Disclaimer: All the characters from the "Magnificent Seven" T.V. series are property of Trilogy Entertainment, The Mirisch Group, MGM Worldwide.
The Marshall came home early one day and Maude knew there was going to be trouble.
The expression in his eyes said as much and even though she had anticipated it since hearing that exchange between him and the two strangers some nights ago, seeing it there finally drove home to her the reality of it all. She saw his face, etched in worry he was trying to hide desperately from her and knew that it was terrible indeed what he had had understand in the last few days since that ominous visit. She had known violent men in her life. Being in the con game, it was not possible to avoid such men. Their stink filled up the gambling dens where she frequented and the one-horse towns she breezed into briefly before swindling the locals out of their money and drifting out again. It took some effort to avoid them and the derringer she carried in those days saved her life more times than she care to admit.
If only it was that simple.
"What is it?" She had asked, holding Ezra in her arms. The child seemed to sense that something was wrong and the atmosphere drove him into silence as his father paused at the hallway, staring long and hard at his mother, trying to hide the fear he so obviously felt, not for himself but for his family.
"You need to leave," Peter had said softly, his eyes dropping to the rugged hallway, almost as if he were ashamed to face Maude.
"Leave?" Maude came forward. "What do you mean leave?"
"I mean you need to get going tonight." He raised his eyes and made contact with her once more and Maude saw the terrible anguish in his face. His eyes were glistening with emotion as he took in the sight of the wife and child who meant more to him than anything in the world. He had dreamed of growing old with them but he knew that could never be. They were after him now and they would not stop until they had him. If it were just his death that they were satisfied with, Peter could have tolerated it. After all, he was a lawman and the life of a lawman demanded certain risks. He had lived with the possibility of an early grave ever since he put on the tin star. He had hoped through the normal course of events that perhaps he might live to see his son grow to manhood and age through the years with his wife but he also accepted that he could die early.
However, those who were coming after him did not merely want his life. They wanted his family's too and that was something that Peter Reeves could not allow no matter what it cost him. He knew Bosshard and his reputation. They said that once Bosshard embarked upon a quest of vengeance, he would not pause until he had eliminated the entire family. The man had the belief that the surviving family of a fallen enemy would be a mistake that would return to haunt him and so he was taking no chances. Reeves had embarrassed him before Sweeney and Cotran when Bosshard had attempted to ambush him some days earlier. Reeves was too much of the professional to be caught so easily and his evasion of the trap set for him had lowered Bosshard's standing in the eyes of the men who employed him. It was a trespass for which he could not forgive Reeves and had thus sworn to destroy the Marshall and his family.
At first Reeves thought it to be the arrogant ravings of a murderer but then he heard that Bosshard had acquired men to ride with to fulfil his quest and they were only less than a day away. Peter had that much time to ensure that Maude and Ezra were sent somewhere safe. He considered going with them but he knew that would not stop Bosshard, the man would keep coming and coming. His reputation had him pegged as being relentless and eventually, Reeves knew that he would be cornered and with him, his beloved wife and child upon whom Bosshard would satisfy his vengeance.
There was only one way to protect Maude and Ezra and that required him to make the ultimate sacrifice. He would stay behind and give Bosshard the bloodiest fight he could manage before the bastard and his men killed him but while he died, he would do with the knowledge that Maude and Ezra would be far away from the place where would finally fall. They would be safe because his Maude was smart and beautiful and she would know how to hide well. If Reeves had faith in nothing else, he had faith in Maude being able to hold her own.
No one would ever harm her or her son if Maude Reeves decided that was how it was going to be.
"Peter," Maude begged, her heart pounding with fear. "Please tell me what is wrong. Don't ask me to leave without giving me that much at least."
"They're coming for me." Reeves said finally, unable to lie to her any more because she was his wife and she had a right to know the danger that was coming for all of them. "They won't be satisfied with just me. The man, who wants to kill me, wants the last thing I see before I die is him killing you and Ezra. I won't let that happen. That's why you have to go tonight."
Maude was already shaking her head. "No," she stared at him in horror at the mere suggestion. "Don't ask me to do that."
The sorrow in her voice reached out to the infant in her arms and he started to wail too, a pitiful sound that tugged at the hearts of both his parents and immediately hastened his father to take him from his mother's arms.
Reeves held his boy in his arms, wondering how a tiny bundle of life could feel a space inside himself that he never dreamed was empty to begin with. Ezra had that power over him, just as Maude had his heart in the palm of her hand. He stared at his son's cherubic face, wet with tears and wondered what kind of man Ezra was going to be without him. His heart almost broke at that thought at all the things he knew he would never get to do with his son but was willing to sacrifice knowing that Ezra would get the chance to do them even if he wasn't around.
"Now Ezra," Reeves said softly. "That any way of a strong young man like you to behave, especially in front of your mother?"
The child stopped crying and listened at his father, wiping his wet eyes with a balled fist. Reeves doubted that the words held any meaning for his son but he supposed the tone might have a little more impact. Ezra watched Reeves with those sea colored eyes that were all Maude's. At that instant, the Marshall decided that this was his finest creation and even the badge he was going to die for would not mean as much as knowing his son would live to grow up and know all the promise that life had to offer.
"Sometimes, you have to do what you have to do Ezra. There's no getting past it and it may hurt to give up what's safe for the unknown but it has to be done because a man can't be a man unless he knows how to gamble on the extraordinary."
Reeves knew his son could not comprehend his words but as he looked into those eyes, Reeves swore that Ezra had understood.
"You should have let me kill him," Maude said to Ezra when she was told about what had been transpiring between Julia and Benjamin Bosshard.
"Mother," Ezra sighed as he faced her across the parlor of Julia's house, "that is not productive at this point."
