Disclaimer: All the characters from the "Magnificent Seven" T.V. series are property of Trilogy Entertainment, The Mirisch Group, MGM Worldwide.
"I'm going to kill him." Julia Pemberton kept repeating even though her friends had tried to drown her sorrows in chocolate ice cream and were now of the opinion that sweet confectionery was not going to be quite enough to soothe this normally cool and collected redhead from unleashing her fury. They had been trying for quite some time now to shift Julia's thoughts away from its notions of homicidal slaughter to calmer state of being. Unfortunately, their efforts had hardly made and dent and it was starting to look as if something stronger was going to be required.
Something like scotch.
"Now my dear," Maude said making some attempt to calm the young woman down after they had departed the Emporium and retired to the saloon. It was Mary who had suggested the move since it was decided that it would do no good for the employees of the establishment to see its owner in such a state of distress and had opted for the privacy of the saloon. At this time of the day, the saloon was in the limbo state that existed between the end of the afternoon drinking session and the onset of the evening revelry. For the moment anyway, the premises were empty while Rain and Inez prepared for the arrival of the evening crowd, the working girls and just about anyone who wanted a drink and a good time.
"My Ezra can be awfully forgetful about such things." She replied, even though Maude was still secretly hurt that Ezra would keep something like this away from her. Judging by the young woman's reaction to Maude not knowing anything about her especially after a proposal was made, it would only be the natural thing to expect form a relationship this serious.
"I'm still going to kill him." Julia continued to muse as Inez poured her another drink.
"She's been saying that for the last ten minutes," Casey remarked, being new to Julia Pemberton's more volatile moods, having only seen the woman as a picture of calm elegance prior to this occasion. "Is she okay?"
"She'll be fine," Mary said with a reassuring expression on her face. "She's just angry at Ezra."
"Angry?" Alex retorted. "That's putting it mildly. If she doesn't stop saying something else, I'm going to prescribe something."
The six women were presently sitting along the bar counter, nursing an assortment of drinks ranging from hard liquor to sarsaparilla (for Casey), trying to console Julia as she seethed in so far non violent rage about Ezra's deception not only of her but also his mother. It did not make matters any better to know that Ezra had in his keeping a wedding ring, he reserved for the future Mrs Standish, which he had never presented to Julia or even mentioned, despite the fact that he had made a proposal to her some months before. Julia downed her second glass of scotch and gave everyone at the table a sense relief that she woman was capable of handling her liquor since none of them relished having to carry her out of the place. Still that would be a mild reaction in comparison of her more baser desire, which was to ride out to where Ezra presently was and kill him.
"I'm fine." Julia mumbled after awhile. She was incensed beyond belief that Ezra had not bothered to tell Maude about her but for the moment, it appeared that there was nothing to be done about it until the rat fink bastard returned from the trail with the rest of the seven. "I'll be fine until he gets back. I'm sorry Maude," Julia remarked with a perfectly calm voice, "you do realise I have to kill him."
"I find killing to be an extremely inefficient form of revenge," the older woman said with a smile, having to admit liked Julia Pemberton's fire. "It might provide momentary satisfaction but for a truly lasting effect, we need to make him suffer a little."
"Well," Mary spoke up. "We could get Alex to play cards with him again." The editor gave Alex a look of mischief as she recalled how Alex had once played a public game of cards with Ezra in the saloon sometime ago. Although Alex had spared him the embarrassment of beating him before the whole of Four Corners, she had folded with a royal flush, which she revealed to Ezra after he was done patting himself on the back at how well he played.
"No thank you." Alex retorted, shaking her head defiantly as an indicator on how she felt on the subject. "It took him long enough the last time to get over it without his knocking on my door everyday demanding a rematch. He was starting to scare my patients."
Maude looked at her immediately. "I never figured a respectable doctor for being so talented. My Ezra is extremely skilled, it's rare for him to be beaten fairly."
"She is really good." Inez commented having heard that last snippet of conversation as she emerged from the kitchen with Rain, carrying a tray containing food that smelt really tasty. The enticing aroma wafted throughout the room and managed to do the impossible of forcing away the stench of liquor that had seeped into the walls of the building after so many years of abuse. No sooner than she had set it down, the women began picking a the piping hot food.
"She played so well once that we barely escaped with our lives because the men she played with thought Alex was hustling them." The Mexican further added.
"Oh must we relieve that?" Mary groaned, burying her face on the counter, remembering her role in that incident.
"I am intrigued." Maude said, wishing to hear more since the wheels inside her mind were already turning. She had originally come to Four Corners to gain the company of her son on her intended venture in Eagle Bend. However, since it appeared he was unreachable, she did not mind the company of someone who was just as accomplished a player since the enterprise in Eagle Bend promised a great deal of money to whomever won, not to mention the prestige. Besides, it was always safer to travel in numbers, even if those numbers did not include a man. "Just where did you acquire this skill?"
Alex frowned, always becoming a little embarrassed when she spoke about her gambling skills. "I learned a little here and there." Alex shrugged. "When I was travelling with my father, there was not a lot to do but learn to play cards for the hours I spent on trains and caravans. Not to mention I played a lot in medical school."
"How interesting." Maude mused, deliberating on this interesting piece of news and wondering whether or not she could use it to her advantage.
Inez who knew her better than any one else at the counter, immediately recognised the calculation in her eyes because she wore the same look that Ezra did whenever something devious was taking place behind his sea coloured eyes. "Alright Mrs Standish, what is your mind?" Inez looked at the woman closely as Rain served the food around the table.
"Well," Maude gave Inez a knowing smile. "Since you asked. I had come to Four Corners for a particular reason."
"Really?" Mary remarked with a hint of sarcasm, aware of Mrs Standish reputation as something of a con artist, proving the apple never fell far from the tree where Ezra was concerned. Still, one had to like Maude, despite her duplicitous manner. It was not easy for a woman to live life on her own terms and yet Maude had done so spectacularly, proving to all that she was a force to be reckoned with. Even though Ezra sometimes feigned frustration in her presence, Mary could tell that the gambler was somewhat in awe of his mother.
If Maude noted the derision in Mary's voice, she did not react to it, continuing to relate the reason for her presence in Four Corners and wondering if Doctor Alexandra Styles was the kind of person who would accept the challenge of the kind she was about to put forward. "I had hope to convince my darling boy to accompany me on a little trip to Eagle Bend. It appears that there is a gathering for those whose proclivities are inclined towards games of chance and it is drawing the attention of the very best players in the Territory."
