
'You're not still gonna make him leave are you Chris?' Buck was watching Ezra's retreating form.
'We'll find out what's going on when we get back home,' Chris was also watching Ezra, they all were, 'deal with it, then put it behind us.'
*******
Once the four men had settled their horses in the corral, they entered the house to find the remaining Larabee brothers waiting for them. Ezra almost grimaced in horror or disgust he didn't know when JD's mouth dropped open at the sight of his injuries. Vin and Josiah both wore expressions of confusion then concern and finally worry.
'He's fine JD,' Buck pushed the youngest brother out of the way so Ezra could get to the stairs that led to the main bathroom, 'fell off the horse is all.'
'Ezra,' Chris called out to him, 'Nathan is going to get you taken care of then I want you to meet us in the kitchen.'
Ezra turned and glared back down at Chris and said,' What for? A group hug? Really Mr. Larabee, there is no need for such goodbyes. We don't know each other well enough for that.'
'What's he talking about? Good-bye? Is someone leaving?' Vin glanced up at Ezra. When he didn't get an answer from him, he turned his questioning gaze to Chris.
'No one's leaving,' Chris assured him, 'but we've got a problem that needs to be dealt with.'
'What sort of problem?' asked Josiah.
'That's what Ezra's going to tell us.'
*******
Thirty minutes later seven men sat in comfortable wooden chairs that surrounded the large kitchen table. Chris and Buck had purchased the new furniture when they had realised the table they had wouldn't be big enough for them all to sit at as a family. The new wood stood out amongst the old kitchen fittings.
Ezra whose injuries had been dealt with - sat at the head of the table with Chris to his left and Buck to his right. A butterfly band-aid covered a small cut above his right eye and his right arm was in a sling. If Ezra stared straight ahead, he would be looking into Josiah's questioning eyes so he didn't. Instead, he looked down at his left hand that was resting on the table; the forefinger was rubbing the thumb. It was a habit caused by anxiety.
'Well?' Chris questioned Ezra.
Ezra raised his head and glanced at Chris and saw that the man's eyes were only tinted with anger. There was no hint of judgment: yet.
'I owe a man money,' said Ezra, 'I mean my mother owes him money but he is the type of man that won't hurt a lady
so he... '
'So he went after you?'
'Yes.' Ezra nodded. 'It was his men who came looking for the money the night before I met you gentlemen.'
'Gentlemen?' Buck snorted.
'How many men?' Chris ignored his brother.
'Just the two. They're very good at what they do.'
'How much?'
Ezra slowly looked at each man before he spoke. 'Twenty five thousand.'
Vin whistled. Josiah tutted. Nathan shook his head in disgust. JD mouthed the word "wow". Buck also shook his head but more in amazement than disgust. Chris stared at Ezra; it was all he could do.
'Isn't anybody going to say anything?' Ezra asked.
'That's a lot of money Ezra,' said Josiah, 'how did your mother manage it?'
'My mother... has a way of getting what she wants... and doesn't care who has to deal with the consequences.'
'Not even her own son,' said JD.
'No Mr. Dunne, not even her own son.'
'It's JD... Chris, we have to pay the money for him or else he's going to get hurt bad.'
'JD, it's not that easy-'
'It's all right Mr. Larabee, I don't expect nor want you to pay my mother's debts. I will take of it.' Ezra didn't even know what hit him. One moment he was looking down at his hand and the next something hit the side of his face. It took a few seconds to realise that it had come from his left and when he looked that way, he saw Chris Larabee shaking his right hand. Realisation finally hit home. Chris had hit him. He lifted his hand to his mouth and felt the sting of broken skin. He had done more than hit him; he had cut open his lip.
'What the hell was that for?' Ezra demanded to know.
'I'm your brother, half-brother, whatever way you want to look at it. That means you call me Chris, not Mr. Larabee. So from now on every time you call me Mr. Larabee, I'm going to hit you.'
'You're not serious?'
'Try him,' said Buck.
'You wouldn't... '
'Call me Mr. Larabee and see if I don't.'
Ezra frowned at him then looked sideways at Buck. Both expressions told him that Chris would.
'Don't try him Ezra,' said Vin, 'I have a feeling he would.'
'I agree with you Mr. Tan-.' He stopped speaking when he saw that Chris was raising his fist. 'Oh don't tell me that you're going to hit me if I call every one mister.'
'Try him Ezra,' said Buck, 'and see if he don't.'
'You have got to be kidding me.'