Ezra had escorted Julia home following their encounter with Bosshard in her office at the Emporium. Despite how timely Ezra's arrival had been, Julia was nonetheless shaken by the entire episode and fear that there would be repercussions for her act of defiance beyond Bosshard's threat to reveal her whereabouts to her father. Maude had told her how vindictive Bosshard could be and coupled with an agenda the man was determined to fulfil in Four Corners, made a dangerous combination which could incite the man to take more immediate action. She did not doubt it when Bosshard had claimed to have men waiting only his word to act. Neither could she forget the threat he had made not only to her but also to the seven and their families. While she and Ezra had only themselves to be concerned with, the same could not be said of Chris, Buck and Josiah. They had children in their lives, children who were vulnerable without them and Bosshard did not discriminate when it came to the age of his victims.
"Ezra," Julia spoke up interrupting the duo. "You have to warn Chris. He's said he would go after everyone if he did not get what he wanted. He'll do the same thing to Mary, Inez and the others, that he did to you and Maude."
Ezra froze at that notion and glanced quickly at Maude who nodded slightly, supporting that belief. "That's how he gets his revenge on those he kills Ezra, he makes them pay through their families. He did it to your father by trying to hurt us and now he'll do the same to you and your friends."
Ezra feared that both Maude and Julia might be right. He had acted out of anger when he heard Bosshard threatening the woman that he loved and despite his earlier agreement with Chris to remain calm, Ezra could not help himself but react after hearing the vile things Bosshard had said to Julia. As it was Bosshard was lucky to come away alive instead of simply missing an ear although he was certain that Bosshard would not view himself as fortunate when he looked in the mirror and saw his mutilate deflection. That thought alone brought a smile to Ezra's lips and a feeling of relish filled his bones that was more satisfying than he liked to admit because it resembled closely his mindset after dealing with Hannibal Julius.
"I am afraid that you might be right," Ezra agreed begrudgingly, cursing himself for letting his anger get the better of him. He should have just hastened Bosshard on his way when he had entered Julia's office not provoked him by shooting at him. While the scoundrel clearly deserved what Ezra had done to him, it was unwise to incite a man who had a great deal of hired muscle behind him to act in vengeance, especially when the seven had no idea of what numbers they might be forced to deal with. Ezra only hoped that Chris would understand that he was motivated by his desire to tear Bosshard from limb to limb because of Julia. Then again, considering how Chris reacted to anyone threatening Mary, Ezra was certain he would.
"Julia, mother," Ezra glanced at the two women. "I want you both to pack yourself a bag." He instructed.
"Where are we going?" Julia asked, not pleased to be running from her home. All she wanted to do following that horrible encounter with Bosshard was get under the covers of her bed and hide there indefinitely.
"Away from here," Ezra returned automatically, his tone indicating that this point was not up for negotiation. "I doubt the man will make reprisals tonight but that will give us time to vacate you from the premises while he recuperates. When he takes care of his injuries, I have no doubt he will want his pound of flesh as well."
"I will not run for him again," Maude stared back at her son defiantly. "I have done that far too much already. I will face him Ezra," she said determinedly. "I will face and I will kill him!"
"Mother!" Ezra almost shouted but his voice was not sharp but rather controlled and loud. He crossed the floor and was standing before her in a matter of seconds. "You will pack your things and be ready to leave by the time I return. I am not for one instance allowing you to remain here where I cannot protect you!"
"I don't need your protection," Maude returned with just as much vigor. "I can take care of myself. I will not run from him."
"You are not running," Ezra glared at her. "You are making a strategic withdrawal. For the moment, I want you and Julia out of the line of fire while I attempt to deal with this man before he sends God only knows how many hired guns he must have in his employ to hunt us down and kill us!"
"Maude," Julia spoke up. "Ezra is right. He said as much to me when he was threatening me. He'll come after all of us, including the children. He says he has men waiting in the wings, just in case Chris and the others decided to give him trouble."
Maude felt herself conceding to Ezra's demands even though she hated the idea of taking flight from Bosshard. She had spent so many years hiding from Bosshard and making sacrifices because it was necessary to keep herself and Ezra alive. She had sacrificed her identity as Peter's wife, being unable to keep even his name because that might lead Bosshard to her and her young son. She had taken to travelling and attempting to support Ezra by returning to the life she had turned her back on when she married Peter. In the process, severing any chance of having a remotely normal relationship with her son whom still looked at her as if she had abandoned him in his youth. She had told Ezra next to nothing about his father because she feared he would grow up hating the man who had murdered Peter and seek out Bosshard to carry out some plan of vengeance that would get him killed.
"Alright," she said after a moment. "I'll go."
"Thank you," Ezra said letting out a sigh of relief as he took his mother's hands in his and stared at her eyes. "Mother I know this is difficult for you but I promise he will trouble us no more after this. My father will be avenged but I will do it in a manner that will not dishonor him or me as his son."
"I know," she nodded slowly turning away. "You remind me so much of him sometimes it hurts." The glacial expression in her eyes he had always known melted away, revealing the woman who seldom revealed herself to anyone, even him. "I tried to make you like me so I wouldn't lose you and all I did was push you farther away. I hate Bosshard for that Ezra. I hate him because he made it necessary for me to do that and now that's this gap between us I can never cross because I don't really know you do I?"
"Of course you do," he said evasively but she was right. She did not know him at all. She had an impression of him but not what made up his heart. If she had, she would have understood that he had been searching for a place to belong all his life and had found it in Four Corners. However, Ezra had no wish of hurting Maude any more than she was already and right now, he needed to do as he asked while he sought out Chris. He was hoping that Chris told him that he was reacting because he did not want to uproot everyone by such threat but he had a feeling Chris would take what he had to say very seriously. After all, it was Chris who had been most aware of Bosshard ever since he arrived in town.
