Warnings: Some mild cursing. Contains several references to "Second Childhood." Nothing too serious this time... just a fun little trip for Ezra, Buck and JD. I hope I can manage to tickle your funny bone at least once. Enjoy!
Let me know what you think.
Disclaimer: Ah, if only they were mine, but, alas, they're not. Unfortunately, the privilege of ownership of "The Magnificent Seven" characters belongs to the Mirisch Corp., Trilogy, and MGM, and no infringement on the copyrights held by them is intended. I merely wish to dust the boys off and bring them out to play occasionally for the entertainment of those of us who still miss them dearly.
"The Fishing Trip" completed April 5, 2000
It had been a couple of months since Ezra's accident . His broken arm had finally healed, his bruises had faded away, and outwardly things seemed to be back to normal for him. The only things still bothering him were an occasional headache and a week long gap in his life. Nearly every day though something would trigger his memory, and a vague, mist-shrouded image would drift across his mind.
If the others knew he was having these flashbacks, they chose not to comment on them. A fact which Ezra was extremely grateful for, since some of the images were so strange he had no idea how he would explain them. He thought they were from that missing week, but sometimes he was sure they were becoming tangled up with memories from his childhood. How else could he explain the vision he kept having of a small child being lovingly cared for by Buck and the others... a small child with his face.
Ezra hated the incidents because they left him feeling confused and slightly off-balance. The only good thing about them was the inexplicable warmth that washed over him when he pictured that child surrounded by his friends. He had no idea what it all meant, but it seemed to somehow tie in with the feeling of belonging he now enjoyed when it came to their group. He had actually not been aware of how much he'd wanted to be included as one of their brothers until it had happened.
Even the over-protectiveness they'd been showing him since the accident didn't seem quite as bothersome as it would have before. Ezra was careful not to let them know he was aware of it though, since they seemed to be trying their hardest to watch his back without him knowing they were doing so. He appreciated their thoughtful gesture toward his need to be independent.
Ezra had also come to enjoy their nightly card games. They'd become the most important part of his day and allowed him to unwind enough so that he could sleep at night again. He'd had a problem with that as soon as he'd left the clinic, but spending this time with the others every evening before retiring to his room had finally cured it.
Ezra sat slowly shuffling the cards, idly listening to the relaxed conversation that flowed around the table. Vin and Nathan were discussing how quiet it had been lately, Buck and Josiah were teasing JD about some awful joke he'd told, and Chris sat as he usually did... quietly taking in everything the others were saying, while scanning the room for possible trouble.
Chris's gaze passed slowly over each of his friends and finally settled on Ezra. He stared at the gambler as he finally began dealing out the cards and wondered again if the man had any idea at all how instrumental he'd been in solidifying their little group into a true family. They'd all been close before Ezra had fallen and blessed them with a visit from their "Little One", but caring for the Southerner while he'd been incapacitated had pressed home exactly how close they'd become. Every night since he'd fully returned to them, they'd ended the day this same way... with a few drinks, some quiet conversation, and a friendly game of cards. Just a way of reassuring themselves that their family was safe and secure.
Chris was so lost in thought, he didn't even realize Ezra was speaking to him until he heard Maude's name. That grabbed his attention and he straightened in his chair slightly, glancing at the others to see if they were listening before asking Ezra to repeat himself.
Ezra was examining his cards and missed their shared look of apprehension. "I said, I received a telegram from Mother today. She said she was terribly sorry, but she'd have to postpone her visit. Apparently she's attached herself to a rather wealthy businessman and is attempting to bless me with yet another step-father. Poor man... I hope he realizes what he's getting himself into."
The others each silently heaved a sigh of relief at the welcome news. They had been dreading her visit ever since Ezra had informed them she was coming. Nathan had reminded them that the gambler still had no idea that his mother and Uncle Matthew had even been in town, much less what they'd tried to do to him while he was sick. They had had no idea how they were going to act civil to the woman, but knew they had to at least try for Ezra's sake. Now, at least for the moment, they wouldn't have to worry about it.
Josiah frowned down at the lousy cards he held as he attempted to pretend interest in Ezra's news of his mother. "Sorry, Ezra... I'm sure you were anxious to see her." He glanced up when the younger man didn't immediately respond, and saw a look of confusion appear briefly in his eyes.
