TIMING IS EVERYTHING

By: Eileen Scout



About the same time that Mary had set out to find Maude and Ezra, Vin rode out to Chris' house. As he rode up, he saw Chris chopping wood. "Howdy, partner," Vin said.

Looking up Chris furrowed his brows and wiped the sweat from his forehead. "What brings you here? Nathan's not due back for over a week; he went to get some time with Rain. Thought you were gonna take up the extra patrol " Chris asked.

Vin dismounted and simply replied, "Thought you would want to come back a little early."

Chris casually leaned against the post of his house. "Why?"

Dutifully, Vin answered, "A feelin'. Something's brewin', cowboy. Maude's in town and Mary seemed a little distracted during our lesson today."

With the mention of Mary's name, Chris focused more on what Vin was saying and began to seriously think about going back to town early. "Yeah, maybe I will head to town. Maude being here ain't good."

As Chris turned and walked toward his home to tidy up, Vin followed. Upon entering, Vin headed to the kitchen table as Chris headed to the bedroom. Chris peeled off his shirt from his drenched skin and began to run the sponge over his rippled chest. As he looked at his reflection in the mirror, Vin's words about Mary replay. 'Won't hurt if I check on her myself. Maybe, I'll ask her for dinner together.'




"Who is Louisa Perkins?" Maude asked.

"You surprise me, Mother. You are usually much more observant."

Maude tilted her head toward her son. "Why should I know this woman?"

Ezra walked toward Mary. "Because she accompanied you on your journey to our fair town."

Recognition came over Maude's face. "The red head. Yes, we spoke briefly; she said she was engaged."

With a frown, Ezra said, "That's why we need to work expeditiously."

Mary took that opportunity to fill in Ezra and Maude. "More than you know. Louisa Perkins doesn't exist. I mean her history goes back only two years. Nothing can be found past the last twenty six months."

"She could be utilizing an alias, couldn't she?" Maude asked.

Mary glanced at Maude. "It's the only explanation."

After determining which way they should proceed, Ezra spoke up. "She is definitely not what she appears, but we still need to prove that."

"With the help of the others, that shouldn't be a problem," Mary commented.

Upon hearing Mary's words, Ezra determinedly said, "NO. We need to gather the facts first and be absolutely sure. If we're correct, Mr. Wilmington will suffer. If there is a mistake, I want to spare him that. Mary, none of the others must know, at least, not yet. Is this acceptable to you?"

Mary glanced away from Ezra as her relationship with Chris ran through her mind. Mary admitted to herself and to the others, "I hate to lie to Chris."

Maude interjected with an explanation. "Oh, honey, omission isn't lying. You have nothing to worry about."

Out of the corner of her eye, Mary looked up at Maude and shook her head. "That's a matter of interpretation." Turning back to Ezra, she continued "Ezra, I do trust you. For now, we'll keep it between ourselves. But how do you plan to uncover the truth?"

With that famous dimpled smile showing that sparkling gold tooth, Ezra explained, "My dear ladies, at dinner we'll discuss the game. Will that be acceptable?"

Both women looked at each other and then turned back to Ezra. Together they replied, "What a lovely invitation."

Mary continued, "Why don't you come over to my house for dinner? Chris is out of town for a few days and it will provide the privacy we'll need for the discussion. How is 5:00?"

Maude said, "What a lovely idea."

Ezra simply smiled and said, "With that ladies, I will be on my way."




"Umm, ummm, you do know your way around the bed, darlin'," Buck said as he yawned.

Louisa cuddled up to his neck. "Glad I could oblige."

Buck rolled onto his side. "How was your reunion with Amber? Did I take care of that horse of yours, OK?"

Giggling Louisa looked up. "She did survive, but she looked a little funny in the eyes. Seriously, thank you. I've only had her for two years. She is the most gentle animal." After a few moments of quiet, Louisa grew more serious, "Buck, what do you think of pushing our wedding up?"

"To when?"

Louisa grew hopeful. "What about two days?"