'Do I look like I'm laughing?' Chris demanded to know.
'Mr... Chris, no you don't look like you're laughing, in fact you look like you could do with a laugh or two. Maybe later Buck and Vin will take you out the back and explain how they managed to get that super glue into your boots while you were sleeping.'
Chris didn't even blink. 'So we're clear on the Mister thing?'
'Yes sir, we are.'
'Don't you even start with the sir because if you do, I'll stick my foot up your ass!'
'I've got it, loud and clear,' said Ezra.
'Good... now, I've got eight thousand in the bank so that leaves-'
'I've got two,' said JD, 'I know it isn't much but my mother's medical bills...'
'Anything is enough JD,' Josiah smiled at him, 'I have ten, so that makes twenty.'
`There is no need for you gentlemen to do this. In fact, I don't want you to do this. This is not your problem, it's mine and I'll deal with it.'
'You're part of this family now Ezra so we'll deal with your problem as a family.' Chris told him.
'I've got five,' said Buck.
Chris looked at him in surprise.
'What? You think I don't have any money. Well think again, I've got plenty.'
'I just thought that with the women you date, well,' Chris shrugged, 'either you're cheap or...'
'Or what? You can show a lady a good time without emptying your pocket. You would know that if you gave dating a try.' Buck shot back.
'You're right. I'm sorry.'
'I've got at least six.' Vin told them.
'As much as I appreciate this I can't allow you to hand over your hard earned money to pay off a gambling debt.'
'Ezra,' Josiah looked at him, 'I'm sure if the tables were turned you would no doubt do the same for any one of us.'
'You don't know that Josiah.'
'Oh, so him you have no trouble using a first name.'
'I didn't want to get hit again. There's been too much of that lately.'
Chris nodded. 'Okay, between us we've got the money. When are they coming back for it?'
'A week.'
'We'll wait for them. Don't want the guy to think that you can get your hands on that kind of cash easily.'
'Chris, I can't take your money. I can't take anyone's money.'
'You can and you will Ezra,' said Chris, 'you can call it a loan. And the condition of said loan would be that you stay for
the year stated in our father's will. Once you receive your inheritance, you can pay us back. Simple as that. Everyone else agreed?'
Every one nodded.
'Ezra?'
'Do I have a choice?'
'No, you don't,' said Chris.
'Thank you. I and my mother appreciate it and I assure you that it won't happen again.'
The End
Part One | Part Two
Master Fan Fiction List
Rating: PG
Fandom: The Magnificent Seven
AU: Seven Brothers AU
Main Characters: Ezra and Buck and the rest of the seven
Disclaimers: The guys are owned by CBS, MGM, Trilogy Entertainment Group, and The Mirisch Corp.
Notes: Michelle Naylor created the Seven Brothers AU years ago and as far as I can remember, there has only been three stories written in this AU. "The Reading of the Will" was written by Rebecca and tells of how the seven brothers came together. You will need to read Rebecca's story first to understand the references in this story.
Summary: Buck makes a bet he can't win and Ezra owes a debt he can't pay.
Spoilers: None
Status: Complete
Total Word Count: 12,186
Morgan already had the palomino saddled and his rider was sitting on the animal. His form was relaxed and the reins were hanging loosely in his hands, his right leg crossed over the pummel of the saddle. An expression of confidence told Buck that there was not a chance in hell that he was going to lose to Ezra Standish.
'How do I get on Mr. Wilmington?'
'We're not back to Mr. are we Ezra.'
'Would you prefer I call you fugly?'
Buck couldn't help but smile at the use of the term he had used the day before. Ezra was learning and he was learning fast. He was going to be a part of this, Buck was sure of it.
Jarrod laughed aloud and shook his head in amusement. 'You see this Morgan, he doesn't even know how to get on the horse.'
'Shut up Jarrod!' Buck warned him.
'Not a problem Buck, I'll just sit here and watch.' Jarrod smiled and winked at Ezra.
'Ezra, you put your left foot in here, this is what you call a stirrup. You always mount the horse on its left side... '
'Why?'
'Now is not the time to ask questions Ezra. Then you grab the pommel with both hands, pull yourself up like this and swing your right leg over as though you were getting on a bike. Here, I'll show you first, and then you have a go.'
Ezra watched with a hint of amusement written on his face. These men must think he was an idiot.
'Now you have a go.'
Ezra did as he was shown. His foot in the stirrup, his hand on the pommel then he pulled himself up onto the horse.