"You mean a gambling tournament of some kind." Alex looked up, her interest piqued. "What's the stake to get in?"
A slow smile stole across Maude's face realising the doctor's interest was more than just passing. "A thousand dollars."
"A thousand dollars!" Mary and Casey exclaimed in a mixture of shock and astonishment which was further exacerbated when that figure did not seem so daunting to Alex who took on an expression on her face that the editor of the Clarion knew to be careful consideration. It was the same face she pulled whenever she was preparing to cut open a man or make a particularly difficult diagnosis.
"Alex you can't seriously be considering..." Mary started to say when Inez jumped in.
"Do you even have that kind of money?" The mother to be asked.
She did as a matter of fact. Thanks to her inheritance, she had that and quite a bit more. How much she actually had would surprise them all if they knew just what that inheritance entailed. Alex had not even told Vin about the true amount of her legacy, knowing how uncomfortable the tracker was already in regards to her financial situation when compared to his. Normally, indulging in something so exorbitant was not her way since Alex had become used to a rough and tumble existence travelling across the world with her father. It was only until after she enrolled in medical school did Alex become introduced to creature comforts.
"I may have." She said quietly, not wanting to show just how much her interest was piqued and it was piqued quite a bit. With Vin away for the weekend and Alex seeing no patients and having nothing better to do, the idea of a high stakes poker game was actually quite inviting even if it was not exactly the proper way for a lady to be spending her time.
"Let's go to Eagle Bend." Julia suggested, finally deigning to say something more than her intention to murder Ezra. "We haven't been away together for a few months, let's just take a weekend for ourselves."
"Oh no..." Mary started to protest. She was married now for goodness sake! She could not just up and leave at a moment's notice without telling anyone. Not that she needed permission mind you, she was after a grown woman after all and if she wanted to go away with some dear friends for a weekend in Eagle Bend she did not have to have Chris blessing. Besides, what possible problem might he have with her going away? It was not like there was going to be repeat of the incident that took place when she had gone to Denver.
"Come on Mary," Alex urged. "Think about it, room service, hot baths and indoor plumbing and let's not forget, room service again. The last time we went away together, it was an ordeal. This time we can do it right."
Mary felt her resolve starting to slip because she did want to go. Realistically, she was never going to shake the persona of reliable community member long enough to have some fun while she was in Four Corners. How she was regarded in this town made that a virtual impossibility. "I suppose it would not hurt if I took a few days in Eagle Bend, I can drop in on Orin and say hello to Evie."
"You too Inez," Julia added, seeing Mary starting to capitulate. "You need to get out of this place more than any of us." The Emporium owner pointed out. After what she had seen Inez endure today at her establishment, Julia was convinced that this was only the beginning of the stigma Inez would soon have to live with, the more prolific her pregnancy became.
"No, I couldn't possibly." Inez protested, not wishing to venture anywhere into the world with the way she was at the moment. "Who would look after the saloon?"
"I can." Rain stated firmly. "In fact, I think you should go." The young woman stated firmly, knowing more than anyone just how much of a difficult time Inez was having. It was easy enough for her to hide it from the others whom did not see her on a daily basis. However, Rain worked with Inez closely and she saw all the emotional highs and low the woman endured, not just from the cruel words of the townsfolk but from the sheer pressure of what she was undertaking alone.
"I cannot afford it." Inez declared sheepishly, feeling embarrassed at having to make this admission. "I have to save money."
"Then consider this an early gift for the baby." Juila declared, "you're coming with us and it's on me."
"I could not let you do that." Inez stated, not happy to receive charity from anyone, least of all her friends.
"You can and you will," Julia stated. "Besides, I need to do something positive or else I'm going to ride out to where Ezra is and kill him."
"I rather you not do that dear." Maude remarked with a faint smile. "Not until I get my hands on my darling son first."
"You should go Inez," Casey declared, wishing she was going because it did sound like so much fun but Aunt Nettie would never let her go all that way alone, not to mention the final demands of such a trip.
"And maybe you ought to as well." Alex glanced at Casey, not missing the slight longing in her eyes at having to miss out on such a journey. It was not lost upon the doctor that the girl seldom got to go anywhere and for once, Alex was determined that was not going to be the case. "If I can talk your aunt into it, would you like to come with us?"
Casey positively beamed in delight. "Really?" She gushed with awe at even the remotest possibility. "I would love it but..." she paused a minute realising that she could not impose a financial burden like that upon her aunt who was barely making ends meet.
"But nothing." Alex said abruptly, almost clairvoyant in knowing that was what was concerning the young woman the most. Since her relationship with Vin, Alex had been spending as much time with Nettie and Casey as the tracker himself, enough to know that like Vin, she considered both of them family and it was not as if she did not have the money to spare. "It's settled. I'll talk to Nettie and pick up any expenses. It will be my pleasure, Casey."
"Oh Alex," Casey tried to hide the emotion welling in her eyes at Alex's gesture. "Thank you so much."
"Don't get too excited," Alex replied quickly. "I still have to convince Nettie about this."
"Rain," Inez looked to her newest bartender. "You sure you don't mind staying here and looking after the bar?" In truth, Inez wanted to get away from Four Corners for awhile and was grateful to Julia for the financial aid that would allow her to do it. Although she was heavily pregnant, she knew this would be the last opportunity to enjoy herself like this before the baby came. Still she felt guilty leaving Rain like this and indulging herself.
"I shall consider it a challenge and besides, someone has to tell the men something when they get back." Rain declared, reminding them of the one point they had all seemed to have overlooked.
"Oh yes." Alex replied. "I forgot about that. Vin won't have a problem with me going anywhere." Alex replied even though if he knew what was the reason for her trip, it might be another thing entirely.
"Well Ezra ought to be lucky that I am going away," Julia hissed, her anger at Ezra's deception had not abated and she knew that when they faced each other again, he was going to have some explaining to do... before she knocked his block off.
"I'm sure he had a good reason." Inez voiced, feeling some unfathomable need to speak up in the gambler's defence since both his mother and the love of his life were adamant in spilling blood.
"Do you really believe that?" Mary asked her quietly.