Buck looked down at her. "As much as I'd love to darlin', you know we can't do that. I'd like all my friends there and Nathan's not due back for another week."

Disappointed Louisa remarked, "I forgot. What about next week then?"

Buck grinned and kissed her hard and deep. "Let's do it!" he yelled as the sheet went over their heads.




Sitting outside the jail with JD, Josiah rested his head on the building for a moment. But before long he found himself in his dream world. Josiah stretched out his back, as he seemed to open his eyes for the first time and sees a desert. 'Whew - the air is as heavy as a lead weight,' Josiah thought. As he took a few strides, his legs grew heavy; it seemed like the longest strides of his life. To his left he heard a noise and turned his attention there, only to see a black hawk hovering and squawking like a demon, a woman's face started to appear. As her features came into focus, he felt himself himself slipping away.

Momentarily forgetting that Josiah was asleep next to him, JD, more agitated than normal, let out a loud growl.

Startled out of a deep sleep Josiah lost his balance and fell from the chair, breaking the post. JD looked shell shocked.

"What happened?" Josiah asked the now laughing boy.

Grabbing his stomach, JD started to apologize, though he was laughing so hard, he could barely speak. "Sorry. Was trying to write some gift ideas for Casey and got a little upset. Forgot you were sleeping. You OK?"

As Josiah got up and swatted the dirt off of himself, he looked up and replied, "Yeah." With a feeling of uneasiness, Josiah remembered the woman's face in his dream and turned to look at the town. "JD, if anyone needs me, I'll be at the church," Josiah announced. His stomach felt hollow as he walked away. The image of the woman's face never left his memory. 'This can't be good.'

Thirty minutes later JD sat, still trying to make out that list. With a frown, he thought, "This darn list. Ezra said it would help - what an idea! Write out items that she would like and all I get is everything I can't afford. Where is Ezra anyway? Her birthday is in three days." He was so lost in thought that he 't didn't even see Ezra approach.

"Hello, Mr. Dunne. How is our list coming?"

JD looked at him out of the corner of his eyes. "Nowhere."

Licking his full lips, Ezra decided he was thirsty, so he turned to JD and said, "Let's discuss it over a drink; my treat." Ezra extended his arm towards the saloon. "After you, my young friend."




Meanwhile over at the Clarion, Mary was entertaining Inez. Although at the moment Inez was actually entertaining Mary. Trying to hold back a smile, Mary listened as Inez continued, "I don't believe that cow is back in town. Senor Wilmington could do much better than that, that . . . . well, I'm just too much of a lady for that language."

Wiping the same spot on the table for the hundredth time, Inez remembered the reunion just outside of the saloon. Inez hadn't meant to watch, but she had just frozen, getting more sicker by the second as she watched them kiss. "Marriage. Who figured Buck for the marrying kind? And to that. . . ."

"Cow," Mary offered.

Inez's head shot up and she pointed a finger in Mary's direction. "Yes, exactly. That cow!"

After a few minutes, when she was sure that Inez had finally taken a breather, Mary began. "Inez, why don't you like Louisa?"

The question took Inez by surprise and she 't didn't answer automatically. Inez searched for the right words. "Miss Louisa Perkins just isn't who she seems. Mary, there is something about that woman; I just can't put my finger on it."

Just at that moment Louisa entered the store. "Mrs. Travis, are you in here?"

Hearing that voice, Mary and Inez exchanged glances. Inez ever so gently took Mary's hand and with a smile as sweet as sugar, questioned her friend, "What IS that COW doing here?"

Mary offered a sympathetic look to Inez and turned toward the shop door. "I'm in here, Louisa." Following the owner's voice, Louisa walked through Mary's home, and the three women come face to face.

Louisa looked at the others. "Oh marvelous, you're both together. Now I can kill two birds with one stone, so to speak."

"Louisa, what do you want?" Mary inquired.

Louisa continued to smile. "Knowing you're friends of Buck," Louisa hesitated, "and mine, I just couldn't wait to tell you."