'Like that?'
'Yeah, like that.' Buck looked over his shoulder at Chris who had a look of surprise on his face.
'Is there a key or anything to get it started?'
'Now I know you're pulling my leg.' Buck slapped Ezra's thigh.
'You ready Standish?' Morgan asked him.
'Ready as I'll ever be.' he gripped the reins that Buck handed to him with both hands.
'On the count of three.' Morgan told them.
Chris and the others moved closer in case they needed to catch Ezra if he fell from the horse.
'Ezra, hold on tight with your thighs when she sits down.' Buck told him.
'One.'
Buck noticed that Jarrod wasn't even prepared. He hadn't changed his position on the horse. He was actually wearing a stupid grin on his face.
'Two.'
Chris saw a slight change in Ezra's body language. The reins were switched to his right hand, his feet shifted in the stirrups and he leaned slightly forward. Obviously, Morgan and Jarrod didn't notice the change. They were too busy counting winnings they were yet to win.
'Son-of-a-bitch.' Vin had seen the change as well.
'Still have Saddie to consider.' Chris told him.
'Three!'
All it took was a nudge with his heels and Saddie took off at a gallop. Ezra was leaning forward; the reins lose in his fingers. He knew how to ride a horse, with his legs and not his hands. He looked over his shoulder and saw Jarrod struggling to control his mount. He couldn't and the result was his butt landing hard on the ground and his horse galloping off in another direction. 'Now that's what I call an idiot.'
The dust cleared, leaving a group of stunned men.
'Bastard!' Buck pulled his hat off his head and threw it onto the ground.
'Lucky bastard.' Vin said admiringly. 'Saddie didn't even sit down.'
'I just bet him a hundred that she would sit down.
'You've been had Buck,' said Vin.
'I thought he didn't know how to ride a horse.' JD looked at Chris then Vin.
'He didn't as far as we were concerned.' Josiah laughed loudly and nudged young JD with his elbow.
*******
Ezra didn't slow down until he was sure he had a good solid start on Jarrod. The directions that Buck had given him were easy to follow and as long as Jarrod didn't know of a quicker way to get back to the ranch then he would win the race and the two hundred dollars. He gently pulled on the reins and Saddie slowed to a canter. He had time and he wanted to take in the scenery. He'd seen it many times before but it had been from the front seat of the pickup or more often from the back of the truck.
The land was green and healthy, the trees both lush and tall. Cattle of more than one variety grazed the fields and Ezra grimaced. There was something about seeing these cows alive during the day and then dead on a plate when you sat down at the dinner table at night. He'd sometimes wondered if the cow he was eating was one of the cows, he had seen on the ranch. It was almost enough to put him off his meal, almost.
He looked away and saw that the road was about to follow the curve of a small hill. Just around the hill was a sharp turn to the left so he slowed Saddie down to a trot and followed the road. The slight bounce made his side hurt so he urged the horse back into a canter. What he saw when he rounded the hill wasn't what he expected to see. He pulled on the reins harder than he should have and Saddie skidded to a stop. He kept his body in the ready position, which caused Saddie to dance around in a circle, but a few quiet words settled her down.
A four-wheel drive was parked in the middle of the trail. Two men, (goons really) were leaning back against the hood. They were waiting patiently for someone or something.
'Country life seems to be treating you well Ezra.' These men worked for Moore. The man he owed money to. The man his mother owed money to. 'Took us a while to find you.' The one in charge continued. 'Mr. Moore wants his money.'
'I don't have it.'
The man who had spoken looked around at the surrounding area. 'You won't get it working on a two-bit ranch like this,' he growled.
Ezra laughed. He couldn't help it. 'Two-bit, is that what you think? If I stay here for a year I'll earn a one million-dollar inheritance.'
'Really? Mr. Moore isn't willing to wait a year; he's waited long enough already, besides a cool million wouldn't cover a year's worth of interest on the amount of money you owe.' The man took three steps forward. 'Get off the horse.'
Ezra hesitated before dismounting. He then moved forward until he was standing in front of the mare.
'He's not going to get his money if you kill me.' Ezra warned him.
'We're not here to kill you Standish.'
Ezra swallowed the lump in his throat. After the first beating, he was warned that the next one would be worse. But it wasn't the beating that worried him; it was the questions that Chris Larabee would be asking when they found him. He would also lose the race and the bets, two hundred dollars that he could have used to help raise the money he owed Moore.