"With Ezra, who knows." Inez declared, throwing her hands up in a gesture of futility.
"Well, if you intend to accompany me on this venture, I should like to leave as soon as possible. Preferably in the morning." Maude allowed her gaze sweep over the women before her.
"That would be difficult since the stage does not arrive in town until Monday." Mary pointed out.
"I'm afraid that will not do." Maude frowned because they were required to be in Eagle Bend on Sunday night for the gathering. "If we wish to go, we must find some alternate forms of transportation."
"Well," Mary shrugged, considering their position. "What we could do is ride to Sweet Water in a carriage and then take the train into Eagle Bend."
"That would work." Alex agreed. "Sweet Water is not that far and we can take turns at the reins." She glanced briefly at the others who nodded their approval to her plan.
"Okay then, I'll go talk to Mr Samuels about hiring a buggy big enough for us all." Mary said smiling, finding herself looking forward to spending a few days away from Four Corners with her friends. It would certainly break the monotony of the weekend and besides, Chris had wanted her to have some quality time to herself. As far as Mary was concerned, he had not been specific about where she was doing that and thus could hardly object if she decided to take a little road trip, could he?
"This is becoming quite an adventure." Maude retorted, uncertain whether or not the company was to be appreciated, since it appeared she was not going to have just one companion on this trip to Eagle Bend but five. While she would have still preferred Ezra's company in case they ran into Lewisham, there was something to be said about safety in numbers. Besides, Maude wanted to become better acquainted with Miss Julia Pemberton since Ezra had cared enough about the young woman to propose, something that Maude had known he had never done before. Her son was like her, a scoundrel and she was aware of the string of women he had left in his wake whenever the fancy took him to satisfy his urges in that way. However, had no time had he ever mentioned marriage or even brought up the subject without breaking into a cold sweat.
"Just don't get into trouble." Rain stated and immediately garnered four very strange looks from those present at the table.
Finally, it was Mary who spoke. "Why does everybody always say that?"
Although it took some convincing, Alex managed to induce Nettie Wells into letting Casey join them on their trip to Eagle Bend. The young woman was ecstatic at the possibility, having never been allowed to travel further than Four Corner for most of her life. While Nettie was uncomfortable about Alex paying for Casey's expenses during the journey, the doctor made the entreaty that it was for Casey's benefit to see what was out in the world. The girl was almost eighteen years old and she had never been anywhere without her aunt. Alex argued with more sincerity than she might have admitted to that it was time for Casey to see what was beyond Four Corners and who could be a better chaperone that Mary Larabee? With that in mind, Nettie finally relented and the next morning, the group prepared to leave town for Sweet Water.
Rain carefully paid attention to all the instructions both Inez and Alex gave her, since the saloon was going to be her responsibility for the next two days. Alex had taken the liberty of wiring Doctor Keogh in Sweet Water and let him know that she would be away for the weekend and would be referring all her patients to him. The doctor had sent a return wire that he would be happy to spend the weekend in Four Corners while she was away and that pleased Alex even more. On occasion when neither she nor Nathan were present to deal with the ill health of Four Corners, it was some times necessary for her to enlist the aid of the old physician in Sweet Water who was most accommodating. In the meantime, Inez was somewhat cautious about Rain's ability to handle the drunks in the saloon for such an extended period of time. Although Rain had shown herself more than capable of dealing with the rowdier patrons of the establishment, Inez was reluctant to simply leave things in her hands while Inez went away on a frivolous expenditure of time.
"Don't worry," Rain said for the hundredth time that morning as she helped Inez with her luggage into the back of the carriage parked in front of the saloon where the group was congregating. All had been asked to pack light and no carried anything large than a single valise for their trip. "I can take care of things, I promise." The young woman reassured Inez as the pregnant woman pulled herself into the carriage with a slight groan.
"Take it easy." Alex warned cautiously, making certain that Inez had the most comfortable part of the buggy to endure the trip. Mary and Alex had agreed that they would take turns at the reins since they had the most experience handling a carriage of this size. Julia did not complain since she was still engrossed in thoughts about Ezra and taking the reins of a contraption like this required concentration, none of which was in her possession at the moment.
"I'm fine." Inez said as she sat between Julia and Maude which was just as well Mary found herself thinking as she looked over her shoulder from her position at the head of the buggy to see how everyone was placed with climbing on board. While both women had the same instinct to disembowel Ezra, that was as much as they had in common and their unceremonious meeting had plunged both into some very traditional but turbulent waters. She could tell that Julia was still nervous about being around Maude because she was Ezra's mother. As much as Julia might be angry with Ezra at this point, she still loved him and it was important to be liked by his mother.
"Tell me if it gets to rough." Mary remarked as Inez settled into place and gave her a gesture of thanks at the inquiry.
"Don't worry," she said with a smile. "If I can endure fighting off drunks in my saloon, I can certainly sit through a trip to Sweet Water."
"When are you due my dear?" Maude inquired, aware that Inez was carrying an illegitimate child but having experienced and generated enough scandal in her life time to be immune to the social taboo of the Mexican's situation.
"In about three months." Inez said with a smile. "I am hoping for a girl."
"Sensible choice," Maude agreed. She genuinely liked Inez and had been impressed with the woman from their very first meeting which was partly the reason why Maude had allowed Inez managerial control of the saloon. "Boys are so much trouble."
"Besides," Alex spoke up as she and Rain secured the last of the luggage into the back and rounded the corner of the buggy. "There is a certain poetic justice in Buck Wilmington having a daughter." The doctor said with a smile of mischief.
"Don't remind me." Inez groaned, not wanting to imagine what Buck as the protective father would look like. She had enough trying to picture Buck being able to remain in a monogamous relationship for more than two seconds. However, to his credit he had been abstaining from the company of other women since he had learnt about the baby or at least had been making a concerted effort to do so.
"You ready Casey?" Alex regarded Casey who was siting next opposite Inez and the others. Casey had been sitting quietly, listening to everyone's conversation and not contributing because she was still a little shy and felt somewhat out of depth in the company of her older peers. From her visits with Vin to the Wells' property, Alex had come to grow very fond of Casey and liked being on hand to answer the question, she was sometimes to embarrassed to ask Nettie about.