Ezra opened his mouth to agree, but suddenly found himself unable to do so. Lowering his eyes back down to his cards, he merely nodded instead. Josiah was right... he should be disappointed that his mother wasn't coming... after all, it had been months since he'd last seen her. But for some reason, he felt an immense sense of relief instead at the news that she'd changed her plans. He had lately come to feel a new resentment toward Maude's lack of motherly concern for him. Ezra had no idea why his feelings had changed, but it was becoming harder and harder to make excuses for her. Maybe it was due to the fact that he'd finally come to realize what having a true family felt like. He was slowly learning what he'd missed out on... thanks to his mother... and he wasn't at all sure he'd ever be able to forgive her for that.
"Damn, Ezra... I didn't think your dealing could possibly get any worse, but I guess I was wrong." Buck tossed his cards back down on the table and drained the last of his beer. "I think I've had enough fun for one night... I'm headed for bed."
JD laid his cards down and stood up, too. "Good idea, Buck... especially if we want to get an early start tomorrow."
Ezra looked up at the pair in surprise. "You and our young associate takin' a trip, Mr. Wilmington?"
Buck frowned and then remembered the gambler hadn't heard about their plans. "That's right, you were out on patrol when we asked Chris 'bout gettin' a few days off. We're goin' on a little fishin' trip... I found us a new spot to try on the way back from Ridge City last week. Purty little place up in the mountains... no drunk cowhands, no outlaws, no squabblin' families... just peace an' quiet an' hopefully a bunch of fish to catch."
JD grinned hugely and nodded his head in agreement as he pulled on his coat and grabbed his hat. "Sounds great to me, Buck!" He turned to say goodnight to the others and stopped when he noticed the look that came over Ezra's face as he stared down at his cards. It was almost... what the heck was the word he wanted? Wistful. If he didn't know better, JD would have thought the wilderness-hating gambler actually wanted to go with them. He nudged Buck and nodded slightly at Ezra to draw his attention to their friend's expression.
The other four men had been busy grumbling about their lousy hands as they discarded and hadn't seen what Buck and JD had. All four heads jerked up in surprise when Buck spoke.
"Why don't ya come with us, Ezra?" Buck heard the others snort and snicker in amusement, but his eyes never left the gambler's face... and he got his answer the minute Ezra looked up at him. Buck could read it loud and clear in those bright green eyes... Ezra wanted more than anything to go. He probably didn't understand why... but he wanted... no... needed... to go with them.
Ezra's face reddened slightly as he glanced at the others and saw their certainty that he would refuse. Why wouldn't they think that... he'd always turned away any attempts to include him before... and it was a well-known fact that he was not a lover of the great outdoors... but to his own amazement, he found that he truly did want to do this.
JD saw him hesitate and came to the same surprising conclusion that Buck did... Ezra actually wanted to go with them. "Come on, Ezra... say yes. I need someone along to help me keep an eye on Buck... you know how he always seems to find trouble no matter where we go!"
The others laughed as Buck began indignantly protesting the Kid's remarks, and Ezra gave JD a look of gratitude for taking some of the attention off of him.
Buck also realized what JD was doing and was proud of him for noticing that Ezra needed a little help. "That settles it... you're goin' with us, Ezra. I can see I'm gonna need a witness in case somethin' goes wrong... someone with some smarts who can testify that it ain't me that's always gettin' his ass in a sling."
Ezra couldn't help but smile as JD took a playful swipe at Buck with his hat before grumbling something about old age and faulty memories. "Well, I see that I have no choice but to accompany you and make sure you both stay out of trouble. Someone with some maturity obviously needs to be there to referee these petty disagreements of yours."
Nathan stared at Ezra... not sure he'd heard right. "You leave the comfort of that feather bed of yours before noon? To go fishin'? I'll believe that when I see it." He laughed and shared a knowing look with Vin and Josiah. "I'd be willin' t' bet good money that you'll still be up in your room snorin' when those two are halfway t' that new fishin' hole of Buck's."
Chris glanced at Ezra and saw a small look of hurt appear briefly in his eyes before it changed to one of grim resolve. He carefully spread his cards out on the table to reveal another winning hand before standing and gathering up the small pile of money that he'd taken from his friends during the game. Slipping five dollars out of the money he held, Ezra tossed it down in front of the healer.
"Well, Mr. Jackson?" Ezra held Nathan's eyes as he waited to see what he'd do. "Were you serious about that bet?" A small smile tugged at his lips as Vin, Josiah and Nathan all quickly dug into their pockets.