Julia did not wish to interrupt the moment Ezra was having with his mother and knew that in the days to come, mother and son would have to start engaging in some honest conversations with one another. It appeared to Julia that both of them had to escape the mire of secrets that kept them apart. Ezra knew next to nothing about the father who had died to protect him and Maude while Maude struggled to understand the wounds that she alone might be able to help Ezra heal if only he trusted her enough to tell her the truth about his ordeal.
"Ezra, please be careful," Julia spoke, returning Ezra's attention to her once more. She walked to him and held his face in her hands, joining their lips together in a kiss of affection.
When Ezra felt her mouth on his, suddenly he did not feel the need to push away as he savored its power over him. She tasted so perfect for him and he realized in that instance, that had Maude not been here and their situation not so grave, he would not have minded indulging himself in the sensations she was engendering in him. Perhaps seeing her in danger had made him appreciate how much she meant to him. When Bosshard had put his hands on Julia, Ezra was ready to kill him there and then. The idea of Bosshard touching Julia intimately made Ezra sick to his stomach and he knew that he would not allow her to be abused in such a vile manner. He had pictured how passionate their love making was and suddenly felt a longing in the pit of him that it had been too long since he heard her cry out his name in the heat of pleasure.
"At the moment, I am more concerned about your welfare in my absence rather than my own safety," he answered when he pulled away, though rather reluctantly. Their eyes met for a brief second and he saw that Julia understood what he was feeling and felt for the first time that things between them might be right again. "However, ladies," Ezra broke away from her and responded to both Julia and Maude, "we are somewhat pressed for time. If you would please?"
Julia nodded quietly but though she was pleased with the sign that things between there were evolving, she was still fearful. "Alright Ezra, just be careful. I don't want him to hurt you."
"Yes my darling boy," Maude agreed. "Do watch your back around that man. He may be hurt now but he will kill us all for what's happened."
"I think that was always the plan," Ezra said grimly as he started towards the door. "Sooner or later."
He would have preferred later.
Ezra proceeded to the Larabee home first. At this time of night Chris would be at supper with his family and though Ezra hated to interrupt the man whilst he was engaging in such a domestic past time, he did not think the news he had to impart upon Chris could wait. Besides, any threat to his family was something Chris wanted to be apprised of immediately. Considering what had happened between himself and Bosshard earlier, even if that were not true, Ezra felt that Chris ought to be warned of what was coming their way. Ezra was mindful of his journey to the Larabee home, remembering that it was on such a dark and silent night that he was captured by Hannibal Julius and since then, he had not been able to let down his guard. The night was no longer a safe a place it had been for him once because its shadows could be deadly.
Ezra arrived at the back porch and tapped gently on the door, hoping that Chris was home because he did not want to tell Mary that there was a situation because the lady would know his presence here at this time of night could only mean that. Ezra had only a moment to wait before he heard footsteps proceeding Chris' arrival at the door.
"Ezra?" Chris looked at him from the open doorway. "What's up?"
"I am afraid a situation might have developed," Ezra said after a moment's pause.
"Situation?" Chris asked, his body tensing. The family man sharing supper with his kin was now gone, replaced by the hardened gunslinger ready for trouble.
"It is my fault," Ezra confessed readily. "I went to see Julia and found her with Bosshard. He was attempting to blackmail her into compromising her virtue in order to keep him from harming me."
Chris' jaw stiffened in reaction as the blue of his eyes became sharp points of black obsidian. He thought of how Ezra must have reacted upon seeing Bosshard touching the woman he loved and understood entirely that any over reaction made by the gambler could not possibly be enough to avenge such a crime. If someone had been presumptuous enough, not to mention in possession of one monumental death wish, Chris would have reacted with probably less restraint than Ezra must have shown upon coming across such a scene.
"What did you?" Chris asked. There was no trace of accusation in his voice just the need to gauge how serious the situation was in order for him to formulate their next step.
"I did not kill if that is what worries you," Ezra said quickly. "I did however, give him something to remember the occasion." There was a hint of guilt on the gambler's face coupled with an equally portioned amount of satisfaction as he made that reply.
"Ezra," Chris started again, his patience becoming strained.
"I may have relieved him of his ear."
Well, that was probably a little better than amputating the man's genitals and using them to choke him to death, Chris thought silently. "Oh so you didn't get carried away." He deadpanned.
"Droll Mr Larabee," Ezra retorted before adding. "Prior to my mutilating him, Mr Bosshard was posturing that he had men laying in wait in the area and that if she did not capitulate to him, he would have them eliminate all of us, including our families. It did not sound like an idle threat. Considering how he avenged himself upon my father, I think we have to take him very seriously particularly in light of what I have just done to him."
A bubble of anger surfaced inside of Chris as he looked over his shoulder at his home and at the wife and children he could not see but knew to be there. It did not surprise him that it had come to this. Ever since Bosshard had turned up in town, Chris had known a showdown with the man would be inevitable. Chris had been paying close attention to the events taking place in Lincoln and Colfax ever since he became a lawman in Four Corners because he had guessed that eventually the malaise that affected those counties would come to his town. When Bosshard had arrived, he knew that time had come. Changes in local government had ensured that men like Thomas Cotran for whom Bosshard was employed could no longer terrorize those areas as they once had and logic dictated that he that they would soon branch out trying to continue their practice of land snatching in a new areas.
"I agree," Chris nodded. "It was bound to happen sooner or later. Bosshard knows there's only so far he can go with us watching his every move. Now that Julia's standing up to him, he's got no choice but to take this town by force."
"What about Gloria Potter?" Ezra inquired. "I cannot believe the lady would not simply capitulate and sell her store without good reason. We should learn what he has on her too."