'Another warning?' Ezra ran his tongue along his lower lip.
'Something like that.'
'Something? Then you better hurry because there are more riders coming up behind me.'
'One rider and if he interferes we'll kill him.'
Ezra watched the man for a moment and realised that he was serious. He would kill Jarrod as soon as he came around the corner. Ezra turned and jumped onto Saddie's back without the use of the stirrup. He turned her around but before he could create any sort of distance between himself and the two men he felt the sudden sting of pain in his left and found himself in midair and falling towards the ground. It took only a few seconds but it seemed like he had fallen off a high cliff. It also felt like it.
Air was forced from his lungs when he hit the ground and his left wrist was twisted painfully beneath him. He took a moment to be grateful that he hadn't fallen on his injured side then quickly pushed himself up into a sitting position. He couldn't be caught off guard with these men. Without warning, a fist slammed against his face but his right arm kept him from falling back to the ground. A second punch made sure that he did then a heavy weight was pressed down onto his back. It was the goon's knee. The man then lowered himself so he was looking directly into Ezra's pain filled eyes.
'This is how it's going to be Standish. I can either beat the shit out of you now or I can give you a week to come up with the money.'
'I told you I don't have it.'
The man stood up quickly and kicked Ezra's injured side. A second kick caused Ezra to grunt in pain and he tried to
move himself into the foetal position for protection. Then the weight was on his back again and it stopped him from moving anywhere.
'Do you want to change your mind or shall I continue?'
'I would like to change my mind.' Ezra managed to talk through the pain. He sighed in relief when the weight was lifted from his back. He tried to take in a deep breath but it caused too much pain. 'A week... sounds good.'
The tip of a gun tapped Ezra on the side of the head. He had been shot. There was a silencer attached to the barrel, which explained why he hadn't heard the shot. It also meant that no one else had either. Jarrod was safe. He might be able to keep this incident to himself, tell the others that he had fallen off the horse. It could work. He would collect his winnings and partake in a game of poker and win the money he owed Moore. That's if the people of Four Corners had the kind of money he needed. One problem though; Moore's goons were still here and he was yet to win the race.
'A week it is then.' The man stood up. 'If you don't have it when we come back, we'll go after your mother. After all she's the one that owes Mr. Moore the money.'
The comment didn't concern Ezra. He knew Moore wouldn't hurt a woman, that's why Moore had gone after him and not his mother. 'He wouldn't hurt my mother.'
'No, he wouldn't but I would.'
'He wouldn't let you.'
The man kicked Ezra in the side of the head causing the skin to split and blood to flow. He heard the man's words before he lost consciousness. 'That's the difference between us Standish. Like you, I don't need permission to do what needs to be done. Besides, he doesn't need to know.'
Ezra's vision was beginning to blur. The figure that was walking away from him was turning into a moving mist, a darkness that soon turned solid.
*******
'Ezra... Ezra!' A hand shook his shoulder. 'Hey man, you okay.'
He opened his eyes to find Jarrod knelt down next to him. The two men and car were gone. He looked searched for them but couldn't see them. This meant that Jarrod was safe.
'I'm fine. Fell off the horse.'
'You scared the hell out of me. Thought you were dead when I came around that hill. You were just lying here and there was blood and-'
'Could you help me up please?' He needed a distraction and this was as good as any. He held up his good arm and was pulled to his feet. When he felt dizzy, he steadied himself against Saddie who was still standing where he had left her.
'You sure you're okay, you don't look okay. Hell, you ain't even steady on your feet. You look like you're gonna fall over.'
'I'm fine Jarrod. Thank you for your concern.' Ezra smiled at the younger man and was grateful when Jarrod smiled back at him.
'The bet still on?' Jarrod's expression was one of hope. He had been told that if he won the race he would earn half of the winnings.
'Unfortunately a bet is a bet and I never back down from a bet,' Ezra stretched his back to test his side. He couldn't help but groan and bend over slightly. He was sure his ribs were damaged again.
'You're not okay, are you?'
Ezra shrugged Jarrod's hand off his shoulder. 'I'm fine!'
'Okay sure.' Jarrod stepped back from Ezra's anger. 'I'll ride back with you though.'
'There is no need. I am quite capable of riding back on my own.'
'You sure 'cause if you're not I-'
'I'm sure!' He stared hard at Jarrod until the man moved away and mounted his horse. 'I'll see you back at the ranch Jarrod.' He didn't know the man's last name so he had no choice but to use his first name. He didn't like it. It made him feel vulnerable.
