JD Dunne sat in front of the jail with his chair tipped back against the wall. He pulled off his bowler and twirled it in his hands out of boredom. It had been a quiet week in Four Corners and, while it was peaceful, it was also monotonous. There was nothing happening, no distractions. Buck and Ezra were out on patrol. Chris and Vin were in the saloon. From where he sat, he could see Josiah at the church, working on some new pews.

Nathan had stopped by earlier to say he was going to Rain's village for a visit. It had been over three weeks since the healer had last seen the young woman and JD had to smile at the healer's shy admission of missing her. He knew that his own relationship with Casey Wells had progressed in the last three years to more than a friendship, but not quite to the point of courtship yet. But, truth be known though, if he didn't see her at least once a week, he usually managed some excuse to get out to the Wells ranch.

His attention was drawn down the street as he heard the jingling of harness. The stage entered town and rolled down the street to stop in front of the depot. JD placed the bowler back onto his head and stood up. Adjusting the Colts that hung from his hips, he stepped off the boardwalk and headed over to check out any passengers that were disembarking in the small town.

He was coming around the back of the stage when he heard Billy Travis' voice call out 'Grandpa'. JD rounded the stage in time to see Orrin Travis envelope the young boy in a big hug. JD noticed Billy's mother, Mary, standing on the boardwalk, watching her son and father-in-law greet each other. Stepping back from his grandson, Judge Travis joined Mary on the boardwalk and placed a gentle kiss on the offered cheek.

"Orrin, what a pleasant surprise. We weren't expecting to see you this week." Mary said quietly.

"Good morning, Mary. Had a slight change of plans." Orrin looked around and made eye contact with JD.

JD tipped his hat, smiling at the judge. "Judge Travis. Nice to see you, sir."

"And you, Mr. Dunne. I have business with you gentlemen. Could you ask Chris to join me at the jail?"

"Sure thing, Judge. Miss Travis." JD tipped his hat again and threw a wink at the boy. As he turned to head down to the saloon, he heard Judge Travis tell Mary and Billy that he would join them for lunch. JD trotted over to the saloon to look for Chris Larabee.

JD hit the bat winged doors and leaned into the dark room. He waited for his eyes to adjust and stepped in, glancing both directions until he spied Chris and Vin sitting at a corner table. Both men glanced his direction as he headed their way.

Breathless, he stopped in front of the two men. He reached up and removed his hat with one hand, as he pointed with the other. "Judge Travis came in on the stage. He wants to see ya at the jail."

Vin glanced over at Larabee, his eyes questioning the request. A slight shake of the head was Larabee's only response to the unvoiced question. The gunslinger pulled his hat down over his eyes and stood along with Tanner. They headed out the door with JD following behind.

The three peacekeepers entered the jail to find Judge Travis sitting behind the desk.

"Orrin." Chris said as he entered.

"Chris. Vin. Sorry to show up without notice. I need a prisoner picked up in Watsonville and brought back here for trial. Chris, I was hoping to get you and a couple of the others to go get him."

"Any particular reason for not going there for the trial?"

The chair squeaked as Orrin leaned back and folded his hands across his stomach. "He's accused of trying to rob the bank. Five people were killed during the attempt. One of the robbers, as well as the bank manager, two women and a child died in a gun battle outside the bank. The sheriff was wounded. He wired me, asking to move the trial. He has a couple of deputies, but he doesn't feel that he can contain the townspeople throughout a trial. Emotions are running pretty high, as you can well imagine."

Chris' mouth tightened as the Judge talked. Old memories sprang to mind and he felt his blood boiling. He heard the words, but his mind was remembering the murder of his own wife and child, the emotions fresh in his mind even though it had been seven years since their deaths. Chris shook the memories away as Orrin finished speaking.

Chris shifted his weight, as he replied, "Should be no problem. When you wanting us to go?"

"I expect that you should be back within five days, if you leave now." Orrin informed him. "Is that agreeable?"

"Don't see any reason that we can't leave today." He glanced at Vin Tanner as he spoke. Vin nodded his head. "As soon as Buck and Ezra get back, we can head out."

JD shifted from foot to foot in eagerness. The judge said he wanted Chris and two others to go. He chewed his lip hoping Chris would ask him to go. His hopes were dashed with Larabee's next words.

"Vin and I'll grab Buck and head out as soon as him and Ezra get back."

JD's eyes dropped to the floor and he quickly walked away from the others to stand looking out at the street. Last thing he wanted was Chris to see his disappointment at not being asked to go along.

Vin caught the movement out of the corner of his eye and turned his head as JD walked off. He saw the slump of the young man's shoulders and knew the kid was upset by Chris' failure to invite him to go. Tanner stepped in front of Larabee and looked at him with one eyebrow raised.

Chris frowned at the tracker, his brows knitted. He watched as Vin's eyes flicked towards JD and back. Chris glanced at the disappointed youth's back and sighed. He heard Tanner suppress a chuckle as he turned to JD.

"JD, why don't you go let Josiah know that we'll be leaving as soon as Buck and Ezra get back? They're due back here anytime. Soon as I let them know where we're going, the three of us can head out."