"Sure am." Casey beamed, unable to hide how thrilled she was at going on this trip. Casey was wearing a dress and surprised Alex with how much prettier she looked once she was out of men's clothes. If she wore dresses more often, there would be no reason for girls like Beth Parker to make fun of Casey because the girl was quite the beauty. She just did not show it.
"Come on Alex," Mary urged, wanting to get moving before it became too late in the day and they had a great deal of ground to cover if they wanted to reach the train that was departing Sweet Water, late this afternoon. "We need to get going."
Alex, who was the last one of the group who had not boarded, immediately swung around to face Rain. "Doctor Keogh should be here within the next few hours." Alex replied as she started to climb into the carriage. "He's rooming at the lodging house while he's in town but I've told him to use my clinic for any consultations. I've directed him to you so expect him to come calling."
"Alex," Rain let out a deep sigh, having heard all these instructions, two sets of them in fact, one from Inez and now from Alex. "I know exactly what to do. Trust me."
"Get in the carriage!" Julia said exasperated, echoing the thoughts of everyone else who was waiting impatiently for Alex.
"Okay, okay!" Alex grumbled, casting her a dark look before deciding that they were right. The sun was starting to arch across the sky and it was a good idea that they covered some distance before it was noon. "You know you're just grumpy because of Ezra." Alex teased.
"Keep it up," the Emporium stared at her darkly. "I might just tell Vin why you're really going to Eagle Bend."
"Touché." Alex frowned and then got into the carriage.
The girls had not been gone for more than a few hours when disaster struck.
Oh No!
That was the only that would come to mind when Rain stared across the floor of the saloon, almost half a day after her friends had left town for Eagle Bend and she found herself staring at Chris Larabee and the rest of the seven enter the saloon. Stop being ridiculous, Rain told herself, wondering why she should feel this sudden tightening in her chest at the return of the town's lawmen. After all, Nathan was with them and she would no doubt be thrilled to see the healer once her immediate horror had faded. Still Rain could not help wonder what they were doing back. She was certain Mary had said the seven would be gone for at least a few more days.
Outside it was storming heavily and as they entered the saloon, the seven began removing their long coats, shaking off the heavy droplets of water from their wet oilskins. Despite the coats, the men looked soaked to the bone, which was hardly surprising considering the intensity of the rain beyond the walls of the saloon. When it had started to come down, Rain had found herself feeling some measure of concern at how her friends were faring in this weather. The rumble of thunder rolled through the air with shocking regularity and occasionally a flash of lighting was prolific enough to be seen through the window.
"Howdy Rain." Vin Tanner greeted as he and Chris Larabee reached the bar first. Behind them, Nathan flashed her a warm smile of greeting while Josiah, Buck, JD and Ezra immediately gathered around their favourite table and promptly sat down. All of them looked wet and tired and Rain did not envy them for having to ride through such miserable weather.
"Hello Vin." Rain responded trying to hide that there was anything wrong. "You're back early."
"Yeah," Chris replied taking of his hat and running his fingers through his wet blond hair. Like the rest of the group, he looked just as soaked and worn. "The settlers figured they could make it on their own and since we didn't run into trouble for most of the way there, we guessed they were right and started for home yesterday."
"Hey Rain." Nathan greeted as he leaned over the counter and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "How's things been while we've been gone?'
"Oh same old, same old." Rain shrugged, knowing that eventually, in fact sooner than that actually, she was going to have to tell them about Mary and the others. "You boys look thirsty, I'll get you something to drink." She answered, swearing at how skittish she looked.
Rain had good reason to be concerned because Chris Larabee had caught on quickly to her behaviour. Chris who had an uncanny ability to read people, could tell when someone was hiding something and was more than certain after a few seconds of careful observation that Rain was in that state of distress. He said nothing however, waiting until she served them all their drinks and returned behind the bar, trying to hide that expression on her face before Chris whose patience was not at all what it was today, decided enough was enough.
"Okay Rain," Chris responded, letting out a deep breath as he spoke. "What is it?" The gunslinger eyed her sternly.
"I don't know what you mean." She said feigning ignorance notice even Nathan staring at her strangely as if there was something in her eyes was giving the three men before her concern. Finally Rain decided she could not keep it from them anyway. The first time Chris went home and found his house empty, he was going to come marching back for answers. She might as well save him the trouble besides, Mary had just taken a trip to Eagle Bend for the weekend, as did all the other and in Ezra's case he ought to be damn grateful Julia was not here.
"Alright," Rain let out a sigh. "Mary, Inez, Alex, Julia and Casey have gone to Eagle Bend for the weekend."
Chris said nothing at first because there was no reason to be alarmed even if he did remember what happened to his wife the last time she and her friends had taken a trip. Prior to their marriage, she often visited Eagle Bend, not only to see the Judge and Evie but also too see Billy when he had still conducted his schooling there.
"What for?" Vin asked, disappointed that Alex was here because he had so looked forward to seeing her.
"Well Maude came into town..." Rain started to say.
"Maude?" Both Chris and Vin looked up sharply and exclaimed in unison, putting down the glasses in their hands down on the table with a slight thud.
"Please don't say Maude Standish is with them." Chris nearly pleaded, started to feel a headache coming on as well as that small voice in the back of his mind that was only heard when trouble was coming. Strangely enough, the last time he had heard that voice coincided with Mary's trip to Denver.
"They left this morning together." Rain answered reluctantly.
"Ezra!" Vin looked over his shoulder and barked. "You know why your mother was in town?"
Ezra was in mid swallow and almost choked upon hearing that. The gambler had to steady himself or else he would have fallen out of his chair. Scrambling out of his seat, whatever poise and agility he was known to possess was replaced by a clumsy attempt to reach the counter as quickly as possible. With almost wide-eyed fear, Ezra hurried next to Vin and asked, "what do you mean my mother was in town?" His heart started pounding in his chest at the horrifying possibility that Maude might have been in Four Corners while he was away.
"Rain here says that Maude arrived in town yesterday." Nathan explained.
By now the others had come to the counter, drawn by curiosity at Ezra's odd behaviour. "What's going on?" Buck asked as he arrived next to Chris nursing his drink.
"The girls are gone." Chris replied. "With Maude."
"Do I dare ask that by all the ladies you also meant Julia?" Ezra asked, clearly distressed by the notion that Julia might have met Maude, though none of the others at the bar except for Rain had any idea why that would upset the gambler so much.
