The Magnificent Seven Fic - 'Truth or Lies' - 2/3

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Title: Truth or Lies
Rating: PG
Fandom: The Magnificent Seven
Main Characters: Ezra, the rest of the seven + OMC
Summary: Ezra receives a letter from Maude telling him his father is coming to Four Corners.
Disclaimers: The guys are owned by CBS, MGM, Trilogy Entertainment Group, and The Mirisch Corp.
Spoilers: None
Status: Complete
Total Word Count: 29,153



What was he supposed to do? He couldn't accept his father's reason for leaving so easily. He would be giving in if he did. But then to not accept his explanation would be to call his father a liar. Was he a liar? Or was he telling the truth? Ezra shook his head and returned to his bed. He sat down and found something interesting on the floor to stare at.

And what if he did accept it? What would happen then? Would his father stay in Four Corners or leave? Would he expect Ezra to go with him if he did leave? Ezra closed his eyes at that thought. He wasn't ready to join a family that had never existed. No. He was happy here, happier than he'd been in a long time. He even thought that one day he could call his associates friends. It had been a life rule not to become friends with anyone. He sometimes had to leave town quickly and that was a harder thing to do if he had to leave friends behind.

Now he was living a life that he didn't want to leave. His mother was arriving in a few days and together she and his father would probably try to talk him into leaving his life. What if he spent time with his father and found out that he liked him, that he may want to leave so he could spend more time with him. There were too many questions. Firstly, he had to decide if he was going to accept his father into his life. Ezra decided that he didn't really have a choice.
___________________________________________

Ezra entered the dining area of the restaurant and searched the room for his father. He found him sitting at one of the tables near the back wall. He walked towards him then stood by the empty chair. He saw the relief in his father's eyes. Obviously, his father hadn't expected to him to come.

'Ezra!' Clayton stood up and raised his arm to shake his son's hand. Ezra took it and shook the hand firmly.

'Sit down, have dinner with me.'

'Thank you.' Ezra removed his hat and sat down. He coughed into his hand because he didn't know how to start. 'I don't know whether I should believe you or not.'

'That's okay Ezra. You're here now and that's a start.'

'A start to what though?'

'I don't want to push you into doing something you don't want to do Ezra. We'll take this at your pace, do it the way you want to do it.' Clayton told him.

Ezra nodded in acceptance. 'We won't be able to do it that way when mother arrives.'

'She never celebrated your birthday?'

'Nor Christmas. Holidays was a time for conning people out of the money they had saved for the occasion.' Ezra shrugged. 'Sometimes one of the relatives I stayed with celebrated it but most of them didn't involve me. For some reason they didn't like Maude either but they took me in because I was blood or she left me on their doorstep. I think there were even times when she paid for my upkeep just so they would take me.'

'She never told me any of this during the last two months.'

'And she would deny it now if you brought the subject up.' Ezra smiled when his father laughed.

'Your mother had a way of denying everything.' Clayton looked away from Ezra when the waitress arrived and he ordered for the two of them with Ezra's permission. When the older woman moved to another table, he turned back to his son. 'Tell me about yourself.'
___________________________________________

Josiah stood on the boardwalk opposite the hotel. He could see Ezra in there sitting with the man that had arrived that morning. The ex-preacher knew something was wrong and he was going to do what he had to do to protect Ezra. The others didn't seem to care. They wanted to leave Ezra to his business, wait until he came to them for help. But it wasn't going to be that way with him. He was going to give Ezra the help he needed before he had to ask for it.

Darkness began to descend over the town and the townsfolk began to find their way indoors out of the chill that had settled in the night air. Josiah was one of a few who were left on the boardwalks. Nobody thought Josiah's vigil of the hotel was suspicious. He was one of the town's lawmen so it was never questioned by anyone except Ezra Standish and his father who had seen the ex-preacher watching them.
___________________________________________

'Your mother told me a bit about your friends,' said Clayton after he pushed his empty plate away. He felt a tinge of worry when he realised that Ezra wasn't going to eat anymore than he had which was only half of what was on the plate.

'The two you met this morning were Chris Larabee and Josiah Sanchez.' Ezra nodded towards the man on the boardwalk across the street.

'There's Vin Tanner-'

'He's the one with a bounty on his head?'

'He's innocent of his crime.' Ezra growled at his father.

'Okay, what about the rest?' Clayton motioned for the waitress to bring them some coffee.

'Buck Wilmington, JD Dunne and Nathan Jackson who is the town healer.'

'It's good to see someone of a different colour doing well for themselves.'

'He doesn't make a lot of money, he mostly barters for his work,' said Ezra.

'Still it's good to see. Folk would look up to him, it's a change that's coming to this country.'

Ezra frowned. He wasn't sure if his father was being serious or joking.

'What's Sanchez's story?'

'He wants to be my father.' Ezra smiled at the expression on his father's face.

'Then he's not going to like me much is he?' Clayton pulled at his necktie.

'That'll be his problem not yours.'

'Has he always felt that way and why would he want to be your father?' He saw the smile falter on Ezra's face. 'No, I don't mean it like that, anyone would be proud to be your father. I just meant . . . doesn't he have his own family, his own kids.'

'I don't know. It seems that we all have a way of keeping our pasts to ourselves.'

'How do you feel about it?' Clayton accepted the coffee with a thank you and a smile.

'About Josiah wanting to be my father?'

Clayton nodded.

'I don't like the idea. It only started a couple of months ago. He started by calling me son. That I don't like. But then it became more suffocating. He tries to protect me, look after me if I'm not feeling well. The man knows I can take care of myself, I have for most of my life but he keeps insisting in his own way.'

'Have you told him how you feel?'

'In more ways than one.'

'And he doesn't listen?'

'No.'

'What about Larabee?'

'Chris didn't like you because I didn't like you. It's a simple as that. He protects his own.'

'How is that different to Sanchez?'

'Chris has his own past. He understands that a man needs to take care of himself. He waits to be asked but he's ready to step in before it's too late. Chris is a good man, I respect him.' Ezra stared down into his coffee for a few silent seconds then said to his father. 'Now it's your turn.'