Exasperated, Inez said, "Tell us what?"

Louisa announced, "Buck and I moved up our wedding. We'll be married next week. Aren't you ecstatic?" Louisa asked triumphantly.

With a final, little wave, she exited, saying, "See you, then; much to do today. Bye." As she swept out of the room, Louisa passed Maude. For a moment, the two women held each others gaze in an attempt to size up the other.

Maude continued into Mary's home. "Hello - Mary?" As Maude turned the corner, she came face to face with Mary and Inez. Somewhat bewildered by their expressions, Maude commented dryly, "Dears, you really should close you mouths; you never know what is flyin' around in these parts."

Slowly placing herself on the closest chair, Inez asked "Did she really say next week?"

"Yes," Mary practically choked out.

Concerned, Maude asked, "Are you two ladies all right? What's happening next week?"

Inez's eyes shot sparks angrily at Maude . "Next week is when that cow marries Buck."

Mary's hand traveled to her head and she rubbed it as if she had a headache. Absently she commented, "That doesn't leave much time."

Maude caught Mary's eye just as Inez asked, "Time for what?"

Mary smoothly replied, "A wedding present for the witch - or cow, depending on your preference."

The ladies broke out in laughter. When Inez realized the time, she excused herself ."I need to get back to the saloon. Senora Standish, it is good to see you again."

Mary walked Inez out, then returned to Maude. "Maude, I'm sorry. I want to give Ezra the new information. Please make yourself at home; I'll be back shortly."




In the alley between the bank and the general store, two men were talking. "Alegro got word that Alejandro de Madera pushed up the plan. He wants everything in place within two days."

The shorter man, Bob, asked, "We know why the plan is being pushed up?"

Tim replied, "Seems like someone checked on our plant and the Don thinks the cover is about to be blown. He wants to move now." As the men moved toward the hotel, they failed to see the woman standing in the corner.

Inez felt herself shaking. 'Don Alejandro de Madera, Paulo's father. This can't be good. Why would he be involved with this town? Surely he can't blame me or Buck for what happened, but what else would it have to do with?' She shook herself out of her thoughts and continued toward the saloon to get back to work.




"Mr. Dunne, you don't have much of a list for our Miss Wells." Ezra patiently stated the obvious.

Exasperated, JD spit out, "She don't like normal woman stuff. She likes trees, swimming in the lake, animals; things that I like. The one thing that she would love is her very own horse, but I can't afford that."

Ezra's expression softened and he said, "JD, she is a very special lady." After a few moments of thought, Ezra continued, "Does she like poetry?"

JD dropped his head., "NO, not that. Josiah suggested that the last time and it was a disaster."

Thinking about it, Ezra realized a truth about Casey. "JD, Casey is a woman of the heart. If you want to make it special for her, surprise her with a picnic lunch by the lake. Make it her day."

Smiling, JD agreed. "Yeah, I like that. I'm gonna go talk to Nettie, get her help in picking Casey's favorite foods to surprise her."

Pleased with himself, Ezra called out, "Enjoy yourself, Mr. Dunne."

'Well, that's one down. Now what to do about Mr. Wilmington and Miss Perkins; who would she be working for?'

Ezra was brought out of his thoughts when Mary came rushing through the saloon's doors.

"Mr. Standish, I was wondering if I could have a word with you outside?" She asked, emphasizing 'outside'.

Gathering his cards, Ezra stood and escorted Mary out of the saloon. Alone at the end of the boardwalk, Ezra inquired, "What has happened?"

Afraid of anyone overhearing, Mary unconsciously moved closer to him. "Next week." She looked into his eyes and continued, "They moved the wedding date. It's next week. What can we do before then? We have to stop them now. I've never liked that woman and we need to protect Buck."

Ezra moved his hands and grasped Mary's arms in an attempt to calm her. "Mrs. Travis, calm down. The situation is not impossible. However, it does provide a new twist to the ever expanding melodrama." Ezra and Mary were so involved in their conversation that they did not notice the approaching riders.