"It's too late Ezra," Rain decided to spare him the agony of not knowing since funeral arrangements needed to be made when both Maude and Julia got their hands on him. "Maude met Julia."
"On my God." Ezra dropped his head on the counter hard enough for his skull to make a fair whack on the wood. He continued thumping his head lightly as his friends looked on in confusion.
"Ezra, what's wrong?" Vin asked completely perplexed. "Why don't you want Maude to meet Julia?"
"Because I have not told my mother about Julia yet." Ezra confessed raising his head long enough to down the contents of his glass and gesturing to Rain, he would like another. Rain nodded sympathetically and filled his glass as the reaction to his statement moved across the bar.
Chris Larabee actually laughed.
He had been married long enough both times to know what kind of mess Ezra was in and he had to admit, Chris would rather face a firing squad then the trouble that Ezra was facing when both women had him in their sights again. "You're going to be a dead man, Ezra." He chuckled, feeling some of the trepidation about Mary's whereabouts slipping away with that news.
"She is going to kill you." Buck agreed with Chris just firmly, familiar enough with women to know how they were liable to react to this.
"Which one?" Chris asked. "It's a coin toss between Maude and Julia."
"Your compassion is overwhelming Mr Larabee." Ezra threw the gunslinger a look before draining his glass again and having the feeling he was going to have to drink a great deal more before the horror subsided.
"So why did they go to Eagle Bend?" Vin asked, moving off the subject of Ezra's impending doom.
"I don't know," Rain lied. "I think Maude had some business there and Alex thought it might be fun to get away for awhile." She explained. "After all, they didn't expect any of you back for a few days. Alex talked to Nettie and they took Casey with them too."
"Casey?" JD perked up, disliking the idea that Casey would have anything to do with Mrs Standish. After all, Ezra's mother was not exactly the most respectable person in the world and any business that Maude may have up her sleeve was not necessarily honest as he had learnt when he had been forced to arrest the woman during her last visit to Four Corners. "Casey went with them too?"
"Well Inez could use a few days away from here," Buck confessed, completely aware of how Inez had been treated by the rest of Four Corner's lately. He wished she would just accept her proposal so she would be rid of the insults and cruel barbs being thrown in her direction. Buck could not count how many times he had been forced to silence someone who had cast aspersions on the virtue of his lady while he had been in the bar or around town. He could appreciate why she might felt the need to escape the stigma of being an unwed mother for a few days in Eagle Bend.
"So could Mary," Chris replied, surprising himself with how calmly he was taking this news. True, he was slightly concerned with Maude being in the equation but then Mary had probably gone up to Eagle Bend to visit the Judge and Evie Travis so he could be assured of her safety.
"She is going to kill me." Ezra kept musing.
"And by the way," Rain leaned closer because she was enjoying his discomfirture a little, remembering how Julia had reacted to the news Maude knew nothing of her existence. "Do you really have a ring you keep for the future Mrs Standish?" She teased.
"Oh no." Ezra dropped his head on the counter again. "Please do not tell me my mother told her about that too." He almost begged.
Rain could only nod to the affirmative.
"You have a ring?" Josiah looked at the gambler in surprise.
"It's a family heirloom I have had in my keeping for some time," Ezra confessed, reaching into his jacket and fishing out the said bauble. Presenting it to the others, the ring was a band of silver with a signifcantly sized diamond fixed in place.
"Very nice." Buck whistled as he admired the piece of jewellery. "And you've never told Julia about this?"
"It never came up in conversation." The gambler sighed.
"I was wrong Ezra," Chris spoke up, unable to hide his amusement in his ice coloured eyes. "You're not going to be a dead man, you are one."
"Hell Ezra," Vin added. "I don't know nothing about women compared to you but even I know you don't hide a ring like that from your sweetheart."
"Thank you for that stellar observation," Ezra grimaced and replaced the ring back in his coat pocket. "So what did my mother want in town anyway? It cannot have just been simply to cause as much discourse in my life as possible."
"She had some business thing going on in Eagle Bend that she wanted you for but since you weren't here, she managed to convince Alex to join her." Rain answered.
"Wait a minute," Ezra met her gaze. "Maude wanted Alex to go with her to Eagle Bend?" The gambler asked suspiciously. "She asked specifically for Alex?"
It started to dawn on Rain that she might have said too much already but unfortunately, it was too late. "Well not specifically..." she stammered, wondering if she was cursed with a terminal case of being a blabber mouth.
"What is it?" Vin looked at Ezra in concern, seeing something in the gambler's face that gave the tracker reason to fear, particularly when it involved Alexandra Styles.
"Well there is only one reason that my mother would wish Alexandra to accompany her anywhere in lieu of my absence, particularly if mother knew that Alexandra's skills did not just pertain to doctoring." The gambler stared at Vin as if daring the tracker to guess what that might have been.
"Oh Christ," Chris groaned. "Its poker game isn't it?" The gunslinger caught on quicker than Vin did.
"Exactly." Ezra nodded unhappily.
"Are you telling me that your mother dragged Alex off to a poker game?" Vin almost cried out in horror and then reminded himself that this was Alex, dependable, reliable, sensible... oh hell, who was he kidding, she would have gone without a second thought! Maude would not have needed to drag her merely offer her the challenge of playing the game with some very capable opponents. As much as he loved Alex at times, her determination to prove she could do just as well as any man if she so desired, hampered her normally rational judgement.
"What so wrong about her going to a poker game?" JD asked, ever the innocent in these matters even though he was starting to get concerned about the tension that was seeping into Ezra's voice. "I mean Alex can play pretty well."
"I have no doubt as to the veracity of Alexandra's skills but the kind of game that would attract my mother's attention would require money and a great deal of it. The men that engage in this kind of competition is not the sort any of us would like the ladies to be keeping company with. I do not wish to sound alarmist but perhaps we should think about taking a quick trip to Eagle Bend."
Chris swore under his breath, debating whether or not he ought to go. He trusted Mary enough to know that she would not willing endanger herself by entering a situation that she could not cope with. Then again, trouble seemed to some particular preference for his wife like no woman alive and when she was together with Alex and Inez, who should not be underestimate even though she was six months pregnant, the combination was ultimately explosive. Still, how much trouble could she possibly encounter on the way to Eagle Bend?