'Yeah it is.' Clayton took a deep breath and started. 'I moved around a lot. Couldn't stay in one place. I had to keep moving because I was searching for you and your mother. I couldn't gamble. I'd lost my family from gambling. I did different work in different towns.'

'Did you ever believe you wouldn't find us?' Ezra asked him.

'Sometimes. It was usually at night when I lay in bed alone. My life isn't very exciting Ezra. I never settled down. I couldn't even consider re-marrying, not when my wife and son were out there somewhere.'

'Do you still love Maude?'

'I don't really know. Part of me wants to blame her for taking you away but the rest of me knows it was no one's fault but mine.'

'If mother had paid your debt you wouldn't have been forced to leave.' Ezra reminded him.

'Yes but it was me that created the debt. Your mother was partly right in doing what she did. It was a lesson. A very hard lesson that cost me my family. I never gambled since. I haven't touched any alcohol since that night either. I've never forgiven myself for what happened Ezra and I don't expect your forgiveness either.'

'It's in the past, there's nothing we can do about it now.'

'You did something about it this morning.' Clayton smiled and rubbed his chin. 'You pack a pretty good punch there, son.'

Ezra's head darted up and he saw the shocked expression on Clayton's face.

'I'm sorry Ezra, I didn't mean to, it just came out.'

'That's okay. I suppose it's something that I'm going to have to get use to . . . father.'

Both men laughed then an awkward silence filled the table.

'If you don't mind, I'm going to retire for the evening. It was a long trip and I'm feeling quite tired,' said Clayton.

Ezra stood up. 'That's okay.' He hesitated a moment then asked. 'Breakfast tomorrow.'

'Ten. I'm not much of an earlier riser.'

'Neither am I.' Ezra's smile filled his face showing his dimples.

'You haven't changed at all Ezra. Your features have matured but that's all.'

'I'm sorry but I don't remember your face. I've tried to since I read that letter.'

'You were five, you wouldn't have kept my face in your memory even if you wanted to.' Clayton pushed his chair in then bid his son good night.

'I wanted to,' said Ezra after his father left.

Ezra sat back down and before he knew it, he had company. Why now? He was feeling good about everything. He lifted his eyes to take in the worried frown but there was also anger in those features.

'What do you want Josiah?'

'Who is he Ezra?' Josiah sat down even though he hadn't been invited too.

'That is none of your business.'

'You're my friend Ezra, that makes it my business.'

'You think that because you want to be my father it gives you the right to invade my privacy. It doesn't!'

'I want to help Ezra.'

'I don't need any help. There isn't a problem. As you saw from where you were watching us that we had an enjoyable dinner and conversation.' Ezra saw Josiah's features change. 'You're not jealous are you Mr. Sanchez?'

'I just want to help Ezra.' Josiah stood up and stormed out of the restaurant. He didn't see Clayton Standish watching from the shadows on the stairwell.
___________________________________________

He waited and watched while the man who had stopped him in the saloon left the hotel. He wanted revenge and he was going to get it. He'd never been humiliated like that before and it wasn't going to happen again. The man was going to pay for making him look stupid. When he saw that he was in the luck, the gambler was coming his way, he took a step back in the alley. He needed to face the gambler on his own terms, one on one. But he was going to make sure that he won. The dark clothing he wore to hide his form mixed with the shadows and the oncoming darkness. The gambler wouldn't see him until it was too late.
The young man watched the face of the man he was about to seek revenge on. The face held a tone of arrogance. He grimaced and his anger grew. The man was going to pay with his life.
___________________________________________

Ezra thought about the others as he walked along the boardwalk and wondered if he should tell them about his father. He was sure Josiah didn't need to know. But before he could decide, someone jumped him from behind. Pain exploded in his skull when it was hit with something solid. He became dazed and his movements were uncoordinated. He was unable to order his hands to remove a gun from its holster or extract the derringer from its hiding place. Ezra was unable to defend himself. He felt himself being thrown against a wall. His pain-filled body was allowed to fall to the dirt floor without any interruptions. The heavy boot that continued to collide with his unprotected ribs bruised his sides. Ezra tried to curl himself into a ball but his body continued to refuse his orders. He could hear the laughter reverberate within his skull and recognised it immediately but it quickly ended as something collided with his skull sending him into oblivion.
___________________________________________

The fact that Vin Tanner was doing the night patrol saved Ezra's life. Vin didn't know what made him look but he was grateful for small mercies. Whatever it was saved the gambler's life. He could see Ezra walking past the alley near the hotel. His light blue eyes saw movement in the darkening alley as Ezra walked passed it. Before he could call out a warning to his friend, a figure in dark clothing grabbed Ezra from behind and dragged the gambler into the darkness. Vin ran and pulled his mare leg from the sheath as he ran. His heart froze when he saw the gun that was now pointed at Ezra's skull. Vin didn't shout a warning; he knew there wouldn't be enough time. The man with the gun would only fire. The mare's leg jerked in his hands as he pulled the trigger. The man that had intended to kill the gambler was now dead.

Vin continued to run. The other lawmen would hear the shot and come to investigate. He fell to his knees next to the slumped form and reached out his trembling fingers to find a pulse. What he found was a strong regular beat.

'Move!' the order was short and held a tone that said 'NOW'.

Vin was pushed away by Nathan so he stood up and stepped aside to allow Nathan to do his job. The others were there, each man's face held a questioning look.

'He was about to shoot Ezra. Had to stop him.' Vin shrugged. It was never easy to kill a man but the fact that Ezra's life had depended on him made it easier for him to feel no remorse.

'It's the guy from the saloon, the one that accused those two men of cheating.' Chris informed him. 'He left town, I checked. He must have come back.'

'We need to get him to the clinic. He's going to need some stitches in that thick skin of his.' Nathan stood up and nodded to Josiah.