'I'll let Buck and the others know what happened and where you are.'
'NO!' he'd realised he had shouted when Jarrod's mouth fell open in shock. 'No, it's alright. I'll get back on my own without any problems. I'll enjoy the quiet time. I don't get much of that these days.' He had to keep Chris and the others away for as long as possible. He needed to get his story straight before his half-brothers started asking him questions he yet had answers to.
'I know what you mean. Those guys can be pretty loud when they want to be.'
'Very,' Ezra chuckled, 'I'm use to being on my own and now all of a sudden I have six half-brothers.'
'Yeah, must've been a shock to find out your father's dead and that you have six brothers.' Jarrod nodded.
Ezra almost corrected him about his half-brothers but caught himself before he could. Lincoln Larabee was not his father (maybe by birth but that was all) and those six men were not his brothers. He hadn't grown up with them; he'd been separated from these people since he was born. No, these people were not related to him.
'I'll see you back at the ranch.' Ezra tipped his hat and watched the man ride away. Thoughts then filled his mind. Thoughts about Four Corners and the men who were now in his life, men he hadn't known about three weeks previously.
He was only here because Chris Larabee had talked him into it. No, not talked, threatened. Larabee had threatened him into staying. He had been sure that he would have been able to spend a year on this ranch. It wouldn't be like prison. He still had his freedom and at the end of the year, he would have a very small fortune. An amount of money that would grow through the use of his gambling skills.
But he'd realised after the first few weeks that he actually enjoyed being here. He relished the outdoors and the physical labour, which had been a surprise to even him. Not that he would tell any of them. He even enjoyed the company of some of the men. JD Dunne was young and full of energy. The type of energy that a man of his own age didn't have any more. In Buck Wilmington and Vin Tanner, he found two men who were not only able to match his sense of humour but who also enjoyed pulling the odd practical joke. He had been the center of attention for the first two weeks but their target had changed. They had both focused in on one Chris Larabee. Ezra was taking his time; when it was right he would seek his revenge and the two men would be none the wiser as to who had challenged them.
Josiah Sanchez was a man who liked to talk and Ezra was able to have intellectual conversations with him but sometimes Sanchez took the conversation too far by prying into his past and Ezra had to leave the room before he said something he would have regretted. Nathan Jackson had taken care of his injury for him but that was all.
Whenever he was around the man, he felt the tension that filled the air. He later found out from Buck Wilmington that Nathan didn't like a man who took advantage of other people's misfortunes. Buck had told him in a polite manner that Nathan disliked con artists and gamblers. Ezra didn't know where Nathan had gotten the impression that he was a con artist or even a gambler. They knew he had taken a beating before he arrived in Four Corners and he had told them that he had been mugged and they had accepted that answer.
And then there was Chris Larabee. The man was full of anger and hatred and often directed those feelings towards the wrong people. Ezra was yet to find out why. No one, not even Buck spoke of Chris's past. If Ezra wanted to know, he would have to find out for himself but at the moment, he had no intention of delving into the man's past.
He didn't think he had it in him to get back into the saddle so he took Saddie's reins in his left hand even though it had been sprained it didn't hurt as much as his right arm and began walking back to the ranch.
*******
Ezra stopped and let his shoulders fall when he heard the approaching riders. He lifted his eyes without lifting his head it felt too heavy to lift and saw that only three of his associates came for him: Larabee, Jackson and Wilmington. It puzzled Ezra that all three men looked concerned. Then he remembered that he was covered in blood and dirt. But he was sure the concern would soon change because these men were experienced enough to know that he hadn't gotten his injuries from falling off a horse. Jackson would know the difference between a gunshot wound and a scratch. Jordan had believed his story but these men wouldn't.
'Ezra, you okay?'
'I'm fine Mr. Jackson. It's nothing to concern yourself about.' Ezra finally lifted his head to look at them.
'Doesn't look like nothing to me Ezra,' said Chris.
'It's nothing! I simply fell off a horse. Anyone can do it and anyone can get themselves hurt doing it. Now if you don't mind I would like to get Saddie back to the ranch and taken care of.'
'She hurt?'
'No Mr. Larabee your horse is not hurt. Saddie just decided to... sit down after all.'
'What happened Ezra?'
'I told you Mr. Larab-'
'You're talking bullshit Ezra,' said Chris, 'I don't believe a word you're saying.'
'And why should you, you haven't so far,' Ezra muttered to himself.