"One thing at a time," Chris said quickly, having already considered that but was more worried about Bosshard's threat to kill the seven and their families. He was accustomed to enemies attempting to use his loved ones as bait but threatening to kill them outright even after the seven themselves were dead was particularly insidious. It inspired Chris' deepest sense of outrage not to mention his extreme desire to rid the world of the man once and for all. "First we take care of our families. Where is Bosshard now?" He asked tautly in that no nonsense tone that even Ezra knew better than to provoke.
"I assume he would be in his hotel room or on his way to a physician to have his ear mended." Ezra answered with a small smile.
"Then we have a few hours before he decides to make his move." Chris surmised and considered their next actions carefully. At the moment Bosshard would be mending his wounds but it would not take him long before he would be demanding revenge and Chris intended to have those who could be harmed well out of the way before that happened.
"I have told Julia and Maude to pack." Ezra answered, in anticipation of what Chris would say.
"Tell them to get to Buck's," Chris nodded in approval at that suggestion. "I'll tell Mary and the kids to do the same. After you do that, go find Josiah and Nathan. I'll get to Vin and JD. Tell them the same thing, pack up Audrey, Lilith, Rain, Casey and Nettie and get to Buck's."
"Nettie will not be too impressed by that." Ezra pointed out.
"Probably not," Chris agreed of the feisty old woman but at this moment, his desire for her to leave her home in favor of a safer venue was not up for discussion. Nettie meant much to all of them and it was knowledge too common around town to chance that Bosshard might not use it to his advantage. He did not relish the almighty fit that Nettie would put up once she was told to vacate but under that hardened exterior was a sensible woman who would know that it was for the best. "Unfortunately, I'm not changing my mind. Although," he added with a hint of a smile completely out of place in the moment, "I'll leave it to Vin to tell her."
"Coward." Ezra chuckled softly before they both realized their levity was only because the alternative would be fury and that was counter productive at the time.
"Thanks," Chris retorted. "But its gotta be done nonetheless."
Ezra nodded in agreement with Chris' strategy. The Wilmington spread was far enough out of town for them to decide where they would go from there. Neither Chris or Ezra had any idea of how much real time they had but this had to be done first and foremost. None of them could focus on ridding Four Corners of Bosshard and his men without first ensuring their families were protected. Once the women and children were there, Chris could figure out their next step, since allowing them to remain there would not do at all. It would be a simple matter for Bosshard's men to find out where Buck Wilmington resided with his family since he was one of the seven and that was a risk Chris would not be willing to gamble on for anything.
"What then?" Ezra inquired.
"I'll figure that out when we get there." Chris said shortly. "For now, I want them away from here."
Ezra nodded in understanding before he met Chris' gaze. "Mr Larabee, I am sorry about precipitating a situation that may have endangered us all. I should have tried to be more restrained than I was but seeing how he was man handling Julia, it provoked a response I could do nothing to prevent."
"Don't Ezra," Chris said quickly, gesturing at his friend that there was no need for apologies. In his place, Chris would have done far worse and had so he was not about to admonish Ezra for it. Besides, he did not even like the idea of Bosshard attempting to coerce her into compromising herself so he could not imagine what must have been going through Ezra's mind when he was confronted with the situation. "Things happen. I'm through trying to figure out why it does or bitching at how I could have stopped it. These days I'm more mindful at ensuring it doesn't happen again."
"Thank you Chris," Ezra answered gratefully, glad that Chris did not hold him responsible for what was going to happen now that he had well and truly rolled the dice on Bosshard's anger. He supposed this would make things easier. With Julia willing to stand up to Bosshard, his attempt at blackmail was out in the open and with any luck; the others who were forced to endure similar coercion would also speak out. Ezra hoped this number would include Gloria Potter, once they learnt what it was Bosshard had on her that made the normally sturdy widow yield so dramatically. However, with Bosshard now clearly guilty of committing a crime, there were also the other dangers.
The danger that he would try and kill all of them to hide it.
"I want him dead!" Bosshard spat angrily within the confines of his room at the hotel.
"Hold still Ben," Marks ordered as he attempted to stem the bleeding that was flowing from the ruined flesh of that was once his employer's ear. Unfortunately, there was little to be done other than to stop the blood flow in order for Bosshard to make the ride to Sweet Water, the location of the nearest doctor who was not a member of the seven or one of their wives. It was easier said then done as Bosshard had worked himself into a right murderous stage. Marks had ridden out to the camp where Bosshard's hired guns were biding their time, in order to check on the progress of the Potter child who happened to be in their care for the duration. The boy's disposition was less than pleasant but then Marks expected nothing less since he was virtually abducted from his mother. However, this was of no concern to him. His only care was to see that the boy was unharmed before he returned to Four Corners once again.
"Don't tell me to hold still!" Bosshard barked. "You try holding still with half your ear shot off!"
Standish was a good shot Marks had to admit. It took skill to clip an ear instead of burrowing a small bullet into a man's skull or target the hand trying to go for a gun. He glanced at Spenser and saw the man wrapping a bandage around his wounded hand, cursing softly under his breath, no doubt at Standish. Marks however, was more concerned about Bosshard who was so agitated at the moment that it could not be good for a man of his age. "Ben, calm down. You gonna make the bleeding worse!"
The possibility that his condition might deteriorate further than the pain that was currently enveloping him gave the older man reason to pause. "I want him dead." Bosshard hissed, his voice had became soft but no less menacing as Marks continued to work on him. "I want him dead just like his father. I want him and all those bastard lawmen but not before they see their wives raped and their children murdered. I want Julia Pemberton to curse the day she ever laid eyes on me!"