Josiah needed more prompting. His gray blue eyes were filled with sadness. If only Ezra had allowed him to help, this wouldn't have happened. Someone nudged his side and he looked into Nathan's concerned eyes. He understood the message and bent down to pick up his wayward son. But he no longer felt like a father figure. Ezra had pushed him away once again. He didn't think he could forgive him for it this time. He carried the unconscious form silently. His eyes continued to glance down at the slack face. The flesh had become pale from either shock or loss of blood, maybe it was both, he didn't know, he wasn't a doctor or healer like Nathan.

'Hurry Josiah, he hasn't got all night!' Chris growled at him. Chris watched as the larger man quickened his pace. Now wasn't the time for questions. He looked down at the dead body. The man couldn't have been more then twenty-five, what a waste. His cold eyes lifted to take in Buck and JD. 'Take care of him then meet us at Nathan's.'
___________________________________________

Three gunmen stood by and watched as Nathan took care of the gambler's injuries. The healer had cleaned the head wound and was now carefully installing the stitches that were required to help it heal. Ezra hadn't moved during the ordeal, which Nathan was grateful for. He wasn't in the mood for an argument. Even though Ezra was smaller than him and injured he would be able to put up enough of a fight for the healer to get help to hold him down or shut him up. Nathan smiled. He loved his work.

'Josiah, you wanna help hold his head up so I can bandage it.' Nathan didn't look up, he expected Josiah to be there in a second but he wasn't. What was it with that man? Didn't he know the meaning of the word 'forgiveness'? Obviously, Ezra was going through some problems and again the ex-preacher was putting his own first. He was able to understand and forgive everyone else for their flaws but not Ezra. 'Chris.'

Chris was willing to help. He barely glanced at Josiah on his way to Ezra's side. He placed his arm under Ezra's shoulders and lifted the inert form upwards. He used his free arm to place the smaller man's head into a more comfortable position so Nathan could put a bandage around the skull.
___________________________________________

A damp cloth wiped at his face and chest and he didn't know why. Maybe it had something to do with the headache he was suffering from. The coolness against his forehead helped to ease the pain slightly so he moved towards it. The touch was gentle and he assumed it was Josiah but something deep inside hoped it was the father he'd finally met after so many years.

'Father.' Ezra squeezed his eyelids tightly.

'No, it's Nathan Ezra.' The healer continued to wipe the Southerner's forehead.

'Where's my father?'

'Ezra you got a couple of nasty bumps on the head, that's why you're confused.'

'I'm confused?' Ezra opened his eyes and scanned the room through his blurry vision. His father wasn't there. Of course he wouldn't be. They didn't know he was his father so they wouldn't have told him that he'd been hurt. 'From what?'

'A beating.' It was Chris' voice this time.

'It was the guy from the saloon. Guess it was payback.' Vin told him.

'Oh,' said Ezra.

'I had to shoot him, he was going to kill you.' Vin continued to explain what had happened.

'And?' Vin's silence gave Ezra his answer. 'Oh.'

'It wasn't your fault Ezra. It was something that just happened.'

'I know. It's just that . . .'

'He was too young.' Chris finished for him.

'Yeah.'

'Drink this Ezra.' Nathan lifted his head and waited until Ezra drank the entire cup.

'Is that stuff going to make me sleep?'

'No, it's for the pain.' Nathan explained.

Ezra nodded and grimaced, as the pounding in his head grew worse for a few seconds. When it eased, he said. 'Could one of you gentlemen do me a favour as I seem to be unable to do much right now?'

'What do you need Ezra?'

'Clayton Saunders is at the hotel. I would like him to know that I'm here and that I may not be able to meet him for breakfast tomorrow.'

'I'll go.' Vin tipped his hat to Ezra and left the clinic.

'Who the hell is that guy Ezra?' Chris asked.

'Vin Tanner.'

'At least your smart-assed mouth still works.' Chris couldn't help but smile. 'I'm mean Clayton Saunders.'

'He's a friend of mothers, and he's quickly becoming a friend of mine.'

'Didn't seem that way this morning.'

'Things were different this morning.'

'He's not causing you any trouble is he?' Josiah stepped out of the darkened corner of the room.

'No, and I have Mr. Larabee's assurance that if I need help he will give it me. All I have to do is ask.' Ezra narrowed his eyes and ignored the extra pain it caused. 'Did you hear that Mr. Sanchez. All I have to do is ask so there is no need for you to hover around me!'

'Leave him be Josiah.' Chris ordered again.

Josiah looked at Ezra then turned and left the room.

'I don't know what's gotten into the man.' Nathan shook his head.

'I think he may be jealous,' said Ezra.

'What makes you think that?' Chris glanced over his shoulder at the door then back at Ezra.

'I don't believe he liked the fact that I spent this evening dinning with Mr. Saunders.'

'Either that or he's feeling more protective because of Saunders.' Chris suggested.

Ezra shrugged and closed his eyes. He was getting tired and he knew it was because of the head injury.

'Tired Ezra?' Nathan asked.

Ezra yawned and nodded.

'Get some sleep but I'm gonna have to wake you every couple of hours to check for a concussion.'

'Great.' Ezra muttered.

Nathan took one last look at Ezra to find him sleeping. He was satisfied enough with the gambler's condition to get some rest himself. He was going to need it if he was going to be waking Ezra up through the night.
___________________________________________

Clayton Standish had been sitting on his bed since he entered his room. He'd been going over the day's events and was very pleased with the way things were going. Ezra had accepted him a lot easier than he or Maude thought he would. They both knew there would be a lot of anger and resentment but Maude insisted that her son was an understanding and forgiving young man. A man that his father would be proud of.
He had been surprised when Ezra informed him of his upbringing. There could have been many reasons why Maude kept herself distanced from her son and he would find out the reason when she arrived in Four Corners.

So involved in his thoughts, Clayton didn't hear the knock at his door. It took almost two minutes of knocking before the sound broke through his thoughts. He stood up and stared at the door. The only person who would be knocking at his door would be Ezra. Maude wasn't here yet. Unless Mr. Sanchez had finally gathered the courage to have a confrontation.