"I'll go with you." Chris sighed not even bothering to answer that question.
The weather had turned bad when they were about two hours out of Four Corners. It rolled in with the wind across the clear blue sky, curling balls of grey clouds like tumbleweeds across the desert, turning its crisp colour into a dismal shade of mottled grey. The rain came soon after. It fell to the earth in large pregnant drops of water, splattering wide as it impacted on roof of the carriage in their slow progress to Eagle Bend. The rain was not too much of an inconvenience but it soon evolved into more than just a spring shower. The wind was picking up and blowing hard at the trees, bending their thick trunks so far back that it looked as if it would snap at any moment.
"Perhaps we ought to think about stopping." Inez said as she looked out of the window at the grey clouds marshalling themselves for a worse torrential onslaught.
"We're in the middle of nowhere." Julia replied unhappily even though she could understand Inez's reasoning for a break in the journey. The wind was battering the carriage rather relentlessly, swaying it from side to side as they continued on the trail that was muddy and uneven now. It was starting to play havoc on everyone's constitution.
"I'm worried about Mary." Alex declared, ignoring their remarks because Mary had only the benefit of a slight canopy to keep the weather from her unlike them who were safe and warm inside the carriage. Leaning out the window, Alex tried to catch sight of the blond who appeared drenched to the bone and singularly harassed as she attempted to battle the weather in her undertaking as driver.
"Mary!" Alex called out over the sound of rushing wind that whipped at her skin as they rode deeper into the storm.
"What?" Mary replied, wiping more water from her face and wishing that she had worn some heavier clothing because she was wet to the skin. Unfortunately, the nearest shelter was a small town called Coventry and it would take them three miles off the trail to Sweet Water should they choose to divert. There would be no way they would make the train to Eagle Bend this evening should she decide to make that detour. Not that she wanted to. Coventry had a notorious reputation and Mary did not wish to discover if the rumour she head heard were true or not, first hand.
"We have to stop." Alex cried out. "You can't drive in this weather. You'll get chilled to the bone!"
"I already am chilled to the bone," Mary retorted, having past the point of being chilled and entering the realm of numb some time back in their journey. "But there's not much we can do about it if we're to make that train."
"Damn," Alex swore as the doctor continued to lean out of the window. "Well at least, let's stop for awhile. I'll take the reins and you can dry off."
Mary did like the sound of that.
She was colder than she would like to have admitted and slipping into something warm appeared extremely inviting. Before her, the landscape was gloomy and grey, reflecting the same dismal colour in the sky as she looked for some shade under which to bring the carriage to a halt where they could take shelter for sometime while she and Alex made the exchange in drivers. She spotted some trees in the nearby distance and was about to nudge the horse in that direction when suddenly a loud crack of thunder was heard. It was loud enough to make her jump and startle the horses considerably. Both animals reared up on their hind legs and bolted forward before Mary knew what was evening happening.
The sudden surge forward tore the reins from her fingers as the horses sprinted forward, terrified of the sound that had sparked this sudden burst of speed and oblivious to the carriage it was pulling. Mary scrambled to find the lengths of leather and saw to her dismay that they had were dangling precariously towards the underside of the yoke that harnessed the horses to the carriage. Retrieving it was going to be perilous but not as dangerous as allowing the frightened animals to gallop out of control like this. The carriage began to shudder as the animals moved off the known trail to Sweet Water towards terrain that was covered in thick grass and shrubs.
"What's going on?" Alex shouted as she peered out the window. Inside the carriage, similar cries of concern were being uttered from her friends. She pulled herself back in time as the branch of a tree almost knocked her out of the window and saw the carriage veering dangerously close to the trees that were nowhere on the trail they were meant to be taking.
"The thunder spooked the horses!" Mary cried out as she held onto the railing of the driver's seat and lowered herself down so she could reach the errant reins. "I lost the reins!"
"Mary be careful!" Alex stared on with fear, knowing how serious an injury it would be if she were too fall in this dangerous attempt to get the horses under control.
"Believe me," Mary retorted as she struggled to reach for the reins that was only inches away. "I am completely aware of that!"
The thunder was still roaring around her ears, only now its rumble was combined the with rushing of wind and the pounding hoofbeats of horses against wet mud. The carriage was rolling over some very uneven terrain and if something was not done soon, she could not be sure that the structure could take this kind of abuse. Leaning over as far as she could, Mary felt her knuckles go white as her fist tightened around the railing, holding on for dear life as she struggled to reach for the reins. She bit down, forcing away her fear as she persisted to breach the miles of those few short inches. It did not help her co-ordination that the carriage was shuddering violently each time it rumbled forward without a driver, over very uncertain terrain.
Finally after what seemed an eternity, Mary felt her fingers touch the rough leather of the reins and she immediately grasped wildly to gain a more secure hold. Gaining a firm grip, she quickly pulled back and retreated to her seat, letting out a deep breath as she placed herself back in position at the head of the carriage. "I got it!" Mary exclaimed in exultation as she leaned back and shouted to her friends, wanting them to be relieved of their anxiety and to be assured she would soon have things under control again.
Suddenly, the carriage shuddered with a massive jolt that followed the snap of wood so loud that Mary could hear it through the storm around her. The carriage dropped violently to its side, tossing the editor of the Clarion News from her seat at the sudden shift. Mary let out a frightened scream as she was flung from the carriage as it kept going past her. Landing hard on the wet grass, there was final moment of pain before everything went black and she knew no more.
Inside the carriage, similar pandemonium ensued as the remnants of the rear wheel fell away from the carriage, dragging the entire structure through the mud. Nothing could be heard beyond their frightened cries, not even the sound of wood scrapping against wet earth as they rumbled forward at a sharp incline. Eventually, the drag proved too much for the horses and the devastating pace of their fear that had been the cause of so much havoc broke under the strain of the weight pulling back at them. Inside the carriage, everything that had not been bolted down had gone flying through the air and the interior was covered with hats, scarves and purses that been snapped open, spilled its contents everywhere.
When they had come to a stop, it was Alex who had come to her senses. It was the doctor's spirit in her that brought lucidity to her mind first because the instinct to help the injured was most prevalent in her thoughts. Looking around, she saw the dishevelled faces about her, appearing frightened and breathless as they finally came to a halt from the nightmare of the last few minutes. Outside, the rain was still battering down upon the top of the carriage, creating a pitter patter of sound that seemed so out of place considering the inside of it looked as if someone had shaken it like a rattle.