Mark sighed, perfectly aware by now that there was no calming his employer when he was in this state and who could blame him? The woman had proven to be more trouble than she was worth and Bosshard had not hidden how partial he was to her even though she was clearly Ezra Standish' property. Marks was surprised that Bosshard had left the room with his life after being told that Standish had walked in on them while he was trying to force the lady into doing something that no decent woman would agree to. Not to mention the fact that Bosshard was already responsible for murdering Marshall Peter Reeves, Standish's father.
"What are we gonna do about it Boss?" Spenser asked, just as incensed by what had happened as Bosshard himself, although he did not suffer as badly as his employer.
"I'm done playing it civil with this town and those lawman," Bosshard glared at him, his eyes full of burning hatred, not merely for Ezra Standish but for the entire town of Four Corners. "We're going to take this town one way or another. When we're at Sweet Water, I want you to ride out to Mallaeson and tell him to ride into town with the rest of the men."
"Are you sure Ben?" Marks asked, wondering if it was wise to expose themselves in such a manner. Cotran had told them to remain inconspicuous since the present governor was using any excuse he could to come down on any holdings that might be connected to the Santa Fe ring.
"Of course I'm sure!" Bosshard growled at the thought of being questioned. "I want to turn Mallaeson loose on them! If they think just because they're seven, they got nothing to fear, then they're in for a big surprise." Malevolence oozed from every word that escaped his lips. He wanted vengeance so badly he could taste it. He wanted to kill that Pemberton bitch in front of her lover, just before he pulled the trigger on Standish himself. He had missed the opportunity to do so when he had killed the Marshall because the Marshall had been smart enough to hide the family before it had gotten to that but it won't be the same this time.
Mark said nothing more for a few minutes because Mallaeson and the twenty men that Bosshard had kept in wait around the locality of Four Corners were hardly subtle men. He had seen Mallaeson's work and shuddered inwardly at the amount of destruction the man could cause with his gang of cut throats. For years now, Mallaeson had been under the exclusive employ of the Santa Fe Ring, riding against the Regulators led by Billy the Kid as the notorious outlaw waged his war against those who had killed his friend and benefactor for a time, John Tunstall. Mallaeson was a brutal sadistic killer and he had been most effective driving homesteaders from their lands for ranchers willing to pay for the privilege. The men loyal to him, Jacques and Stephens were as equally savage and had a taste for killing lawmen in particular. Marks wondered how they would fare against the seven men who defended the town of Four Corners.
Apparently, Bosshard was going to see to it that he find out.
"Ben," Marks spoke, choosing to play devil's advocate because Cotran was not someone he wished to make an enemy of, especially because of something that Bosshard might have done in the heat of the moment. They had an objective in this town and unleashing Mallaeson and his men on Four Corners would only produce a blood bath that would bring the attention of Governor Lew Wallace this town and that was trouble they did not need. "Is that wise? I mean Cotran said that we should keep a low profile. You know Mallaeson is a little crazy. He'll burn this town down and I don't think that was what Cotran had in mind when he wanted to stake a claim here. With the railroad bringing more and more settlers this way, this is going to be a gold mine pretty soon."
Bosshard tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowed into yellow slits of rage and Marks could tell immediately that his employer was furious by the reminder of his responsibilities. Spenser had gone very silent as if he had no wish to be embroiled in a discussion that would turn into a screaming match in quick time. Marks swallowed, almost regretting having spoken but he reminded himself just how merciless Cotran could be when he was disappointed in those who acted on his behalf. Marks had no wish to suffer the man's wrath because of Bosshard's ill judgement.
"What are you saying Marks?" Bosshard hissed. His voice was cold and sinister.
"I'm saying is that maybe we should let it go." Marks offered after a moment, reluctance in every word spoken.
"You mean let that southern bastard get away with mutilating me!" Bosshard roared.
"No, not let him get away with it!" Marks tried explaining himself quickly because Bosshard's temper was quick to ignite. "Bide our time. Let's get what we want and then take them out quietly."
"No!" Bosshard fairly screamed and pulled away from Marks. He whirled around and stood up before his henchman, appearing like a dark angry god at the mere suggestion of withdrawal. "I want him dead! I want his bitch of a mother dead! I should have killed them when I killed Reeves but they hid from me and I never got the chance to finish what I started. Well I'm going to finish now and not just them, but all his friends and their women! When they're all dead and I have that bitch Pemberton in front of me alone again, I'll teach her what it is to say no to me!"
Marks glanced at Spenser and saw his counterpart shaking his head in the realization that Bosshard was beyond reasoning. Bosshard wanted vengeance and by God he was going to get it.
Even if he had to use a devil like Mallaeson.
When Vin Tanner had left the Standish Tavern with the rest of his companions when they went their separate ways, his thoughts were preoccupied with a notion he had not brought up during the discussion. It was mostly centered around what he had said to the others about keeping an eye on Bosshard and the possibility that man would turn to force in order to reach his ends when he was unable to do so by coercion and blackmail. Men like Bosshard did not leave things to chance and Vin could not imagine him walking into a situation with only Marks and Spenser as his allies, not in a town like Four Corners where there were seven lawmen. It was entirely possible that Vin was wrong, that Bosshard had anticipated accomplishing his designs in Four Corners by the methods he had employed on Gloria Potter and attempted to do so on Julia Pemberton, but Vin did not think so.
He had men waiting for him somewhere, Vin was sure of it.
After he had left Chris, Vin had saddled up Peso and ridden out of town, suddenly feeling this urgent need to confirm or deny his theory. He could feel things coming to ahead even though the seven had decided upon moving slowly as they enclosed their net over Bosshard. Vin was certain that the man would not be so confident about what he was doing in Four Corners unless he had significant ace up his sleeves and Vin had a troubling notion what that ace might be. As he left Four Corners behind him, riding deeper into the descending twilight, Vin considered where Bosshard's men would hide if they were required. Purgatory was a pretty safe bet since outlaws took to using it as a stopover on their way to Mexico. It was also the only place within fifty miles that provided relatively discreet lodgings to men who did not wished to be noticed.