What he didn't expect when he opened the door was to find Vin Tanner staring back at him. 'Mr. Tanner, what can I do for you?'

'You know me?' Suspicion immediately filled Vin's mind.

'Yes, I know all of you. Ezra told me a bit about all of his friends.'

Vin decided to keep his guard up even after the admission. Did Ezra tell Saunders that he had a bounty on his head? If he did, he would have also told him that he was innocent of the crime he had been accused of. The question was; would Saunders believe Ezra. Vin knew nothing about this man and he wasn't going to trust him even if Ezra seemed to.

'Ezra sent me.'

Sorrow filled Clayton's features. 'He's changed his mind hasn't he?'

'I don't know what you're talking about. Ezra just wanted me to let you know that he might not be able to make it for breakfast tomorrow. He's been hurt and Nathan's going to keep him in the clinic over night.'

'He's been hurt? How?'

'Someone attacked him, knocked him out-' Vin started to explain.

'Can you show me where this clinic is.' Clayton returned to his room to grab his coat.

'There's no need to go, he'll be sleeping.'

'I would still like to see him.'

'You sure?' Vin didn't know if it was the right thing to do.

'Yes I'm sure, he's my . . . he's my friend and I would like to see for myself that he's alright.'

'Okay, I'll take you to see him but I don't think Nathan will allow you to stay for very long.'

'I don't need to stay long.' Clayton was losing his patience. He needed to see his son and this man was making up reasons for him not to go.

'Let's go then.' Vin walked away hoping that what he was doing wasn't going to cause trouble.
___________________________________________

Clayton stepped into the clinic and saw his son lying on the bed. Ezra's head was bandaged telling him that it was a serious open wound. Ezra's pale features tugged at his heart. He moved quickly to the bed and sat down in the vacant chair. His hand reached forward to touch Ezra's face but he pulled back when he saw how much his hand was shaking.

'Is he okay?' Clayton turned to face Nathan.

'He's fine. The injury needed some stitches and he doesn’t have a concussion. I just want to keep him here so I can watch him.'

Clayton nodded in understanding. 'Is it okay if I stay with him for a while?'

Nathan glanced over at Chris who was standing in a corner watching what was going on in front of him.

When Chris nodded, Nathan told him that it was okay.

'Thank you.'

'I don't suppose you want to let us know who you are.' Chris tried but didn't expect to get a truthful answer.
'A friend. If Ezra wants to tell you more he will.'

Chris became silent again after accepting the answer. He trusted Ezra and knew that if he needed to know then Ezra would tell him. He wasn't going to push the gambler for an answer.

'You don't mind then if we stay with you.' Vin told Clayton before finding himself a comfortable position in the clinic.

Clayton knew how to read people; he'd learnt to do it at a young age just like Ezra would have. He could see the distrust in Tanner's eyes. This man could be trouble for him and Ezra.
___________________________________________

Ezra knew what Nathan was trying to do and refused to cooperate with him. He did not intend to wake up in the middle of the night just so Nathan could look at his eyes. That was something he could easily do while he was sleeping. All Nathan had to do was lift his eyelids. The man was supposed to be a healer and yet there were many times when Ezra found him to be a pain in the ass.

'Ezra, it's Clayton. Are you awake in there?'

Ezra frowned then recognised the voice. His eyes sprung open and he stared at his father's smiling face.
'What are you doing here?'

'Mr. Tanner gave me your message. I wanted to see that you were okay and Mr. Jackson kindly allowed me to stay.'

'Mr. Jackson is very good at allowing people to stay, even if he doesn't have their permission.'

'I guess I should go now.' Clayton began to stand up but a hand gripped his arm.

'Stay, for a while longer anyway.' Ezra wanted his father to stay and take care of him like a father should but he didn't want to admit it aloud, not yet.

'Mr. Jackson?' Clayton asked Nathan again if it was all right to stay and again Nathan nodded.

'Perhaps Nathan could catch up on some sleep.' Ezra suggested.

'That's okay Ezra, I'll stay.' Nathan was tired but he didn't want to leave this man alone with Ezra. Clayton Saunders was a stranger to Nathan even if he wasn't to Ezra.

'I'll be fine Nathan. I trust Clayton with my life.'

'I'm not sure-'

'Nathan! I'll be fine, honest.'

Nathan trusted Ezra and that was the only reason he left the two men alone. But he would wait out on the balcony just in case.

When Nathan left, Clayton reached out and placed his hand against Ezra's face. 'Does it hurt?'

'Not so much anymore.'

Clayton nodded and removed his hand. 'Mr. Jackson said you'd be fine. These men care about you a lot don't they?'

'It depends on the situation.' Ezra smiled so his father wouldn't see that he was serious.

'Go back to sleep Ezra. I'll stay here with you.'

Ezra watched his father for a moment then closed his eyes. He felt his father's fingers brushing against his forehead. Sleep didn't come straight away for Ezra. The comforting touch had a brought back a memory from his first five years of life.

Ezra was lying in his bed, his feet barely reaching the end of the mattress. Mother had always told him that he was small for his age but given a few more years, he would be just as tall if not taller than the other children he played with. He groaned again, when the slight pain tore through his stomach. The children had lost all their candy to him in a game. It wasn't often that his mother allowed him to have candy so he ate them all before she could take them away.

The painful sound brought his father into the room. Ezra pushed himself closer to the wall when he saw that his father was going to get into the bed with him. When his father was settled, Ezra found himself being pulled towards the large chest so he could lay his head on his father's chest.

His father then began to rub Ezra's forehead with his fingers until his son fell asleep.

It was something that his father did often and he had always enjoyed it. 'You use to do this all the time, especially when I wasn't feeling well.'

It's good to have a child. Clayton watched as Ezra drifted off to sleep.

___________________________________________

Ezra slapped his father's hand away when he tried to help him up onto the boardwalk. Clayton ignored him though and grabbed his elbow. He also refused to let go once they were on the boardwalk.

'Maybe you would like to hold my hand!'