Chris and Vin had been quiet on the last leg into town. As they approached, the town, they noticed two people standing by the saloon. 'Why the hell are those two so close together?' Larabee glared in the direction of Mary and Ezra.

Sensing his friend's mood swing, Vin glanced at Chris.

Chris was so lost in this thoughts that he didn't even realize that he was now standing in his stirrups, leaning towards the couple. 'Get your fucking hands off of her.'

Finally, the two riders came along side the conversationalists.

"Somethin' wrong, Mary?" Chris asked as he turned and glared at Ezra.

Suddenly both Mary and Ezra realized how close they were and each took a step away from the other. Mary looked at Chris and noticed something in his eyes, but can't place it. "No. I, ah, was just telling Ezra the news. It seems Buck and Louisa have moved their wedding date up; it's next week."

Dismounting, with a nod of approval, Chris said, "Good for them."

Chris walked over to Mary and purposefully placed himself between her and Ezra. "What about dinner tonight?"

Both Vin and Chris noticed Mary's quick look to Ezra. Ezra, being ever so observant, realized her mistake and explained for everyone's benefit. "Gentlemen, my mother is in town and Mrs. Travis has graciously extended a dinner invitation to us. However, it can wait until another more accommodating time."

Chris realized that he had been a horse's ass. He turned to Ezra and said, "Ezra, that's not necessary. However, I'd like to join you, if that's all right with Mary?"

She looked at Chris and smiled. "Of course. Say around 6:00 PM. Now, if you'll excuse me, I left Maude alone in my house. Good day, gentlemen."

Ezra made a mental note that Mary, Maude and he were still on for 5:00.

"On that note, would either of you like to join me in a game of cards?" Ezra began to sit on the bench.

Chris and Vin exchanged glances. "We'll take care of the horses and then we'll meet you."

Ezra sent them off with his famous two fingered salute. As he got comfortable, he took out his deck and began shuffling. However, his relaxation was interrupted as when his eyes rested on Inez. He got up and walked in her direction. "My dear, what is it? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Inez looked at Ezra. "I think I have."

"Can I help?" Ezra offered.

Smiling, Inez looked relieved. "Thank you. Give me some time."

They walked into the saloon together. Just as Ezra was about to sit at the table, he glanced at his watch. "Oh, my, I didn't realize it was so late. I had better head over to Mrs. Travis's house."




"As I was saying, Maude, I would love for you to stay the week and come to Billy's birthday party. He is ecstatic about the party and the fact that all the men will be there," Mary said. With a roll of her eyes she realized, "How much fun is that going to be with the wedding at the same time?"

Maude smiled. "It should be interesting. But if this is over by then, I'd like to get back to Denver. There is a tremendous opportunity for me there."

As if on cue, Ezra walked through the door and took off his hat, saying, "Ladies. "

The trio sat around the table and Ezra began. "Any ideas on about who she could be working for or ideas of how we can find out? Keep in mind that due to the time restraints, we may have to include Mr. Larabee. Hopefully, we'll have more facts before we must do that."




Vin and Chris walked into the saloon to get a drink. As he sat down, Vin remarked, "Guess Ez didn't wanna wait."

"Good. Means I getta hold on to my own cash," Chris said, with a half grin.

Knowing their usual drinks, Inez was already on her way to their table. As she approached, her mind kept playing what she had heard. Both men noticed and became concerned. As Inez set the drinks down, Vin got her attention.

"What's wrong?"

She looked into Vin's eyes and remembered that fateful day when he helped her decide to stay and fight.

Sitting down Inez began her story. "I think there may be trouble."

Chris pulled his chair closer. "How so?"

"Earlier I overheard two men speak of Don Alejandro de Madera. He is Don Paulo's father - you remember?

Recognition came over Chris and Vin.

Vin was the first to speak. "Yeah, not exactly a forgettable time."

Chris was intent on Inez and gently prodded her. "What did you hear?"

Inez looked from Vin to Chris and continued, "They mentioned something of a plan being pushed up to the next two days."