Vin knew that Chris would probably spit knowing he had gone up to Purgatory alone but Vin did not see the harm in it, particularly when he had no wish to call anyone out, merely observe any new faces before riding back to Four Corners. Upon approaching Purgatory some hours later, he noted that not much about the place had changed. It was still a collection of dirty, mud brick buildings held together by stray bits of wood and earth and reeked of horse manure. Even though it was dark, the atmosphere was lively with drunken men staggering across the street, worn saloon girls escorting their charges for the night to dingy hotel rooms or back alleys whichever came first. As one who once found a place like this to be very much the norm of his life, the routine was nothing that Vin had not seen before.
Part of the reason Vin had not asked Chris to accompany him on this journey was mostly because of Maria, the lovely saloon girl who had for a time been Chris' lady friend whenever the gunslinger was in need of female company prior to his relationship with Mary Travis. Maria had also been their eyes and ears in Purgatory, providing useful information to Chris mostly because of her affection for him, Vin guessed. It was in this capacity that she was murdered by Hannibal Julius and his Citadel when they had taken up residence in Purgatory for the time being. Vin was certain that even though Chris did not speak of it often, he still blamed himself for her death.
Without the benefit of Maria's observations, Vin would have to learn what he could about Purgatory's latest residents himself and he dismounted at the largest saloon in town, which was only so because part of its premises included a canvas tent connected to the building where the saloon originated. Tethering Peso to the hitching post at the foot of the boardwalk leading across to the batwing doors of the establishment, Vin could hear clunk music emanating from a piano inside the place, with voices speaking in both Spanish and English but were lace with the same unrestrained revelry.
Vin stepped through the doors and saw that the saloon was a full as he had suspected it would be. His arrival garnered little more than a glance from those who were already there and Vin did nothing to inspire any further interest as he made his way to the bar. Leaning across the counter, he was soon approached by a rotund Mexican wearing a filthy apron whom asked in broken English what he would like to drink. Vin ordered himself a shot of whiskey and sent the bar tender on his way to fill the order. He waited until his drink had come and he had taken a taste from the less than hygienic shot glass before turning to face the rest of the bars patrons.
For one thing, the place was filled with an unusual amount of white men. Normally, the bulk of Purgatory's residents were Mexican banditos and a collection of regulars that Vin had become familiar with since his settlement in Four Corners. The new arrivals were hired guns. That much was for certain. The leader and there was no mistaking that he was the leader of the group, sat in the middle of the room, surrounded by a group of equally lethal men who were carousing with the saloon girls present. The man was not much older than Chris but the reflection in his eyes set them apart distinctly. His eyes were sinister, full of edge that was harsh with no compromise. There was also a sneer to his face that was unsettling; a perception that Vin could not fathom but knew was capable of much violence. He was holding one of the Mexican saloon girls on his lap and judging by the glimmer in her eyes, she was not happy to be the one who had captured his attention. Her body language told Vin she wanted to leave and as much as Vin would like to help her, he had no doubt that he would be set upon by the dozen or more men in the room, should he make the attempt.
Vin tried not to stare for too long because that would draw undue attention to himself, especially when he was outgunned as he was at this moment. The man who held court with the others was familiar to Vin and the tracker tried to recall when he had seen the face before. He wished it was possible to inquire the man's name but he decided that would be a bad idea if the question was not received well. Instead, he turned his back to them and listened quietly to their chatter, hoping that he might garner something of importance.
As luck would have it, it did not take long for that to happen as the men were on their way to a good drunk and the alcohol had loosen their tongues considerably. The wall facing the saloon was covered in a glass and Vin as able to maintain his observation without turning around, which was just as well because he had no wish to fight all these men alone if he were caught spying. The leader of the pack, the man that struck such a chord of familiarity with Vin, had said little and was instead allowing the others to do the talking while he enjoyed his time with the saloon girl who was barely tolerating his ministrations.
"How long are we to remain here Mal?" One of them asked, his voice was heavy with an accent that sounded French Vin supposed, although the tracker had not heard many French accents to be able to be so certain.
"Until we get word Jaques," their leader responded after a moment, lowering the bottle that he was taking a swig of and placing it on the table. "Bosshard said it won't be long."
"Bosshard's biting off more than he can chew." Jaques grumbled, his was face with a thick neck and a heavy greying moustache, not unlike Buck's although the man had thick eyebrows to match. He reminded Vin of an Alaskan lumberjack and would give Josiah a run for his money in a hand to hand confrontation.
"Bosshard is just following his orders," Mal answered. "We know who really pulls the strings."
"Them boys up in Lincoln," another voice entered the fray and this time the speaker was a man dressed in the clothes of a Mexican bandit though he was not Hispanic in origin. He reminded Vin a little of Raphael in his dress but he was very definitely Caucasian.
"Does that mean we're under orders too?" Jaques laughed loudly, almost in provocation.
"You know better than that." Mal retorted with enough edge in his voice to tell the big man that he was unimpressed by that line of reasoning.
"I am just tired of waiting around here," Jaques recanted defensively, not wishing to raise his leader's ire any further. He could tell that Mal was just as bored with waiting around here as he but he was able to hide it a good deal better.
"It won't be for long," Mal drawled. "Sooner or later, them boys up in Four Corners are going to find out what they're up to and then we'll have to move in and take care of them."
"I hear they're a tough bunch," the one dressed in the suit remarked. "Larabee's supposed to be riding with them."
"He is," Mal nodded, inadvertently gaining Vin's full attention now. "But men with families get soft and weak. Bosshard's got the right idea, get the family, you get the man."