'No need to be like that son, I'm only trying to help. I don't want you falling over and hitting your head again.' Clayton stopped when he realised Ezra was no longer moving. 'What's wrong?'

'Nothing . . . it . . . it feels good that's all.'

'What feels good?'

'You, having a father again.'

Clayton smiled. 'Does that mean things are okay between us?'

'I think things are going to be okay. We still have a lot of work to do.'

He didn't know what to say so he took Ezra's arm again and led him into the saloon where they were going to have a light breakfast. Clayton saw a few of Ezra's friends sitting at a table where they were already indulging themselves in a hearty meal. He began to lead Ezra away from them when Ezra shook his head.

'Why don't we join my associates.'

'They're going to ask questions.' Clayton warned him.

'Then we'll answer them.' Ezra smiled at his father's reaction. 'It won't be that bad, at least they won't kill you while I'm around.'

'Do you think they would do that?'

'No.'

'So you just thought you would have a bit of fun with me. Make me lose my appetite is that it. Don't think you're going to get out of paying for this meal young man. I intend to eat a horse and you're going to pay for it.'

'When did I offer to pay for breakfast?'



'Just then and I accept.' Clayton walked away before Ezra could say anything. He reached the table and smiled at Ezra's friends. 'Gentlemen, may we join you for breakfast?' When they glanced to Ezra then back, again he added. 'Ezra's paying.'

'I know I didn't say that!' Ezra joined his father at the table and sat down.

'Yes you did.' Clayton assured him.

'When did I say that?'

'While you were sleeping. You talk in your sleep or didn't anyone ever tell you that.'

Chris, Vin and Nathan were watching and listening to the exchange with interest. It seemed as though Ezra and Clayton Saunders had known each other for a long time.

'Have a seat Mr. Saunders.' Chris nodded to the empty chair next to Ezra.

'It's Standish Chris, Clayton Standish.'

Clayton held his breath. He didn’t want this surprise just yet. He didn't know how Ezra's friends would react to him. Maude had told him that there was a possibility that they would inflict physical bodily
harm to his person.

'Chris, Vin, Nathan, this is my father, Clayton Standish.'

'And you hit your father yesterday because?' Chris's first reaction was why a son would hit his father.

'That's our business Chris.'

'Mr. Larabee, if you intend to hurt me I would appreciate it if you did it now rather than later.'

'It's Chris, and I'm not going to hurt you. Why would you think that?'

Clayton was about to answer when everyone at the table came to the same conclusion.

'Maude.' They all said together.
___________________________________________

The next two days passed quickly for Ezra and his father. They spent all their time together getting to know each other better. Father and son took turns recounting stories from their lives, some resulting in laughter, and a few leaving them in tears. Clayton had been both shocked and angered with some of the things Ezra had told him. No childhood should have been like he had. Maude should have kept her son with her while he grew up.

Clayton had decided that considering Ezra's upbringing he had grown into a good man, a man that cared for and protected others. It was in his soul to do it. He had lived Maude's life until he arrived in Four Corners where he began to change and become the man he was born to be. But Clayton was also able to see that beneath the confident exterior there was a lack of confidence. What he saw on the outside was a well-played roll that fooled many people, including the men he worked with.

Ezra was learning many things about his father. He enjoyed his sense of humour and ability to hold a good conversation. The son was beginning to love the father he lost at the age of five and found again a few days before his thirty-third birthday. He finally had a family that he could be proud of. Ezra was beginning to believe that he would leave Four Corners if his father asked him to.
___________________________________________

Josiah stood just outside the saloon doors. The noise from within the crowded room flowed around him out into the street to interrupt the silence of the night. The large amount of alcohol in his blood caused his large frame to sway side to side as though a strong wind was trying to knock over a solid object. His gaze drifted towards the hotel doors. The man who was taking Ezra away from him was in there having dinner with the gambler and Chris. The other five lawmen seemed to know who the man was but no one, including Ezra, were confiding in him. He didn't like it.

He had been able to keep his anger under control during the past few days but now his drunken state had decided to change that. It made a new decision for him, he was hardly aware of what he was about to do. Josiah watched as the three men left the hotel. Chris shook the older man's hand and tipped his hat to him. Ezra and Saunders moved away from Chris and began to head towards the saloon. He stepped off the boardwalk and began to make his towards them. There was no one to stop him. His large steps mirrored the determination and anger he was feeling. He was going to find out who Clayton Saunders was and what the man wanted with Ezra.
___________________________________________

Ezra had invited Chris to dine with him and his father for one reason; he wanted Chris to like his father. If Chris did enjoy his father's company and saw what sort of man he was then it would be easier for Ezra to gain Chris's permission to retire from his employment and leave Four Corners with his father. Ezra had no intention of losing his father again and if that meant leaving town to go wherever his father went then he would.

Ezra looked up when he heard heavy footsteps and silently groaned at the sight before him. Josiah had been staying out of his way but now Ezra and his father were about to face the devil. Ezra quickly turned his head to see if Chris was still within sight, he wasn't. They were on their own unless someone else intervened and he didn't think that was going to happen.

'Let me handle this please.' Ezra placed a placating hand against his father's chest.

'I'm right with you son.' Clayton told him.

Ezra waited until Josiah reached them to stand in front of his father. This sudden urge to protect him was strong, stronger than he thought was possible.

'Something I can do for Josiah?' Ezra asked calmly.

'Want to know who he is?' the words were slurred.

'You've been drinking.'

'Yeah, what of it.'

'I won't talk to you while you're like this.' Ezra growled at him. The time for being calm was over. Josiah was angry and it seemed he intended to take his anger out on either him or his father.

'You won't talk to me sober either, so what's the difference.'

'I wonder why that is?' Ezra sneered at him.

'Who's he?'

'Go and sober up Mr. Sanchez.' Ezra started to walk past him but Josiah grabbed his arm.

'I want to know who he is!' His grip was tight and he ignored the grimace that crossed Ezra's features.