Vin looked up at Ezra and shrugged as he laid his money on top of the pile. "Sorry, Pard... that's just too good t' pass up."
"He's right, Brother Ezra... nothing personal, but given your aversion to mornings, I'd say this was one bet we're sure to win." Josiah grinned up at the gambler as he threw his money on the table and was relieved to see him smile back.
Chris watched Ezra carefully as the younger man tucked the remainder of his winnings and his cards into his jacket pocket and draped it carefully over his arm. He seemed to be the only one at the table who had noticed the look that had passed over Ezra's face at Buck's invitation. The Southerner had changed considerably since his accident, and the closeness he still felt toward Buck was apparently stronger than any of them had realized.
"Sorry, boys. I'm bucking the odds this time... my money's on Ezra." The others... including Ezra himself... stared at Chris in amazement as he tossed a half eagle into the pot. The gunslinger raised his eyes to the gambler's and saw the slight nod of thanks before he turned away and headed for the stairs leading up to his room.
"I'll trust you to keep my share of the winnings in your safekeeping until I return from our little excursion, Mr. Larabee." Ezra paused with his back to the room. "And... thank you."
Chris watched as the gambler slowly made his way up the stairs and then turned to look at Buck and JD. He saw them glare at the three other men still seated at the table before nodding gratefully at him. They knew how much Chris's confidence in him had meant to Ezra, and were positive that nothing would keep the stubborn Southerner from joining them on their trip now.
Buck threw his arm over JD's shoulders and steered him toward the door. "Come on, Kid... we've got some extra packin' to do. Ya still got that fishin' pole ya gave Ezra for Christmas?" JD nodded and allowed the older man to propel him out into the street.
"Sure do! This is gonna be great, Buck!" JD smiled hugely at the prospect of spending the next week with his two closest friends. "We'll make sure Ezra has such a great time, he'll forget how much he hates being outdoors!"
Buck shook his head at the Kid's enthusiasm and hoped he was right. He knew getting Ezra to even tolerate nature would be an accomplishment... getting him to actually enjoy it would probably take a miracle.
Buck and JD had Ezra's horse, Rebel, saddled for him and were just going to sneak up to his room to make sure he hadn't overslept, when he finally staggered into the livery. His eyes were bloodshot and ringed with dark circles, and he was in the process of trying to smother a huge yawn, but at least he was there.
"Lord, Ezra... did you get any sleep at all?" Buck took his saddlebags from him and threw them over the horse's back, chuckling at their weight. Apparently Ezra wasn't planning on roughing it anymore than he had to... it felt like he'd packed everything he owned into the two bags.
Ezra smiled ruefully and shook his head as he took his horse's reins from JD and followed the other two men out into the street. "I didn't dare even close my eyes... not if I wanted to win that bet."
Buck slapped Ezra on the shoulder before mounting up. "Don't worry, Pard... we weren't about to let you oversleep. We're expectin' ya to buy us dinner with your winnings when we get back. After a week of eatin' our own cookin', we'll all be ready for a good meal."
JD grimaced in disgust as he bounced up onto Ranger's back, patting the bay's neck while he waited for Ezra to hoist himself up into his saddle. "Geez, Buck... after eatin' your cookin', even a bowl of cold mush would taste good."
Buck grinned at the young sheriff as he nudged his horse into a walk and started down the street. "Well, I guess you better do all the cookin' then. Besides, it's only fair... since I'll be catchin' all the fish."
Ezra shook his head as he fell in behind his two bickering friends. He'd known his statement about refereeing their arguments hadn't been an exaggeration, but he'd at least hoped they'd make it out of town before they got started. Glancing over at the saloon, Ezra saw Chris standing in the window watching them. He tipped his hat at the gunslinger and grinned as they rode past.
Ezra had seen Chris sitting in a corner of the darkened saloon as he'd hurried out, and had known the older man was there to make sure he made it up on time. The gambler knew he hadn't done it just to protect his share of the pot, but rather had wanted to protect Ezra from the unmerciful ribbing he'd have been subjected to had he lost the bet. He only hoped Chris knew how much he appreciated the gesture.
Chris watched the three men ride out of town, laughing softly at the expression on Ezra's face as Buck and JD exchanged insults. He had a feeling Ezra was going to definitely earn the money he'd won before the week was over.