"Is everyone alright?" Alex inquired immediately and then turned to Inez first because she was the one who was most vulnerable of them all. "Inez, are you okay?"
"Yes," Inez nodded, feeling her weight pressing into Maude as the carriage rested at an incline. Her pounding heart had started to slow down but like all the women present with her, she was shaken. "I'm fine." She answered quickly. "I'm just a little jittery."
"What happened, Alex?" Casey asked. "It felt like the horses were out of control."
"Horses." Suddenly, Alex remembered Mary. "Mary!" The doctor scrambled towards the door and was forced to traverse up the end that was tilted upward because she could see the door nearest to the ground was jammed against the muddy ground.
"Oh god." Julia exclaimed in realisation and wasted no time in following the doctor as both women struggled to emerge from the carriage. It took a few minutes to climb off the side of buggy, which was as they guessed, tilted sharply on one edge where a wheel should have been, with the axle buried deep under inches of mud and dirt.
Alex felt her body ached slightly as she disembarked from the carriage, having been tossed around within its confines quite violently when the wheel had broken. Julia as always, managed to look impeccable despite whatever calamity took place. The Emporium owner clambered out of the doorway, following Alex closely as the doctor rounded the side of the carriage and hurried to the front where the driver's seat was located.
"Mary!" She called out and felt dismay when she heard no answer.
She gave Julia a fearful look, trying not to convey just how frightened she was of the silence. Alex was the strong one, that was the given. She was required to make a glib remark or bring humour to their situation no matter how bad it was. Mary was the leader; they were drawn to her just like the seven were drawn to Chris. It had nothing to do with the fact that she belonged to Chris or their natures were so strong willed, it just felt natural for the women who loved the seven to regard Mary in the same way. It was unexplainable.
The horses were still but Mary was missing.
The driver's seat was vacant and without even offering the instruction to each other, both women began fanning out, searching through the lengths of grass and shrubs for any sign of the Clarion News's editor. By this time, Maude, Inez and Casey had also emerged from the carriage, sensing some urgency in Alex's manner and her abrupt departure. It was still raining hard but none of them cared, not even Maude when she realised that someone was seriously hurt and for the moment, she was in this together with the women who were searching desperately for their friends. She saw the concern in their eyes and felt a surge of envy wondering what it was like to have friends who cared so much and while standing in the middle of nowhere, being soaked to skin, Maude finally understood why Ezra was so bound to Four Corners.
"Spread out!" Alex ordered the others. "We've got to find Mary. I think she was thrown."
"Oh my god!" Inez exclaimed, horrified by that notion and how seriously injured her best friend might be injured following such a fall and looked around anxiously, trying to spot her through the blanket of grey that covered the landscape.
"Inez, take it easy." Julia replied automatically. "I know you want to help but you've got more than just yourself to think about." The emporium owner warned. "Casey, could you please stay close to Inez?"
"Sure, Julia." Casey nodded, trying to hide her own worries about Mrs Larabee. Mary had been the first person who treated her like a young lady, not some misfit who wore men's clothes and did not know the first thing about behaving like a proper lady. The group spread out across the area, trying to find Mary through the dense covering of vegetation that was prevalent in this area. The longer it took for them to not find Mary, the deeper their fears became. It did not help that the rain was getting heavier and visibility beyond a few feet was becoming impossible.
Alex refused to give up and kept walking, creating a wider gap between herself and the others as she followed the grooves in the mud where the axle had torn up earth and mud as it was dragged along the ground. The trail was not that difficult to follow, even for a rank amateur like her and for the moment, it was the only thing Alex could think to do to find Mary. Their belongings left a tell tale trail of the course they had taken when the horses had gone on their detour. As Alex continued to look for Mary, she felt a tightness in her chest at the realisation that they were in the middle of nowhere with a carriage that was just as trapped as they were in this harsh terrain. If Mary was hurt, then Alex was the only chance that she had to get any medical help and Alex was not going to stop looking until she found Mary Larabee.
She left the others behind as she continued on into the rain. After awhile, she looked over her shoulder and could only see the faint silhouette of the carriage in the rain and nothing else. Ahead of her, she could only see more trees and tall grass but no sign of Mary. Despite her efficiently cool nature, Alex was starting to become extremely agitated about their present situation, particularly with not finding Mary. No one knew they were here except for Rain and the men would not be back for days. Of course, it would not take long for Vin to track them once they did know but that was not the point, what if Mary needed serious medical attention now?
"This is all my fault." Alex grimaced, confident that no one was going to hear it. "I'm just as bad as Ezra. Going to Eagle Bend for a poker game? Christ!"
"Do you mind giving the self recrimination a rest?" A voice spoke up wearily. "I could really use your help here."
Alex swung around and saw a hint of blue that she had missed earlier because she was so busy berating herself at her stupid actions earlier. Mary Larabee was sitting up not too far from the grooves in the soil Alex had been following, covered in mud and bruises where she had found herself after regaining consciousness from her fall. An explosion of relief escaped the doctor in a loud sigh as she immediately ran forward at the sound of Mary's voice.
"I found her!" Alex called out to the others, hoping they could hear her over the rain as she hurried through the tall grass, almost losing her footing in her eagerness to reach Mary. "Are you okay? Can you move? Tell me where it hurts if you can't!"
"Slow down," Mary grumbled with calm she was amazed she still possessed even though every bone in her body ached and her head swam a little. "I was almost killed for God sake's. I can't process so many questions at once."
"I'm glad to see you too." Alex retorted as she skidded to her knees upon reaching Mary. Outwardly, the editor of the Clarion did not appear to have any serious injuries but it was difficult to see through all the mud that was covering her clothes and skin.
"What the hell happened?" Mary groaned as she rubbed her forehead in effort to dull the throbbing pain she was feeling. The vertigo in her head had ceased but she still had difficulty focusing.
"One of the wheels on the carriage broke." Alex informed her dutifully as the doctor began examining her with deeper scrutiny. "Must have ran over something when the horses were out of control."