'I'm not telling you while you're in this state or sober!' Ezra tried to pull his arm away but the restraint was too strong for him to break.

'Why you good for nothin' bastard!' Josiah threw the punch while Ezra was still trying to get over the angry words that were thrown from Josiah's mouth. 'After all the things I've done for you, you treat me like this!'

Ezra knew they were in trouble. Josiah was too big, too drunk and too angry for him to defeat. He lay where he fell and looked up at the older man who stood angrily over him.

His father knelt by his side and Ezra nodded that he was okay. Then his father surprised him. He went after Josiah Sanchez. Clayton must have been at least ten years older than the ex-preacher, twenty pounds lighter and three inches shorter but he began to fight him as though they were equals.

Clayton was angry. How dare this man hit his son. He stood quickly and brought his fist up with him. He hit Josiah with all the strength he could muster but it wasn't enough to send the larger man to the ground.

Clayton then followed the uppercut with a powerful blow to the abdomen. There wasn't much of a response. Josiah was too drunk to feel anything. Ezra's father ducked under the first two punches then landed one of his own but his luck didn't hold. A third punch from Josiah knocked him off his feet and he landed next to his son.

'You've got a good right there.' Ezra admired.

'Not good enough I'm afraid, he's still standing.' Clayton smiled and they began to laugh.

Josiah stared down at them and the laughter caused his anger to explode. He lifted Ezra at least two inches off his feet and brought his face close to his. 'Tell me!'

'No.' Ezra replied simply.

Clayton did his best to help Ezra free himself but he couldn't manage it and before he could react, he saw his son flying through the air as Josiah threw him against the wall of the Clarion. The grunt of pain caused his own anger to boil and he attacked Josiah a second time.

It took Ezra a few moments to get himself together before he could stand up. He could see Josiah taking his anger out on his father. Blood had already begun to appear on his father's face.

'Josiah! Leave him alone!' Ezra yelled at him but the man ignored his request. 'Josiah!'

Ezra ran to aid his father but he wasn't prepared to use his fists. The derringer appeared out of nowhere and was pressed against Josiah's forehead in a matter of seconds.

'Leave him alone.' Ezra's voice held an angry threat.

Josiah dropped the man he was beating and turned to face Ezra. 'You haven't got the guts. Coward, that's what you are Ezra Standish. You've always been a coward! If it wasn't for us you'd still be a piece of scum that people wipe off their boots.' Josiah saw the shocked expression and took the opportunity to tear the gun from the gambler's hand. His bloodied fist clenched itself before it struck Ezra's face. He followed Ezra to the ground and struck him repeatedly.

Josiah didn't hear the gunshot but he felt the bullet when it struck his arm, the force of the bullet pushing him off Ezra. He looked up in surprise to find Clayton Saunders glaring down at him, the derringer in his hand. 'No man hurts my son and gets away with it!'

'Son?' Josiah whispered in shock.

'Ezra's my son and if you ever lay a hand on him or talk to him like that again, I'll kill you!' Clayton growled at him.

Clayton released the derringer and allowed it to fall to the floor. He knelt down next to Ezra who was trying to sit up.

'Does my face look as bad as yours?' Ezra asked his father.

'Considering that I'm better looking than you, your face looks worse than mine.' Clayton pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and began to dab at the blood coming from Ezra's split lip.

The ex-preacher pushed himself back against the building and watch as Saunders took care of his son.

'You're Ezra's father? Ezra, why didn't you tell me?'

'Because it's none of your damn business preacher!' Ezra told him.

'Think you can get up?'

'No, I think I might sit here for a while longer if you don't mind father.'

Clayton smiled. Ezra didn't even realise he had used the term father. 'Mind if I sit with you son?'

'Of course not.' Ezra lay back down on the boardwalk. His head hurt and the world seemed to be spinning around him for some reason. 'You're not going to tell Nathan about this are you?'

'Don't think we’re going to have a choice Ezra?'

Ezra followed his father's gaze and saw Chris and Nathan running towards them. 'Aw hell.'

'What happened?' Nathan went straight to Ezra and his father while Chris stayed close to Josiah. The gunslinger knew what happened but Nathan found it hard to believe that Josiah may have been responsible for this.

'An argument with Mr. Sanchez that resulted in the use of fists.' Ezra explained.

Both Chris and Nathan looked at Clayton for confirmation. 'Ezra's telling you truth!'

'Who fired the gun?' Chris asked them.

'That was me,' Clayton shrugged, 'and I'm afraid that I told him I would kill him if he hurt Ezra again.'

'You threatened him?' Chris couldn't help but smile.

'He hurt my son, I'm sure you would have done the same if you were in my position.'

'No hesitation at all.' Chris nodded knowing that he wouldn't have threatened; he would have killed any man that hurt his son. Josiah was a lucky man.

___________________________________________

Both men sat on the cot in Nathan's clinic. One man allowed the healer to administer to his superficial wounds while the other argued that he was fine and didn't need any medical attention. Chris couldn't help but think the two men were so different both in physical appearances and personality.

'Ezra, I want you going to straight to bed and staying there for a couple of days.' Nathan ordered him. 'Mr. Standish, you'll be fine, just don't do anything that's going to open up that cut.

'Thank you Mr. Jackson, you truly are a remarkable healer.' Clayton assured him seriously.

'I welcome an obeying patient, it makes a nice change.' Nathan smiled then scowled down at Ezra who it seemed was trying to think up an excuse not to stay in bed.

'Why are you telling me that I have to rest in bed for a couple of days and yet he can walk around town like nothing happened.'

'Because, you I don't like and you still haven't recovered fully from that head wound.' Nathan had his back to Ezra so he could hide his smile from the gambler.

Ezra tried another tactic. 'I can't stay in bed Nathan, Mother is arriving tomorrow and she won't appreciate it if I'm unwell.'

'I'll explain it to her Ezra.' Clayton tried to smile at his son but the words Ezra had just spoken were troubling him.

'You won't have to father, I will be there to explain it myself.'

'No you won't Ezra!' Nathan growled at him.