Chris wasn't the only one watching as the three men headed out. Josiah stood in the doorway of the church, Nathan peered out the window of the clinic, and Vin watched from the shelter of his wagon. All three men had been ready to awaken Ezra if it had looked like he wasn't going to be able to get up on his own. Even though they'd joked about the idea of him going fishing and his inability to rise before noon, they were all aware of how much he needed to have this time with Buck and JD... and they were all perfectly willing to forfeit the bet to make sure he got it.
Buck and JD rode on either side of Ezra, grinning and watching him carefully, ready to grab him if he started to slip off his horse. The gambler had dozed off and on... mostly on... since they'd left town just after dawn. It was almost noon and Ezra was still slumped in the saddle, snoring softly, his head bobbing gently in rhythm with Rebel's movements.
"Are we gonna stop for lunch soon? I'm gettin' hungry, an' I think Ezra needs some coffee." JD laughed and grabbed Ezra's arm as he started to slide sideways, pushing him carefully back towards Buck until he was more or less upright again. The Southerner never even stirred.
Buck shook his head as he turned Babe off the trail into a small clearing. "Damn... I knew ol' Ezra was a heavy sleeper, but this beats all I ever seen." Buck dismounted and tethered his horse to a low hanging branch before returning to Ezra's side. He was just reaching up to rouse the gambler when JD suddenly slapped him on the shoulder and yelled his name.
The effect was instantaneous. Ezra's head flew up and he jerked away from the younger man, scrabbling for his gun as his sleep-fogged eyes roved wildly around trying to locate his imagined attackers. His sudden movement to the right upset his precarious balance and he tumbled out of the saddle, landing squarely on Buck and taking him to the ground with him.
"Oof!" Buck felt the breath forced out of his body as he bore the full brunt of Ezra's weight. He lay pinned beneath the Southerner, gasping for air as he struggled to get his fingers wrapped around Ezra's gun hand before he mistakenly shot JD. "Ezra... easy now... it's just the Kid. For God's sake... don't... shoot."
JD sat frozen in his saddle, staring down the barrel of Ezra's gun, not daring to even move much less say anything to the still confused gambler.
Ezra lay on his back on top of Buck, breathing heavily as he tried to figure out what the hell was happening, and why the ladies man was whispering in his ear.
"Ya with me, Ezra?" Buck had finally gotten a grip on the gambler's fingers and had turned the gun away from JD, while wrapping an arm around the smaller man to stop his struggling. He waited until he felt Ezra nod and then released him... sucking in precious air as the Southerner finally rolled off of him.
JD visibly relaxed when he saw the two men separate and shot a look of apology at Ezra, who had managed to push himself up into a sitting position. The gambler sat with his arms propped on his bent knees, shaking his head slightly, and still looking a bit dazed and confused.
"Geez, Ezra... I was just tryin' to wake ya up an' let ya know we were stoppin' for lunch. I didn't mean to scare ya like that." JD finally quit shaking enough to get down, and taking Rebel's reins, tied both horses off next to Buck's.
Ezra took a deep breath to steady himself and clasped Buck's proffered hand, allowing the older man to pull him to his feet. "Entirely my fault, Mr. Dunne... I shouldn't have been sleeping." He noticed Buck rubbing gingerly at his ribs and frowned. "Are you alright, Mr. Wilmington?"
Buck grinned and nodded his head. "Yeah, but ya sure got a bony elbow there, Ezra... and... would ya mind drinkin' some coffee or somethin'? I think we'd all be safer if ya stayed awake for the rest of the ride."
"I do believe you may be right, Mr. Wilmington." The gambler dusted himself off and started gathering up wood for a small fire, while the other two men pulled the fixings for lunch out of their packs.
After eating and making sure Ezra consumed a suitable amount of the purposefully strong brew Buck had made, they continued on their way, arriving at their destination just before dusk.
Buck hadn't exaggerated... it was quite a lovely place... but by that time the most any of them were up to was a cursory look around, a quick meal and sleep. It wasn't long before Buck, JD and Ezra had their bedrolls arranged around the campfire and had settled down for a good night's rest. They were soon fast asleep, and their gentle snores joined the other night sounds that filled the air around them.
Ezra awoke with a start and lay unmoving, buried in his bedroll, as he strained to hear the sound that had pulled him from his peaceful slumber. He finally convinced himself that it must have been a dream and had started to turn over to hopefully get a few more hours of sleep, when he realized he needed to get up and answer a rather urgent call of nature.