Inez seemed to hesitate so Chris pushed again. "Why are they pushing it up?"

Inez turned to Chris as she remembered. "They said something about someone being checked out or on. They were afraid the cover was blown."

Chris and Vin looked at one another. "Mary."

Vin turned to Inez and said, "Don't worry. We'll take care of it."

With that, Chris and Vin left Inez at the table and headed for Mary's.

From the outside, it appeared that the Travis household was quiet; inside it was another matter. Thankful that Billy was spending the night over a friend's house; Mary found that she had the necessary time to concentrate on the task before her. Ezra interrupted her thoughts as she with his next question.

"Mother, in your casual perusal of the town today, have you uncovered the men you ran into in Denver?"

Looking up at Ezra, Maude replied to her son, "No."

Frustrated by the whole situation, Mary could no longer hold back. She chimed in with, "The only way we would be able to obtain the information is by torturing her. As amusing as that prospect seems it is not plausible. There are hundreds of possibilities in terms of who is in charge. She could be working for anyone. How will we find out?" Finally taking a breath, Mary turned to Ezra. "You should know how many enemies you men make together and on your own."

Walking across the room, Ezra turned back to the women. "That is a problem and we don't have that much time, but it still isn't impossible." With that smile that could charm a snake out of its skin, Ezra continued, "Timing is everything. We just need to change our approach."

"Approach to what?" Three pairs of eyes turned in unison to a tall man dressed in black. His jaw is set firmly in place with that look.

'It appears that answers are due,' Ezra couldn't help but think as he stared at his leader.

Mary walked forward with a smile and was about to greet Chris when she was struck by his manner. Puzzled by the look in his eyes, 'It's that same look from earlier, hmm,' she greeted Chris, "You're early."

Chris's eyes were firmly on Ezra. "Seems everyone is."

Ezra gulped as he watched his leader. 'Why the hell does he keep staring at me like that?'

Vin stepped forward, leaned into Chris and mentioned, "Let's not forget why we're here pard," as he stifled his grin.

Upon that statement Chris realized what he had done. 'Damn, not again. No reason for me to be jealous.' Still facing Ezra, Chris looked out of the corner of his eye and saw Vin trying his best not to grin. Chris sternly looked his way. "Wipe that smirk off or I'll do it for ya."

Playing innocent, Vin remarked, "Hmm - what smirk? I'm here with you to get information, remember?"

Turning back to Mary, Chris asked, "Are you working on anything? We may have trouble."

Mary's eyes grew wide for a second and then she looked down momentarily. 'Does he know? How? Oh, Lord.' But the only thing she could manage to say was, "What kind of trouble?"

Chris's eyes watched her every move. 'I know she is up to something. Of course, Ezra, Maude, and Mary . . . . As Chris thought of the possibilities, he couldn't help but grin.

"We don't have time for this." Chris's voice became stern. Looking at all three, he continued, "Inez overheard some men. Something is going down in two days. Apparently, Don Paulo's father is in town and has arranged for something to happen."

Ezra cleared his throat. "Excuse me, Don Paulo? The man who tried to force Inez back to Mexico?"

Vin answered with, "Yep. That's the man."

Suddenly things started to click in Ezra's mind. 'Of course.' "We have a situation," Ezra announced and all eyes turned to him.




"Buck, let's go for a ride tonight. I want to feel the wind through my hair." Louisa tried to convince her fiancée to join her.

After spending half the day in bed, Buck was glad for the offer. "Sounds great. Need to be back by 10:00 though - for patrol."

Relieved that they would be going out, Louisa snuggled closer to Buck and kissed him. As she pulled back, she exclaimed, "Let's get dressed."

While Buck and Louisa were departing from the hotel, JD made his way to the jail to relieve Josiah. Buck spotted him and called out, "JD! How ya doing?"

Seeing the couple, JD tipped his hat towards Louisa. "Nice to see ya back in town, ma'am."

She could feel the warmth of his sentiment and kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks, JD."

"Boy, we have news; we're getting married next week," Buck announced to his friend.