Clayton gripped Ezra's chin and turned his son's head so he was facing him. 'You're going to do what the doctor ordered Ezra.'

Clayton's voice was calm and pleasing but Ezra heard the threat behind the words. He couldn't help but smile back at him. 'Is this what father's do? Threaten their children?'

'They also protect them and threaten those who cause them any harm.' Chris added for Clayton.

'Feels good doesn't it Ezra.' Nathan also had the opportunity to find his father again if only for a short period of time. He knew what Ezra was going through, what he was feeling. He knew that there would also be a lot of conflict in Ezra's mind as to what to do. Would the gambler leave with his father or would he stay and continue his life in Four Corners?

'Yes it does Nathan.' Ezra hung his head so the others wouldn't see his emotions but Nathan caught a quick glimpse of them before his features disappeared.

'Okay, that's enough. This patient needs his rest. Perhaps his father can take him to his room and tuck him into bed.' Nathan smiled at Ezra's embarrassment.
___________________________________________

The next day Nathan walked through the open doors into the church. He could hear the sound of retching coming from the back room. Nathan didn't want to go there so he used his voice instead.

'Josiah! We need to talk and I'm not taking no for an answer!'

Something fell to the floor and shattered, resulting in a loud curse from the ex-preacher. The curtain to the hidden room was pushed aside and Josiah came forward.

'There isn't anything to talk about Nathan.' Josiah was drying his hands with his shirttails.

'Why did you do it?' Nathan didn't care if Josiah didn't want to talk. 'There was no reason to attack either of them. Especially Ezra. He still has stitches in the back of his head. You could have torn them open!'

'I was drunk. I didn't know what I was doing.'

'That's a coward’s excuse Josiah.' Nathan growled at him.

'Is he alright?' Josiah was refusing to look into Nathan's eyes.

'What do you care. You were the one who beat him up remember!'

'Clayton Saunders is his father?'

'Clayton Standish and yes he's Ezra's father.' Nathan stormed towards Josiah and pulled him around to face him. 'Don't you dare do anything to ruin this for Ezra. I've never seen him so content with himself or those around him. You need to apologise and explain your reasons for what you did before he leaves town.'

'Ezra's leaving town?'

'He hasn't said as much but what would you expect him to do. His father has shown up after twenty-eight years and it's like they were never separated. When Clayton leaves town I wouldn't be surprised if Ezra went with him and if he did go, he would have my approval. The man deserves this Josiah.'

'He can't go.'

'Why not?'

'Because . . .'

'Because you want him for yourself! Is that it?' Both men turned to find Clayton Standish standing in the doorway. 'He is my son Mr. Sanchez, not yours.'

'Ezra belongs with us.'

Nathan could hear the anger in Josiah's voice.

'Were you too drunk to remember what you said to him last night?' Clayton refused to remove his hand as he moved deeper into the church. He refused to believe that Josiah Sanchez was a man of God or this building his church. 'If it wasn't for us you'd still be a piece of scum that people wipe off their boots. Those were the exact words you said to him and I saw the expression on his face. You hurt him Sanchez and I will not allow you to do that again.'

'You said that to Ezra!' Nathan believed what Clayton had said; the man had no reason to lie.

'I say a lot of things when I'm drunk, it doesn't mean that what I say is true.'

'I've come to warn you again Mr. Sanchez. Stay away from my son. I will not have you damaging our growing relationship. Do you understand me?'

Josiah nodded.

'I also wish for you to keep your distance from Maude. Is that also clear?'

Josiah nodded again. It was all he could do. He had to keep quite. If he didn’t, there would be an argument that could lead to more violence.

Clayton turned away then said. 'By the way Mr. Sanchez, Ezra belongs where he wants to be. To leave with me or stay here will be Ezra's decision, no one else's.' Once he made himself clear Ezra's father left the church.

'You heard him Josiah and he has our support. Leave them alone.'

After the two men had left, Josiah returned to the back room and lay down on the bed. They didn't understand. He was only trying to look after Ezra. How did they know this man was Ezra's father? He shows up after twenty-eight years and everyone believes he's who he says he is. The man who claimed to be Clayton Standish could be a killer. If that were true who was going to protect Ezra.

Josiah had heard the warning but he was going to ignore it. Someone had to protect Ezra and it seemed that he was the only one willing to do it. The only one that thought something was wrong with the entire situation. He closed his eyes and drifted into a restless sleep where he dreamt of Ezra being gunned down in cold blood in the middle of Main Street.
___________________________________________

For a second time Ezra, Standish waited for the stage to arrive. This time his father stood by his side. Maude would be arriving shortly. It was something Ezra was looking forward to. His family would be whole again.
Something caused Ezra to look over his shoulder. Josiah Sanchez stood on the boardwalk behind them, his eyes watching Ezra's every move.

Clayton noticed that Ezra was watching something behind him. He turned to see what it was and found himself staring into the ex-preacher's eyes that were full of anger. Clayton realised at once that Sanchez had ignored his warnings.

'Don't worry about him Ezra.'

Ezra continued to watch Josiah who was staring back at him. The gambler was untroubled by the anger Josiah was feeling. Even though he knew he had five friends and a father to back him up, Ezra was going to deal with this problem on his own.

'I'll be back in a moment father.' Ezra made his way to Josiah and instead of standing in front of him, he stood behind him and leaned against the wall. 'Is there something that you want from me?'

Josiah saw the livid bruises on Ezra's face when the younger man stepped past him. He closed his eyes against the image and tried to tell himself that he'd been drunk when he'd done that to his young friend.

'Are you sure that man is your father?' He turned and did his best not to see the bruises.

'Why would he and my mother lie about something like that?' Was this man going to try to destroy the best thing that had happened to him in his life? Ezra made sure he kept his emotions under control. He couldn't lose control now, not now.
'Even you should know what your mother is capable of Ezra.'

Ezra took offence at the slanderous remark against his mother. 'My mother, Mr. Sanchez, may not be like other mothers but she does love me in her own way. She may do certain things but she feels that what she does is in my best interests. I love my mother and there is nothing she or anyone can do to change that!'