Ezra threw back the blanket and was just pushing himself up off the ground, when an ungodly screech filled the night. The gambler instinctively flexed his right arm to activate his derringer, and then groaned when he realized that he'd left the device home. He groped behind him for one of his other guns as his eyes continued to scan the dark around the camp, searching for whatever hideous creature was about to attack them. Once he had his Colt in his hand, he risked a glance at Buck and JD and was amazed to find that they hadn't even stirred.
When the sound wasn't repeated after several minutes, Ezra felt his heartbeat slowly return to normal and finally was able to relax a little. He stared over at his two friends who slept on the other side of the campfire, blissfully unaware of anything going on around them, and decided he should move his bedroll nearer to them. After all, someone needed to protect them in case that horrid animal decided to return. At least, that was the reason he'd give in the morning when they found he'd moved to their side of the camp. Ezra certainly wasn't about to admit to them that he'd been unnerved by the sound he'd heard.
Keeping his gun in hand and one wary eye cocked toward the shadows that surrounded them, Ezra quietly slid his gear around the fire and positioned himself between Buck and JD. He made sure his weapon was in easy reach before settling himself down amongst the blankets and closing his eyes. Exhaustion quickly overtook him and he drifted off into a restless sleep.
JD was the first to awaken the next morning. Stretching and yawning, he rolled over onto his back and was surprised to find Ezra lying between him and Buck. The gambler was snuggled down in his bedroll, snoring softly, his gun resting on the ground next to his head.
JD got up and carefully moved the weapon out of Ezra's reach before moving around to crouch beside Buck. He gently shook the older man's shoulder and placed his hand over his mouth to keep him from speaking too loudly and waking the Southerner. As soon as Buck opened his eyes, JD removed his hand and motioned toward Ezra.
Buck turned and smiled when he saw Ezra curled up near him. "What the heck is he doin' over here?"
"I don't know... I woke up an' there he was. I got smart this time though... I took his gun before we try wakin' 'im up." JD grabbed one of the saddlebags and started pulling supplies out of it. It wasn't long before the welcome smell of coffee filled the air. "Ya don't suppose he had one of them flashbacks Nathan said he's been havin', do ya?"
Buck stared at Ezra a moment and then shook his head and grinned. "Naw, I don't think it's that. I sorta remember hearin' a screech owl hollerin' durin' the night. You know Ezra... he ain't real familiar with the wildlife in these parts... it mighta scared 'im enough to make 'im decide he was safer over here with us."
JD frowned and shook his head. "I didn't hear anything."
Buck sighed as he pushed himself up off the ground. "That's because you're the only person I know who can sleep harder than ol' Ezra there." He glanced back down at the gambler as he spoke and an evil grin slid across his face.
JD saw it and started backing away from the man still sleeping by the fire. "Buck... what are you thinkin' a doin'? You go rilin' Ezra this early in the mornin' an' he'll be miserable to be around all day. An' remember what happened yesterday. I don't think he's ready to go through that again... an' neither am I."
"I'm just fixin' to wake 'im up, that's all. Wouldn't want 'im to miss out on a minute of this glorious mornin', ya know. 'Sides... you're safe this time, ya already got his gun." Buck rubbed his hands together and chuckled as he bent over the gambler and gave an especially loud imitation of the sound that had spooked Ezra the night before. Cupping his hands around his mouth, he let out a shriek that had JD grabbing his ears and backing even farther away. The results were even better than the fun-loving gunslinger could have hoped for.
"Jesus God Almighty!!" Ezra bolted upright, throwing his blankets off and groping wildly around him for his gun, his light green eyes impossibly huge in his pale face as he searched for the source of the scream. Suddenly his frantic motions stopped and his eyes narrowed, glittering dangerously as he saw both Buck and JD rolling on the ground, clutching their sides and howling with laughter.
Ezra sent them both a withering look as he slowly gained his feet. He stood there carefully straightening his clothes while he tried to discreetly gain control over his still shaking limbs and rapidly beating heart. He wanted to express his total disgust with his friends' infantile behavior, but didn't trust his voice enough yet to even attempt it.
Buck sat up and struggled to stop laughing while tears streamed down his face. "Lordy, Ezra... I ain't never seen you move that fast before... damn... your face..." Try as he might, the ladies man just couldn't stop... everytime he thought he'd gotten some control, another burst of laughter forced its way out. That is until JD suddenly swore and scrabbled toward the fire.