He was about to continue walking when he saw that Chris and Nathan were getting off their horses. They handed their reins to Buck who was content with staying where he was and just listening to the conversation going on in front of him.
'Aw hell,' it was spoken so quietly that no one heard him, 'Mr. Larabee, I told you I was fine, it's just a scratch.'
'Why aren't you riding the horse Ezra?' Nathan asked him.
'I am not going to get on a horse that sits down whenever it feels like it. It wouldn't be prudent to my health.'
Ezra watched Chris carefully. The man's mind was ticking over quickly. 'Looks like she did more than sit.'
'Excuse me?' Ezra raised an eyebrow and almost winced at the painful sting the movement caused.
'Looks like she threw a few punches at you as well.'
'Let me have a look at that arm Ezra.' When Nathan reached out for his arm, he couldn't help but take a step backwards.
'I told you I was fine.'
'Ezra.' It was a warning from Chris.
He couldn't help it. He snapped. These men couldn't get involved with his problems. Moore was a dangerous man. A very dangerous man.
'Mr. Larabee, Mr. Jackson, I have told you that I am fine and if you don't believe me... well then... you know what you can do with it.'
'Ezra,' Chris followed Ezra's backward movement, 'I know exactly what I'm going to do with it.' He waited for the answer he knew wasn't coming then continued, 'You want to know what I'm going to do with it?'
Ezra had an idea. 'I think I have an idea of exactly what you wan-'
'I'm going to shove it up your ass and then I'm going to-'
'Chris,' Buck interrupted him and held up a placating hand, 'you wouldn't be able to do what you're thinking of doing because he's too short.'
Chris didn't take his eyes off Ezra when he questioned Buck. 'What does him being short have to do with it?'
'Picture it. You'll make his eyes pop out of his head.'
Chris grimaced in disgust. 'Okay so maybe I won't do that.'
'Then you can shove it!' Ezra stepped into the stirrup and pulled himself up into the saddle. He knew it was a stupid move but he needed to get away from these men. He promptly fell off the other side of the horse and landed on his injured side. 'Shit!'
'Ezra!' Larabee grabbed Saddie's reins while Nathan moved around the horse to check on Ezra.
Ezra tried his best to push Nathan's hands away but the man was experienced in dealing with difficult patients. His hands were quick and accurate in their examination of his injuries. And then it happened.
'Chris, this is a gunshot wound.' Nathan let go of Ezra's arm then knelt back so he could stop Ezra from trying to get up again.
'What the hell happened and this time I want the truth!' Chris demanded of Ezra.
'You're going to have to settle for what I've told you because that's all you're going to get.'
Chris nodded. 'If that's the way you want it. After Nathan patches you up you can pack your things and leave Four Corners.' Chris turned and walked back to his horse. He knew everyone's eyes were on him and did his best to ignore them. He had spoken the words as a threat hoping that Ezra would cave in but he didn't. The man was as stubborn as their father had been.
'There is no need for Mr. Jackson to do anything. I'll leave as soon as I get back to the ranch.'
'Chris,' Buck started.
'I don't want to hear it Buck.' Once he was on his horse, he turned it to face North the direction of the ranch then looked at Buck, 'He's keeping something from us. Something dangerous. What if it spreads and hurts someone else? What then? No, he can leave and take whatever trouble he's in with him.'
'Chris, he's hurt, you can't force him to leave!' This time it was Nathan who was arguing for Ezra.
'Mr. Jackson, I am able to take care of myself.' Ezra used the stirrup to pull himself up into a standing position and looked away from Nathan's piercing gaze. 'Mr. Larabee is right. I don't want anyone else to get hurt. This is my problem and I will deal with it my way.'
'Damn it Ezra! You're as stubborn as our father.' Nathan told him.
'How the hell would you know?' Ezra spun towards Nathan a little too quickly and punched his chest with his forefinger.
'You don't know me, you'll never know me and do you know why? Because I won't let you. But I will let you know one thing. I am nothing like Lincoln Larabee because I would never abandon a woman who has given birth to my child. NEVER!'
'He had his reasons Ezra, you would know that if you'd read the letter he left you.'
'If he wanted me to know the reason why he left me and my mother he would have answered my letter.' He realised what he'd said too late. He also knew that it was a subject Chris wasn't going to let go.
'And what do you mean by that?' Chris had turned his horse back around so he could look at his younger half-brother.
'Nothing,' said Ezra.