'That doesn't answer my question.'


'Yes I'm sure he's my father.'

'You'd stake your life on that?' Josiah had crossed his arms and was waiting for Ezra's answer.

'Why would you think my life is at stake?'

'Do you believe what he's telling you?'

Ezra was becoming frustrated that Josiah wasn't answering his questions. 'Yes I do. Something happened the night he left and the only people who know what that is are my parents and myself.'

'And that is?'

'Josiah!' The conversation was no longer under his control. 'Why are you watching me all the time?'

'It's called watching your back Ezra. Someone has to do it.'

'No. It's called interfering in affairs that are not yours. Leave it alone Josiah.'

'No.'

Ezra took a step closer. 'If you do anything to hurt my parents or me, you will regret it for the rest of your life!'

'Are you threatening me Ezra?' Josiah stood straighter and stared down at Ezra.

'It's what scum does Mr. Sanchez!' Ezra walked away before Josiah had a chance to respond.

'Everything okay son?' Clayton asked when Ezra returned to his side.

'It will be.' Ezra smiled at his father then looked to his right when he heard the stagecoach.

Clayton looked over his shoulder and expected to find Sanchez gone. He was wrong. The ex-preacher was still standing on the boardwalk watching Ezra. He turned away when he heard Ezra call him.

The stage was pulling to a stop and both men stepped forward to greet Maude. She was immediately stepping off the stagecoach as soon as it was standing still. Ezra moved ahead of his father and took his mother's hand and helped her down.

'Ezra darlin', how- what happened to your face?'

'I was involved in a fight mother.'

'A fight Ezra! You should know better. Something like this,' she touched one of the bruises on her son's face then removed it quickly when Ezra grimaced in pain, 'could damage your face and you know looks are everything.'

'He didn't have a choice Maude.' Clayton told her.

'Clayton! You didn't . . . Ezra you . . . you didn't do this to each other did you?'

'Of course not mother.'

'Then who did?'

Clayton wanted to tell Maude the truth but knew it would only cause more problems for Ezra.

'It doesn't matter now mother. The problem has been dealt with. Now, shall we help you carry your bags to your room.'

Maude allowed the two men to collect her bags then walked between them to the hotel. Once they were in the room Clayton had arranged for her she sat on the bed and spoke to Clayton.

'Would you please allow my son and I to have a private conversation.'

'Of course Maude and perhaps afterwards you and I can talk.' Maude didn't answer him. 'I'll take that as a yes. 'Clayton opened the door but stopped to say one more thing. 'As you can see son, your mother is still angry with me.'

Ezra smiled and rubbed his lower lip with his thumb.

'Well?' Maude had no intention of working her way into the subject of Ezra and his father slowly. She jumped straight into the middle of it.

'Well what?' Ezra quickly amended what he said when his mother looked like she was going to hit him.

'Things have been going fine. A lot better than I'm sure either of us would have expected.'
Maude pulled Ezra down onto the bed next to her. 'You understand his reason for leaving when you were so young?'

'I accept his reason but I don't understand why he didn't take us with him.'

'At the time he thought it was the best thing to do.' Maude lifted her arm and placed the palm of her hand against Ezra's cheek. 'Does this have anything to do with your father?'

'He didn't-'

'Did Josiah do it?'

'What makes you-'

'I know how he feels about you. I've seen the way he looks at you. He thinks of you as a son.'

Ezra pulled his mother's hand away. 'It's in the past mother, there is no need to dwell on it.'
Maude stared into Ezra's eyes. She had been able to read every emotion in those green eyes since he was a child. Most of them she ignored for his own good but not this one.

'He's causing trouble for the two of you isn't he?'

'Mother-'

'Don't mother me child! That man has no right to treat you this way. He's not blood and he never will be.'

'Why are you here?'

Maude was surprised by the change of subject but the emotion didn't show on her features.

'As I told you in my letter-'


'I didn't read your letter. I got as far as the first page then tore it up and I know you're not here for my birthday. Why change the habit of a life time.'

'The letter explained a lot of things Ezra. You should have read it in its entirety.'

'I want to hear you say it.'

'We're a family now Ezra, that's all that matters.'

'The two of us were a family.'

'Clayton insisted that we all be here together for your birthday.' Maude straightened her skirt with the palms of her hands. 'As you know I am not comfortable with birthdays and such. It was not my idea to be here for your birthday. I had a lucrative job lined up.'

'Then why are you here?'

'I wanted to make sure that this situation didn't get out of hand for either of you. It must have been hard for you when you read that he was coming to town. I couldn't get here at the same time but Clayton promised he wouldn't push you into anything you didn't want to do.'

'Chris and the others like him.' Ezra said more to himself than to his mother.

'Do you like him?'

'He doesn't look like me?'

'You mean you don't look like him.' Maude smiled. 'You got your handsome face from your beautiful mother although a few, including your father, would say that you received your looks from your grandfather. But I'm the one responsible for this,' she patted his cheek, 'and don't you forget that.'

'Yes . . . I do like him.'

Maude could see that Ezra was struggling to say something else.

'Just say it Ezra.'

'Why didn't you make it easier for him to find us?'

She shrugged and said. 'I thought he was dead.'

'He also said that you could have paid the debt.'

'I didn't have the money Ezra.' Maude lied.

Ezra could tell she was lying. He could also see something else in her eyes but couldn't work out what it was but he knew it would come to him later.

'I should go and let you and father talk.'

'Dinner tonight Ezra, in the restaurant downstairs at seven. Just the three of us.'

'Of course. Until then mother.' Ezra tipped his hat and left the room to find Clayton standing in the hallway.

'She's all yours.'

'Is that a good thing or a bad thing?'

Ezra could only laugh as he walked away. He bounded down the stairs and out through the front door and the first thing he saw was Josiah standing across the street. Ezra groaned and sat down in one of the chairs on the boardwalk and waited but for what he didn't know.





Part One | Part Two | Part Three


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