Ezra and Buck both looked at the boy and added their curses to his when they saw him digging at the fire with a long stick, trying desperately to pull what remained of the gambler's now blazing blankets out of the flames.
As the two men hurried to help the boy, Buck shot Ezra a look of apology and opened his mouth to try and smooth the gambler's obviously ruffled feathers, but instead erupted in an uncontrollable fit of giggling. "Damn... I'm sorry, Ezra. I just can't... get the look on... your face... out of my mind."
"Since it has occurred twice now, am I to assume that this is the sort of rude awakening I can expect every time I fall asleep?" Ezra's voice dripped with sarcasm and the glare he aimed at the other man would have frozen anyone else's heart, but the scoundrel was having too much fun to even notice it. "I'm glad I could be such a source of entertainment for you this early in the day, Mr. Wilmington. I sincerely hope for your sake, however, that the temperature doesn't drop too far tonight... since you will be graciously offering me the use of your blankets."
Buck continued to beat the still smoldering blanket he held against the ground as he looked quickly at Ezra to see if he was serious. He was. "Now, Ezra... I'll share 'em with ya, but I'll be damned if I'm gonna freeze my butt off just 'cause you overreacted and threw yours in the fire."
Ezra stood with his hands on his hips, staring indignantly at the older man. "Well, you certainly don't expect me to make do with just one... you know I have a low tolerance for the cold." The gambler saw a flash of doubt cross Buck's smiling face and pushed his advantage home. "After all, what will Mr. Jackson say if I return home sick as a result of one of your practical jokes?"
That was all it took for Buck. Just the idea of having to sit through one of Nathan's angry tirades had him searching for a way out of his predicament. "Ya got a point there. JD... you can give Ezra one of your blankets, too."
JD's mouth dropped open as he stared incredulously at the lanky gunman. "One a mine?! Why do I have to share with 'im... I wasn't the one that scared 'im half to death an' made 'im throw his blankets in the fire!"
Buck calmly explained his reasoning and gave JD a look that warned him not to argue. "Yeah, but ya sure didn't try an' stop me... an' ya know how my jokes always turn out, so you're partly to blame, too."
Knowing he'd never win the argument, JD gave up, and muttering angrily to himself, set about brewing a new pot of coffee, since Ezra's blankets had knocked the first one over.
After a hot breakfast and several mugs of the Kid's rather strong coffee, Ezra's frazzled nerves finally began to smooth out. Now he could set his mind to plotting a suitable way to exact retribution against Buck.
Josiah and Nathan were just finishing up their breakfast when Chris walked in, and after grabbing a mug of coffee, sank wearily down on one of the chairs.
"Just back from patrol?" Josiah asked as he gathered up his and Nathan's plates and carried them over to the bar, swapping them for the pot of coffee Inez held in her hand.
Chris shook his head and took a sip from the steaming mug. "Vin took Buck's turn at patrol this morning, but I might as well have gone... couldn't sleep anyway."
Nathan glanced at him and frowned. "You feelin' alright?"
"Yeah... I just woke up early this mornin' and couldn't get back to sleep." Chris stretched, leaned back in his chair and let his eyes slide closed.
"Worried about our three absent brothers?" Josiah asked. He saw Nathan nodding in silent agreement out of the corner of his eye and smiled. Poor Chris... those three were a constant thorn in his side. Buck and JD were always involved in some sort of boisterous, overly-loud horseplay, driving the unusually reserved and silent Chris to distraction. And as for Ezra, the contentious gambler spent most of his time disagreeing with everything the man said. At times, it seemed he was on a suicidal mission to see just how far he could push Larabee before he erupted.
Chris shook his head, but Nathan and Josiah both saw him hesitate first. "They're just fishin', what kind of trouble could they get into?"
Noticing the utter silence that surrounded him, Chris opened his eyes and stared at the two other men. Both had huge grins on their faces and were slowly shaking their heads.
"Did you forget who we're talkin' 'bout?" Nathan chuckled as he poured another round of coffee in their mugs. "Those three attract trouble like a dog does fleas."
Chris heaved a sigh and pushed himself up out of the chair. "Well, maybe we'll get lucky this time and they'll all come home in one piece."
Josiah called after Chris as he headed out of the saloon. "You hold onto that dream, Brother... maybe it'll help you make it through the next few days." Nathan and he both burst out in surprised laughter as their leader turned, grinned, and gestured rudely in their direction before exiting the saloon.