'You said earlier you gave him a chance and now we're finding out you wrote him a letter,' Chris nodded, 'you want to explain the situation to us.'
'No.'
'I'm not accepting a no this time Ezra, tell us what you're talking about.'
Ezra sighed and leaned against Saddie. He didn't want these men to know about his past. There was too much there for him to deal with. Too much pain and too much loneliness.
'Ezra.' Buck's tone was gentle. He had a small idea of what Ezra was going through. Although he had known his father since birth he hadn't lived with him. He had lived with his mother in town. Being near his father was better than nothing but it still hurt. There were times when he hated his father for not allowing him and his mother to stay at the ranch particularly when he saw that Chris and Nathan were there with him. As he grew older, he began to understand more. His mother had explained that she was the one who had made the decision to live in town, not his father. She had wanted to stay close so he could see his father, to spend time with him, and to get to know his two brothers, which he did. And it was those times that he enjoyed and cherished.
'I sent him a letter when I was seven years old. Sent it so he would have to sign for it. I still have the signature card in my wallet as a reminder that he didn't want to know me, didn't want anything to do with my mother or me. Can you even imagine what it would be like for a child to wait for an answer from his father: a week, a month, a year... thirty-three years.' Ezra looked from Buck to Chris who had his down to Nathan. 'When I do finally get an answer it's from a lawyer telling me my father was dead. He had all that time to answer my question and he didn't. Waited until he was dead to even make contact.'
'What question was that Ezra,' asked Buck.
'I wanted to know why he didn't want me.'
'I'm sorry Ezra,' said Chris, 'I have no idea how you felt then or how you feel now. Vin, JD and Josiah would, but I don't.'
Ezra didn't have anything else to say so he took Saddie's reins and began walking back to the ranch.
'I can help you onto the horse if you want Ezra,' said Nathan, 'it'll probably be easier for you than walking.'
'Perhaps that would be better,' nodded Ezra.
Once Nathan had helped him onto the horse Ezra rode away from the three men who were now grouped together and discussing his situation.
'You're not still gonna make him leave are you Chris?' Buck was watching Ezra's retreating form.
'We'll find out what's going on when we get back home,' Chris was also watching Ezra, they all were, 'deal with it, then put it behind us.'
*******
Once the four men had settled their horses in the corral, they entered the house to find the remaining Larabee brothers waiting for them. Ezra almost grimaced in horror or disgust he didn't know when JD's mouth dropped open at the sight of his injuries. Vin and Josiah both wore expressions of confusion then concern and finally worry.
'He's fine JD,' Buck pushed the youngest brother out of the way so Ezra could get to the stairs that led to the main bathroom, 'fell off the horse is all.'
'Ezra,' Chris called out to him, 'Nathan is going to get you taken care of then I want you to meet us in the kitchen.'
Ezra turned and glared back down at Chris and said,' What for? A group hug? Really Mr. Larabee, there is no need for such goodbyes. We don't know each other well enough for that.'
'What's he talking about? Good-bye? Is someone leaving?' Vin glanced up at Ezra. When he didn't get an answer from him, he turned his questioning gaze to Chris.
'No one's leaving,' Chris assured him, 'but we've got a problem that needs to be dealt with.'
'What sort of problem?' asked Josiah.
'That's what Ezra's going to tell us.'
*******
Thirty minutes later seven men sat in comfortable wooden chairs that surrounded the large kitchen table. Chris and Buck had purchased the new furniture when they had realised the table they had wouldn't be big enough for them all to sit at as a family. The new wood stood out amongst the old kitchen fittings.
Ezra whose injuries had been dealt with - sat at the head of the table with Chris to his left and Buck to his right. A butterfly band-aid covered a small cut above his right eye and his right arm was in a sling. If Ezra stared straight ahead, he would be looking into Josiah's questioning eyes so he didn't. Instead, he looked down at his left hand that was resting on the table; the forefinger was rubbing the thumb. It was a habit caused by anxiety.
'Well?' Chris questioned Ezra.
Ezra raised his head and glanced at Chris and saw that the man's eyes were only tinted with anger. There was no hint of judgment: yet.
'I owe a man money,' said Ezra, 'I mean my mother owes him money but he is the type of man that won't hurt a lady
so he... '
'So he went after you?'
'Yes.' Ezra nodded. 'It was his men who came looking for the money the night before I met you gentlemen.'
'Gentlemen?' Buck snorted.
'How many men?' Chris ignored his brother.