JD looked incredulous. "Next week! Why did you push it up so fast?"

Louisa took the opportunity to reply. "We just couldn't wait any longer. I'm finally gonna make an honest man out of Buck." Smiling she grabbed Buck's hand.

"Congratulations! You gonna have enough time for the details?" JD wondered out loud.

Buck placed his hand on JD's shoulder. "Thanks, JD. Louisa has everything under control. You still gonna be my best man, right?"

JD looked up at his best friend. "Wouldn't miss it, Buck."

Interrupting, Louisa mentioned, "We have to be going before it gets too late."

Buck glanced at her and remarked, "Whose schedule you on?"

Returning his look, she took the bait. "Yours. Remember, you're due back at 10:00."

Conceding defeat, Buck bid farewell to JD. "See ya at 10:00." Buck and Louisa continued on their way to the livery to get their horses for the journey out of town.




JD continued his walk to the jail, making a mental list of the items he needed for Casey's birthday celebration. As he walked to the office, he noticed Josiah going through wanted posters. "Hey, Josiah.

The tall man looked up and greeted the boy. "How is everything going?"

JD sat in the chair next to the desk. "OK. Too quiet though."

Stretching his lengthy frame, Josiah remembered JD's dilemma. "Have you found a gift for Casey yet?"

Shaking his head JD replied, "Not really. But Ezra helped me to come up with an idea, which I like a lot and I think Casey will like it, too."

Curious, Josiah couldn't hold back. "What's the idea?"

Smiling, JD explained, "A picnic by the lake doing her favorite things. A day devoted to her."

Josiah had to think about what JD said for a moment, then said, "Yeah, she'll like that." Puzzled by one thing, he continued, "Ezra came up with that? Surprises don't cease."

With that he stood and he bid JD, "Goodnight. I'm gonna go grab some dinner." With a thought, Josiah stopped and looked back at JD. "What are you doing here? Thought it was Vin's shift?"

Yawning, JD replied, "It was, but he and Chris had something to work on, so I'm filling in. See ya tomorrow." As Josiah left, JD settled in for the next few hours.




Chris and Vin took in the information that Mary, Maude and Ezra had revealed. Now as they were sitting around after dinner, they agree that whatever was going to happen would happen be within the next two days. A schedule was created of shifts so everyone could take turns watching Buck.

Chris hoped they were wrong, but knew deep down that Louisa was trouble. Knowing this he gave the order. "All right, everyone get a good night's rest. We're gonna be busy the next couple of days."

Mary looked at Chris and said, "Wait. Shouldn't we tell Buck?"

With lips pursed together, Chris responded, "No, he won't believe it right now."




"Buck, honey, let's rest here." Louisa pointed to a shady spot by the water.

They brought their horses to a stop down by the river and dismounted. Buck pulled a blanket from his saddle and walked toward Louisa. He took her hand and lead her to a quiet setting close to the lake.

After laying out the blanket, they sat down and took in the stars that were now just beginning to show. "This was a great idea, Louisa, honey," Buck commented, as he took in both sights that were before him.

Louisa snuggled closer and they began to kiss.

Buck had no idea how much time passed. He only knew that he loved being alone with Louisa. The two were so involved in their activities that they didn't hear the approach of three men.

Silently, the trio remained hidden and watched until the right time was right. When the moment arrived, as if on cue, they quietly walked forward.

Just as the men were about to announce themselves, Buck flipped Louisa over and went for his gun. However, he was taken by surprised to find his gun gone. Buck was even more surprised to find himself staring down the barrels of three guns. 'Stalemate.' Buck thought.

"Get up slowly," Bob instructed. As Buck got up, he helped Louisa to her feet.

While doing this, Buck's eyes never left the three men. "What do you want?"

With a sickening smile, Alegro explained. "You."

A sliver of fear ran down Buck's spine. His mind is raced through options, but couldn't get past thinking. 'What the hell happened to my gun?'

The answer to that came a moment later when Alegro asked, "Where is his gun?"