"I always like entertaining the ladies," Jaques grinned and the salacious implication in his voice almost tempted Vin into shooting him there and then but the tracker remained silent, opting to listen further rather than give himself away with fatal consequences.
"Well there are seven of them," the third man chuckled. "I hear Larabee's wife is quite the beauty. Just your type Mal."
"I suppose that it's only fitting that once I kill him, I claim what's his. I kind of like the sound of Mallaeson Davis taking Chris Larabee's lady."
Mallaeson Davis?
Vin recognised the name immediately and upon realizing whom Bosshard was sending against them, decided that he had heard enough to inspire him to get leaving for Four Corner this minute. Davis' reputation was more than infamous, it was down right frightening. In Lincoln and Colfax he had been the shadow of destruction that allowed men like Bosshard and all the others to do their worst. One of the Sante Fe Ring's worst enforcers, much of the bloodshed that had been caused in the war that had raged on for the past five years in Lincoln County was largely attributed as Davis' handiwork. Lawmen sent after him by Governor Wallace often found themselves dead and the fact that he was here with his notorious gang of cut throats with an eye for Four Corners drew and involuntary shudder from the tracker.
Finishing his drink quickly, Vin made his exit as discreet as his entrance, appearing to be just another traveler passing through Purgatory from one place to another. Mallaeson Davis and his men hardly noticed his departure. They appeared more interested in the escalating tempo of their debauchery then to pay attention to a drifter who looked no different that any other that had ventured into the saloon since their arrival in town. Vin took advantage of their disinterest and reached Peso without incident. As he began the ride home, he supposed he ought to take comfort in the fact that his suspicions that Bosshard might have an unseen ace up his sleeve but damn he just hated it when he was right.
"You did what by yourself?" Chris demanded when he met Chris in the street some time later.
The two men had run into each other in transit, ironically enough on the way to see each other at their respective homes. It was Vin who managed to break his news first and the reaction engendered from his old friend was more or less what he expected although he had hoped Chris would be more concerned with the information rather than taking account of the fact that Vin had acquired it alone. Of course, Chris would not be Chris if he were not excessively protective of the men he rode with and by extension, the family that came with it.
"You heard me," Vin retorted, preparing the inevitable rebuke.
"You could have gotten yourself killed!" Chris declared hotly.
"I could have," Vin nodded and then pointed out. "But I didn't."
"You still might," Chris glared at him sweetly.
"You're a real hoot," the younger man grumbled.
Chris sighed dispelling his annoyance at Vin taking off on his own because he knew it was a pointless exercise telling him not to. Neither heaven nor hell could stop Vin Tanner when he got into this mind to doing something he believed with absolute certainty to be the right thing. Chris did not know whether or not he ought to be grateful for his friend's resolve or shoot out Vin's kneecaps to save himself the worry. Still, Vin's little adventure did provide them with the confirmation they needed to prove that Bosshard's threat was not an idle one and that Ezra had been right to sound the alarm upon its hearing.
"Mallaeson Davis," Chris shook his head in disgust. "That bastard brought Mallaeson Davis to my town."
"Yep," Vin nodded somberly. "He and his gang. I counted more than a dozen of them in the saloon. There could be more."
"It fits with what Ezra had to say," Chris rose his eyes to meet Vin's as they continued walking. Vin noted they were still heading towards his house and held off on questioning Chris as to why that was because it appeared that the older man was about to explain.
"What was that exactly?" Vin asked, seeing the tension in Chris' eyes and become aware that something was happening, something dire.
"That Bosshard had men lying in wait for the right moment," Chris answered. "He and Bosshard got into a tussle tonight. Seems Bosshard was trying to force Julia into something compromising."
"She alright?" Vin asked automatically, feeling his insides knot with outrage that must have been a splinter in comparison to what Ezra must have felt.
"Ezra got there in time but he gave something to make Bosshard think twice about doing it again." Chris concluded and Vin could tell by the expression on his face that it was extreme.
"What did he do?" Vin spoke, almost afraid to ask but knowing that he would probably do something similar if it were Alex in that position.
"Shot the man's ear off," Chris retorted with the barest hint of a smile on his lips.
"Ouch," Vin winced but was in complete agreement with Chris that Bosshard had deserved worse. "I reckon that pissed him off some."
"I imagine it did." Chris replied and then added. "He made threats Vin, threats against us and against the women."
Vin tensed. He recalled what Mallaeson had said about killing a man's family to kill the man, that it was Bosshard's way of defeating an enemy. He had proven that he was more than capable of carrying out such a threat with the murder of Ezra's father and the "He's gonna go after our families, ain't he?" Vin declared, not even requiring Chris' response to confirm it.
"Yeah," Chris nodded slowly. "I think he is. I've already told Mary to start packing. Ezra has done the same for Julia and Maude. You're going to tell Alex. I want the women and children packed and ready to leave tonight. We'll get them as far away from here as possible before we decide what we're going to do with Bosshard. One thing's for sure, we're not leaving them here to fall prey to someone like Mallaeson Davis."
Vin was more than agreeable to that, even if he had to hog-tie Alex to see that it was done.
It did not take much time to gather the women together although none of the ladies were very happy to be leaving town in the dead of night. JD had already left Four Corners, with the intention of reaching Casey and Nettie in order to appraise them of what had happened and to escort them to the Wilmington place. As of yet, Chris had not decided what they would do once arriving at Buck's, knowing that their stay there would be brief until a more permanent solution could be made. Unfortunately, Inez and Elena Rose would also be required to leave their home since they were in as much danger as the rest of the women in the lives of the seven peacekeepers.
"I still think this is a bad idea," Maude complained as she and Julia climbed into the surrey in the shadows of the livery stable.