'Just the two. They're very good at what they do.'
'How much?'
Ezra slowly looked at each man before he spoke. 'Twenty five thousand.'
Vin whistled. Josiah tutted. Nathan shook his head in disgust. JD mouthed the word "wow". Buck also shook his head but more in amazement than disgust. Chris stared at Ezra; it was all he could do.
'Isn't anybody going to say anything?' Ezra asked.
'That's a lot of money Ezra,' said Josiah, 'how did your mother manage it?'
'My mother... has a way of getting what she wants... and doesn't care who has to deal with the consequences.'
'Not even her own son,' said JD.
'No Mr. Dunne, not even her own son.'
'It's JD... Chris, we have to pay the money for him or else he's going to get hurt bad.'
'JD, it's not that easy-'
'It's all right Mr. Larabee, I don't expect nor want you to pay my mother's debts. I will take of it.' Ezra didn't even know what hit him. One moment he was looking down at his hand and the next something hit the side of his face. It took a few seconds to realise that it had come from his left and when he looked that way, he saw Chris Larabee shaking his right hand. Realisation finally hit home. Chris had hit him. He lifted his hand to his mouth and felt the sting of broken skin. He had done more than hit him; he had cut open his lip.
'What the hell was that for?' Ezra demanded to know.
'I'm your brother, half-brother, whatever way you want to look at it. That means you call me Chris, not Mr. Larabee. So from now on every time you call me Mr. Larabee, I'm going to hit you.'
'You're not serious?'
'Try him,' said Buck.
'You wouldn't... '
'Call me Mr. Larabee and see if I don't.'
Ezra frowned at him then looked sideways at Buck. Both expressions told him that Chris would.
'Don't try him Ezra,' said Vin, 'I have a feeling he would.'
'I agree with you Mr. Tan-.' He stopped speaking when he saw that Chris was raising his fist. 'Oh don't tell me that you're going to hit me if I call every one mister.'
'Try him Ezra,' said Buck, 'and see if he don't.'
'You have got to be kidding me.'
'Do I look like I'm laughing?' Chris demanded to know.
'Mr... Chris, no you don't look like you're laughing, in fact you look like you could do with a laugh or two. Maybe later Buck and Vin will take you out the back and explain how they managed to get that super glue into your boots while you were sleeping.'
Chris didn't even blink. 'So we're clear on the Mister thing?'
'Yes sir, we are.'
'Don't you even start with the sir because if you do, I'll stick my foot up your ass!'
'I've got it, loud and clear,' said Ezra.
'Good... now, I've got eight thousand in the bank so that leaves-'
'I've got two,' said JD, 'I know it isn't much but my mother's medical bills...'
'Anything is enough JD,' Josiah smiled at him, 'I have ten, so that makes twenty.'
`There is no need for you gentlemen to do this. In fact, I don't want you to do this. This is not your problem, it's mine and I'll deal with it.'
'You're part of this family now Ezra so we'll deal with your problem as a family.' Chris told him.
'I've got five,' said Buck.
Chris looked at him in surprise.
'What? You think I don't have any money. Well think again, I've got plenty.'
'I just thought that with the women you date, well,' Chris shrugged, 'either you're cheap or...'
'Or what? You can show a lady a good time without emptying your pocket. You would know that if you gave dating a try.' Buck shot back.
'You're right. I'm sorry.'
'I've got at least six.' Vin told them.
'As much as I appreciate this I can't allow you to hand over your hard earned money to pay off a gambling debt.'
'Ezra,' Josiah looked at him, 'I'm sure if the tables were turned you would no doubt do the same for any one of us.'
'You don't know that Josiah.'
'Oh, so him you have no trouble using a first name.'
'I didn't want to get hit again. There's been too much of that lately.'
Chris nodded. 'Okay, between us we've got the money. When are they coming back for it?'
'A week.'
'We'll wait for them. Don't want the guy to think that you can get your hands on that kind of cash easily.'
'Chris, I can't take your money. I can't take anyone's money.'
'You can and you will Ezra,' said Chris, 'you can call it a loan. And the condition of said loan would be that you stay for
the year stated in our father's will. Once you receive your inheritance, you can pay us back. Simple as that. Everyone else agreed?'
Every one nodded.
'Ezra?'
'Do I have a choice?'
'No, you don't,' said Chris.
'Thank you. I and my mother appreciate it and I assure you that it won't happen again.'
The End
Part One | Part Two
Master Fan Fiction List