Louisa stepped forward. "Alegro, calm down. I told you that I would take care of it. Here."

Buck watched in confusion as Louisa handed his gun over to these men. A mixture of emotions ran through him. Time seemed to be moving in slow motion as Buck worked through what he just saw.

"What are you doing, Louisa?" Buck had to ask. He just couldn't believe that he would be that stupid. She couldn't have been acting this whole time. His heart ached as he attempted to sort through things.

Hearing his request, her heart felt a touch of remorse, but not much. "Sorry darling. It was fun while it lasted. Unfortunately, someone else has plans for you now."

Buck now forced himself to focus on the here and now, and he asked, "Who?"

Acknowledging that she at least owed him that, Louisa answered, "Don Alejandro de Madera."

Raising his eyes, Buck asked the only thing he could think to ask. "Who the hell is that?"

Alegro, who had been silently watching the proceedings, decided this had gone on long enough. They had to get moving. "You'll find out soon enough. Time to go."




Back at the jail, JD looked at his watch. 'Where is he?' the boy wondered. 'Oh, well, Louisa did just get back today. I'll give him tonight.' Knowing that it was going to be a long night, JD settled himself in. Going through the paper he tried to find some way he can could make extra money. 'Really would like to buy Casey the gift she wants.' Gradually the events of the day overtook the young man and his head dropped onto the piles of paper.


After several he began to wake, yawning as he stretched. Placing his arms into position, he pushed himself up and shook his head. As he turned to the window he saw the sun shining through and he forces his eyes started to blink. While stretching, he finally noticed the paper glued to his face from the saliva drooled during the night. 'Buck owes me big time,' he couldn't help but think. Looking at his watch JD now knew that it was a little before 7:00 am. 'Ezra should be here soon to take over.'

No sooner than that thought went through JD's mind, than he saw Ezra walking through the door.

"How are you this fine morning, my young friend?" Ezra asked.

"Ready for a real bed," JD answered, while bending his back forward trying to work out the kinks.

Ezra examined his friend and came to a conclusion. "You slept in the chair, didn't you?"

JD looked up at him. "Yeah."

Laughing, Ezra replied, "Well, that lesson should teach you not to do it again." Realizing that he was supposed to relieve Buck, Ezra turned to JD said, "Where is Mr. Wilmington?"

"Still out with Louisa, I guess."

Ezra didn't like the sound or feel of that. "What do you mean?"

Once JD had filled him in, Ezra instructed him to get Chris, Vin, and Josiah, They were all to meet at the jail house in thirty minutes.

Ezra took the time to look through Buck's and Louisa's rooms. The room was empty. There was no sign that either person had been back during the night. Ezra proceeded to gather the horses and supplies that he and his friends would need. Leaving the livery, he headed back to the jail house for the rendezvous with the others. On his way, he ran into Mary.

"What is going on?" she demanded, her face a mask full of concern.

"They are gone. We'll need to track them," Ezra honestly answered.

Mary's face twisted in array of emotions, concern and then finally determination won out. "it is sooner than we expected," she simply stated.

Ezra could only agree. "We'll find them." He walked off toward the jail house.

Chris, Vin, Josiah and JD were waiting. "What's happened?" Chris asked, knowing that there was only one reason for this.

Ezra quickly explained. Fifteen minutes later, they were ready to go.

Upon entering the livery, they came face to face with Mary Travis standing by her horse. "Good morning, gentlemen."

Chris looked at her as the others went to mounted their horses. "You're not coming with us."

Standing and sitting firmly Mary didn't give in. Mounting, she said, "Yes, I am. Your numbers are now down by two. Both Nathan and Buck are gone. You need me - I can help. Besides Louisa and I have unfinished business."

Vin cut in. "We don't have time for this. They are hours ahead if us. We need to start tracking."

Thinking the same thing, Chris mounted his steed. "OK, everyone move out. Vin, you lead. Mary, you stay between Ezra and Josiah. After one more breath, Chris said, "Let's ride!"