"I can believe it," Mary replied, remembering the violence of which she had been thrown from the carriage to the ground. For a brief instance, images of pain and flying through the air filled her mind and she found herself short of breath as the fear of the moment grasped its clammy hands over her heart. Mary crushed the feeling ruthlessly; knowing it would so her little good at this time. "Is everyone else okay?" She asked, hoping that Alex's answer would distract her own fears from surfacing again.
"Yes," Alex responded, continuing to look Mary over for any signs of serious injury. "We're all a little rattled but we're okay. Can you tell me where it hurts?"
"Oh just about everywhere." She said with a half smile, trying to inject some humour in the situation before she really started to become scared at the situation they now found themselves.
"Can you narrow it down a little?" Alex asked, indulging Mary her little eccentricities, understanding the emotions that motivated it.
Alex shifted her attention to Mary's leg and found that her right ankle was sprained. Other than a mild concussion, the woman had amazingly come through her ordeal without any serious damage and that gave Alex cause for some relief even though they were far from safe. There was little Alex could do to heal Mary's sprain without taking her back to the carriage where her medical bag was presently located. Unfortunately, the rest of their luggage was strewn across the trail the carriage had taken when it had been sent of out control by the horses.
By this time, Julia and Maude had reached them which was just as well because it appeared Mary was in no condition to walk anywhere when Alex had finally helped her to her feet. As soon as Mary had put any weight on the tender limb, a soft cry of pain had escaped her and she found that she was balancing herself on Alex's shoulder before Julia arrived and lent the shoulder of secondary support. Slowly, the quartet returned to the carriage, following the trail of their possessions, not to mention the deep grooves in the soil to find the others once again.
Since the only shelter seemed to be inside the carriage at present, the group immediately took refuge within its cramp confines so that Alex could tend to Mary's legs while at the same time, the group could decide what they ought to do about extricating themselves from their present predicament. Upon further examination, the carriage did seem as irredeemable as it looked did. Nothing remained of the wheel other than some rather large pieces that were no use to anyone to say nothing about actually being functional again. Worst of all, there did not appear to be a spare, although in truth it would have made very little difference if there were since none of the women had any idea how to replace a damaged wheel. It appeared that for the duration, the carriage was just as stranded here in this wilderness as they were unless someone came up with a plan.
"Okay so what do we do?" Julia asked as she took a bite of the sandwich she was presently holding in her hand. Fortunately, they had packed some food for the journey and while each one of them would have killed for a warm cup of coffee at this point, the repast though meagre, was welcomed.
"Well I say we unhitch the horses and two of us go for help." Mary suggested as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat, trying to move into a more accommodating position. Now more than ever, she noticed how small and tight their present location was and knew that they had to get out of here soon before tempers started flaring.
"Where to?" Julia asked, not knowing the territory with any kind of familiarity.
"Coventry is near here." Casey suggested, being the only other person in the carriage besides Mary who knew the local territory.
"Coventry?" Alex cast a questioning glimpse at Mary, unfamiliar with the place. She did not even think she had ever heard anyone mention the place before this moment.
"It's a small town but not one I'd like to recommend we go to." Mary said frowning, having heard some of the reports about the community and knowing for certain that they should avoid the place if it was all possible, if even half of what she had heard was true.
"Why is that?" Julia asked, unable to ignore the look of worry on Mary's face at the thought of them even visiting the town.
"I have heard stories about their sheriff." Mary confessed reluctantly and knew like they all did that they had little choice. Coventry would have to be the place they would need to go to seek help. Four Corners was too far behind them and Sweet Water was too far ahead. However, everyone listened closely as Mary explained what she knew about the infamous Sheriff Pierce of Coventry. "He's meant to be as corrupt as they come and twice as mean. Most of the reason why people do not stop in Coventry is because they've had most unpleasant meetings with the man."
"How far is that from here?" Alex questioned, taking note of the caution in Mary's voice but determining that they had little choice in the matter. If Coventry was the closest place to find help, she did not see any other alternative but to go there.
"A few miles, no more." Mary answered unhappily. "I would not recommend going there." She declared firmly, seeing the determination in Alex's eyes at their next course of action. "Perhaps we should try for Four Corners." She suggested even though it was highly doubtful if anyone would take heed to that idea.
"We should go to Coventry." Maude interjected. "We simply cannot remain out here the whole night. Aside from the fact that you are injured Mary, there is no way we are all going to be able to stay for any length of time in such unpleasant surroundings, not to mention we have a train to catch."
Alex looked at Maude in astonishment. "Forget about the train. We're not going to make it!"
"I assure you that come tomorrow when the first card is dealt in Eagle Bend, I intend to be there." Maude retorted defiantly, unable to believe that she was going to miss the biggest game of the year because of this minor hiccup in her travelling plans. "I think we ought to go to Coventry and acquire some alternate means of transportation. It would make the most sense."
"I don't know..." Inez offered her reluctance. "If this man is as dangerous as Mary says then perhaps it would not be wise to tempt fate by placing ourselves anywhere near him. You know how we attract trouble."
"I would not have guessed." Julia met the woman's gaze sarcastically as she let her eyes sweep over their surroundings.
"Casey and I will go to Coventry." Alex stated and noted Mary about to protest. "Now before you argue with me Mary," Alex quickly cut her off before any sound could escape her lips. "Hear me out. First thing I'll do when I get there is send a telegram to Four Corners letting Rain know what's happened. Then Casey and I will see about getting someone out here to put a new wheel on the carriage or to hire a new one all together. In any case, we should have no reason to make any contact whatsoever with this sheriff."
"I hope so." Mary said dubiously, unable to deny that she did not like this idea at all. "If you knew half the stories I've heard about this sheriff, you'd know why I really don't want either or you there."
"Look," Alex sighed; not relishing the idea of running into this man herself because the fear she was seeing in Mary's eyes was nothing to disregard easily. "It's got to be me and Casey. I don't ride very well but I'm sure as hell better than Julia."
"Hey!" Julia exclaimed with mock hurt. "I'm getting better." She protested.
Alex met her gaze and then replied with a completely straight face. "Moving right along. Inez on the other hand is in no condition to ride anywhere in her condition which just leaves me and Casey since I'm assuming you're going to want to stay here, Maude?"
"You are skilled as you are perceptive." The older woman said with a smile.
"I thought so." Alex rolled her eyes. "It's so nice to know we're in all this together."