"Mother please," Ezra responded wearily, not wishing to argue this matter any further because they needed to get started to Buck's as soon as possible and Ezra had no wish to delay any one by having Maude be difficult. He understood her reasons for wishing to remain but having heard the news that Mallaeson Davis, himself, was under Bosshard's employ with designs of striking not only at the seven but the women in their lives, he was determined that she not be here when they came into Four Corners.
"I should not have to run from him again." Maude said turning away in disappointment as Ezra loaded her belongings and that of Julia's into the back of the small carriage. "I've done that enough in his life."
"You are not running from Bosshard," Julia responded in an effort to make Maude feel better and to keep his mother from taxing Ezra's patience any further. She understood the gravity of the situation after Ezra had explained who Mallaeson was and she had no wish to meet such a vile man face to face, especially when that meeting would only compromise Ezra's ability to fight them forces gathering against the seven men. "You're retreating to let Ezra and the others deal with him. Besides, we'd only get in the way."
"I suppose," Maude sighed, clearly unhappy by the younger woman's sensible statement. "I just know I should have killed him with that first shot."
"Well in future, select a weapon a little more effective than a derringer," Ezra retorted as he rounded the carriage once more and faced both women again.
"Ezra," Chris called out through the darkness. "They ready?"
Ezra turned to Chris Larabee who was standing next to the carriage where his own family was settling themselves in for the journey ahead. Mary had placing Mikey in his bassinet while next to her; Billy kept watch on his younger brother since she was required to drive the carriage to Buck's.
"More or less," Ezra answered.
"Good," Chris nodded in approval before turning back to his own family. Mary tried to hide the worry in her face because she too, knew of Mallaeson by reputation. As a newspaperwoman, it was possible that she had more knowledge about the notorious enforcer than Chris himself did. It was not lost upon him that at the mention of Mallaeson Davis' name Mary had given him almost no argument about leaving her home with her children. "I'm sorry you got to leave like this Mary."
"I know Chris," she reached for her husband's face and soothe his worried expression with a smile. "It's for the best. I don't want the children here anymore than you do if Davis comes this way."
"It won't be for long," Chris assured her and meant it. "I promise."
"I'll hold you to that," she responded and kissed him gently.
The moment lasted briefly with the arrival of Vin who was leading Phoebe, Alex's horse towards them. Phoebe was presently pulling the doctor's buggy behind her as Nathan carried in each hand Alex's small carpetbag and Rain's belongings. The tracker brought the mare and buggy to a halt before rounding the animal in order to join Alex. The lady doctor seemed unhappy about leaving but Vin was not going to entertain any notion about Alex remaining. After what he had heard in Purgatory, there was no way he was letting her or their unborn child remain in town when Mallaeson and his men came riding into Four Corners.
"I don't like leaving you like this," Alex declared sourly as Vin led her to the side of the buggy so that he might help her climb in. Rain would be accompanying Alex in her buggy during the journey to Buck's and though the rest of the seven would be escorting the women out of town, Vin was happier that Alex would have company.
"Its you whose in more danger than I am," Vin pointed. "You and the baby."
"You're not being over protective because of that are you?" She stared at him in accusation.
"No," he lied. "You just need to be away from here. I can't be worrying about you both while fighting Bosshard and his men."
"Alright," Alex conceded the fact that she could be more of a hindrance to him by her presence than an asset. "I'll go but you promise me you'll be careful."
"I always do," Vin smiled faintly and kissed her on the forehead.
"Don't worry Miss Alex," Nathan Jackson who was standing next to Rain added. "I'll watch his back."
"And who is going to watch yours Nathan Jackson?" Rain returned her lover's attention back to her with that question.
"Someone will," Nathan smiled as he looked into her face and saw her worry despite her imperious tone. "Someone always does," he said confidently. "Once we get going to Buck's, things won't seem so bad."
"Things are always bad when you are in danger Nathan," she stared at him, his words unable to soothe her worry. "I do not know how you would expect me to believe otherwise."
"Rain," Nathan said in a tender voice. "I'll be okay but you need to be away from here when those men come. Chris is right, you're no good to us here where we'll go crazy trying to protect you. You need to go someplace safe so we can do what we got to."
"I know," Rain answered with an exasperated sigh wondering why it was danger always found them. "I just worry about you."
"I worry about you too," Nathan lowered his lips to her and gave her soft kiss of affirmation. "I promise, I'll be careful."
Rain was about to answer when they heard the rumbling noise of Audrey's buckboard approaching them. Josiah was at the reins, with Audrey and Lilith at his side.
"You okay with this Audrey?" Josiah asked quietly as they came upon their friends awaiting them to make the exodus out of town.
"I don't have a choice do I?" Audrey looked at him. She hated the fact that she had to run but when Josiah had explain how callous were the men that would be coming for them, she had little choice but to comply. After all, she had understand the consequences of loving a man like Josiah and he was more than worth the occasional bout of trouble that seemed to come their way.
"I'm sorry," Josiah's gaze dropped, his low rumble of a voice almost fading into nothingness.
"You shouldn't be," Audrey said lifting his chin so that he would look at her once more. "I love you for what you are and that means accepting everything else that comes from being in your life. I don't regret that for a moment, even if it is a little bit of an inconvenience at times."
"I love you Audrey," Josiah found himself responding to her warmth and felt supremely grateful to his God that he had sent Audrey into Josiah's life. Pulling up the reins, the horse came to a pause and Josiah met Audrey's lips in a tender kiss that promised the warmth of a log fire and the comforts of passion that was familiar and enduring.
Ezra watched his friends with the women in their lives, talking as if they might not see tomorrow and realized that this was no different than the moment his father had shared with his mother on the last day of his life.
He hoped it did not end the same way for them as it did for his father.