JD turned slowly and pasted a weak smile on his face. "Sure thing, Chris. Do you need me to do anything else? Nathan went out to visit Rain. Should I go get him?"

"No time before we leave. Buck can let him know tomorrow. He'll be back by then, won't he?"

JD frowned. "I thought Buck was going with you and Vin."

Chris shook his head. "No, I just wanted to make sure and tell him where we were going. You don't mind going, do ya? If you have something planned, I'll see if he wants to go instead."

A smile tugged at Larabee's lips as he watched the kid's face light up.

Stammering, JD shook his head and replied. "No! No, I wanna go. I just thought... I... I'll go tell Josiah. Meet ya at the livery." Not waiting for a reply, he tore out the door, grabbing for his hat as it flew off his head.

Chris stood with one hand on his hip and the thumb of the other hooked in his gun belt. He stood, shaking his head as Tanner briefly dropped a hand on his shoulder. The contact brought Larabee's head up to glare at the man.

"I hope I don't regret this."

Vin gave him a crooked grin, his eyes sparkling. "You won't." That said, he touched his hat. "Judge" he said and left the two men to themselves.

Orrin leaned forward and placed his arms on the desk. "Is there a problem with taking Mr. Dunne?"

Chris smiled at the Judge. 'Mr. Dunne? Just that I have trouble thinking of him that way' Larabee thought to himself. "No, Orrin, no problem. He's as good as they come. I just have a hard time remembering he's grown up, a man. I swear, he looks younger now than when I first saw him four years ago." Chris shook his head as he moved to the window and gazed out. "It's hard to believe that he's twenty-three. He's a good man; I just keep seeing the 'kid' that showed up four years ago. Sometimes it takes someone reminding me that he ain't. Guess that's Vin's job on this trip." Larabee nodded and left the jail. He headed down to the saloon to wait for Buck and Ezra.

Three days later, the trio had become a foursome with the addition of Vern Rankin and they were well on their way home. Rankin was a miserable excuse for a human being, ranting and cursing the entire first day. By midday on the fourth day, Chris had been ready to shoot the man when Vin had finally convinced the bandit to mend his ways and be quiet. JD watched, wide-eyed, as Vin pulled out his knife and placed the tip of the blade in the outlaw's left nostril.

"Did I tell you that I lived with a tribe that prided itself on how long they could keep a man alive with no skin?" Vin spoke in that soft voice JD had only heard when Tanner was really pissed.

JD swore that Rankin's eyes about crossed as he tried to see the knife that disappeared up his nose. "No" the man breathed.

"Do ya want to find out how long that is?" Vin asked. Rankin's eyes met the trackers.

"No."

Vin slowly pulled the blade back and slid it into its' sheath as he moved his horse away. JD discreetly laughed behind his hand, but it had worked and they enjoyed the peace and quiet for a while.

Buck sat in front of the jail, his chair tipped back against the wall, his fingers interlaced across his stomach. The town was just beginning to come alive in the cool morning air. He waited patiently as the day wore on. Josiah was due to relieve him soon. It had been a quiet three days and he missing the energy that JD exuded. Though the boy could sometimes drive a body crazy with his incessant questions and lack of respect for his elders and their good advice, he definitely livened a place up. Buck stood and stretched as Josiah strolled down the street.

"Morning, Josiah. How're you doing on those new pews?" Buck inquired.

"Well, they'd go a lot faster if I could get some assistance." A laugh rumbled up from the big chest as Buck dropped his eyes and began to look around for an escape. "Don't worry, Buck, I ain't asking ya to help. Just wanted to see ya sweat."

Buck relaxed as he grinned. "Hell, preacher, as picky as you are 'bout your woodwork, I know you don't want me helping. But, you get ready to move 'em inside, I'm there. How's that sound?"

"I accept any and all offers, brother," and he clapped the mustached man on the shoulder.

Buck tipped his hat to the preacher. "Well, I believe I'll go get some breakfast. I'll see ya in a little while."

Buck headed for the saloon and entered as Ezra was coming down the stairs. Inez greeted each man with a warm greeting as they sat down at a table and gave the dark haired woman their orders. A few minutes later they were enjoying the spicy food and some quiet conversation. Nathan Jackson pushed through the swinging doors and moved to join them. He moved to the bar and got a cup of coffee from Inez on his way to the table. They were still sitting, laughing at one of Ezra's tales about a 'monumental game of chance' he had taken part in, when Josiah strode in and moved quickly to the table.

"Boys, we got some trouble." He held up a piece of paper and let it flutter to the table. "This telegram just came in. It's from the sheriff over in Watsonville. Seems a group of men came looking for Rankin, the man Chris and the others went after. Sheriff thinks they may be part of the same gang. They passed through town and are probably following our friends."

Ezra put down the cards he had been shuffling. "Didn't the telegram we received from Mr. Larabee yesterday state that we should expect them tomorrow?" The others nodded in agreement. "That would leave them in a most vulnerable position should these miscreants reach our friends before they arrive here."

"I best pack some supplies. I'll meet ya at the livery." With that, the healer stood up and left the saloon.

Buck had been on his feet before Josiah had stopped talking. He glanced from one man to the other. "Well, what are you waiting for? Chris and the young 'uns need help. Let's go." He was headed toward the door before he got an answer from either man.

Josiah shook his head as Ezra grinned up at him. Raising, Ezra placed the deck of cards into the inner pocket of his jacket and said, "I believe that our Mr. Wilmington was only waiting for an excuse to go after young Mr. Dunne."

Josiah pulled his hat onto his head tighter. "I have no doubt that you are right, Ezra. Be sure to pack your slicker, looks like some weather in the direction we're gonna to be heading."

The southerner smoothed a crease from his sleeve, a grimace pulling at the corners of his mouth. "Well, of course, there is, Mr. Sanchez. For when is it ever uncomplicated, or straightforward, or even clean and dry when we must rush off in rescue of someone?"

"Ah, but that would be so terribly dull, Ezra. Where is the challenge?" The preacher laughed as the southerner made a crude sound and swaggered off.

It was going on late afternoon when Vin came drew to a halt. "Got weather coming. We need to find some shelter. Seem to remember a cave a ways up. I'll go have a look."

Chris nodded as the tracker wheeled his horse around. Vin touched the brim of his hat and rode ahead. Chris glanced over at JD. "JD, let's keep moving. Vin'll catch up."

Fifteen minutes later, Tanner rejoined them. "Chris, that cave's about two miles up. We can camp there 'til it blows over."

Chris nodded. He kicked his mount forward, trailing after Tanner. JD prompted Rankin to follow and then brought up drag. He scanned the sky, looking for what Vin had seen. Nothing. But within minutes, the sky was darkening and thunder was rolling across the heavens.

Vin pulled up and Chris drew up beside him. Tanner held onto the brim of his hat as the wind whipped around them. "Chris, over there. The opening's small, but it opens up into a large cavern." With a nod, Larabee rode past him and moved to the cave. Rankin never looked over at Vin as he followed Larabee. JD grinned as he, too, moved to the cave mouth.

Glancing behind them, Vin started after the others. He was several yards behind and within the tree line, when lightening struck off to his left. The ground shook as a tree exploded and split, crashing to the ground. Thunder rolled across the area in the same moment causing Unalii's eyes to roll as he danced around. Vin fought the frightened animal, reining in his head.

The black had just begun to calm when lightening struck again; this time to Tanner's right. Unalii's eyes rolled in fright, the whites showing in his terror, as he struggled against the man on his back. For an instant, the man was winning the battle, but power won out and the animal got his head. Unalii reared up in an attempt to flee. Vin never saw the limb above his head, but he was made aware as he was slammed into it. Darkness pushed at the edges of his vision. He clung to the saddle horn and the animal's mane in an attempt to remain in the saddle. The animal reared again and Tanner lost his battle to retain his seat as he was once again slammed into the tree. As he tumbled from the saddle, the black bolted.

Riding ahead, Chris saw the opening and dismounted. He cautiously entered, leading his mount in behind. The cavern was large enough to shelter them and all four mounts. He ground reined his horse and stepped back through the opening just as the lightening struck. He saw JD and Rankin struggling with their terrified mounts. Larabee ran over and grabbed the bridle of the outlaw's horse.

"Get off. Lead them into the cavern. There's room for the horses in the rear." He watched as JD jumped from the saddle and pulled Rankin down. As they started in, Chris grabbed JD by the arm. "Keep an eye on him. I'm going to check on Vin. He should have been here by now."

"Don't worry, Chris. I've got him." JD assured the gunslinger. He shoved the outlaw into the opening as he led the two horses through the mouth of the cave.

Chris turned and headed to where he had last seen Tanner. He was nearing the trees when a crashing sound alerted him to unseen danger. He stepped off the trail just as the black ran out of the tree line and past him. Chris watched as he disappeared into the dark. A quick glance was all he wasted on the animal before he turned, looking for the tracker. He ran headlong into the trees.

"VIN!" Dark limbs pulled at his duster and scratched at the skin of his face. He headed for the weakening light of the fire the lightening strike had started. Reaching the shattered remnant of the tree, he glanced about looking for his friend. He started to move on when he saw Vin's hat fluttering in the wind. Scooping the hat up, he spun around; looking for the man it belonged to. A flash of lightening illuminated the area and in that brief light, he saw the crumpled form under a tree.

"Damn. Vin." He ran over and turned the limp body over. Chris leaned down and held his breath as he looked at the pale face. He relaxed as he saw Vin's lips quiver with an indrawn breath. Larabee placed a hand on the younger man's chest, relieved to feel the steady thump of his heart as it beat under his palm.

Chris wanted to check the tracker for injuries, but he needed to get him back to the cave and some light and warmth. Hopefully, JD had started a fire because Vin was already shivering in the cold rain. Grabbing the lapels of the tracker's jacket, Chris sat him up, draping the limp arms over his shoulder. Larabee grunted as he hefted the man's dead weight up and onto his shoulder. Standing carefully, he adjusted the dead weight across his shoulders. That done, he staggered back toward the cavern.