Series/Universe: Family Business
Disclaimers: M7 characters belong to Trilogy, et al. Original characters are all mine ... don't mind if you borrow them, just ask first, give them back intact and give credit where credit is due.
Warnings:Language, references to violence and other unpleasantness. Original characters abound (if you've read SG-7 series, the character of Dawn Jackson has been translated into Aurora Hutchins). Also, Buck and Nathan are very, very bad boys. You have been warned. Special thanks to Cin, and she knows why.
These stories are set after Serpents, so you'll probably find references to all of the episodes, at one time or another.
Continues: Road to Hell : Reunion.
Author's Note: This is the final story in the trilogy, but not the end of the storyline. It picks up in the first story of the Family Business series, tentatively titled 'Paying the Piper.' At some point, you'll meet the puppet master behind all this (nope, he's not anyone we met in the series ... someone I've totally made up), as well as witness Gideon's reckoning. Keep hands and feet inside the wagon at all times, it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
Thanks to everyone who emailed me while I was writing this, to let me know you were enjoying it. I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks as ever to Elizabeth, for her archiving and coding, to Cin, for her support and encouragement.
This was how it ended, then. Here, in this dreary little room. Joel Hurst blinked back tears as he awakened at his usual time. Joel was only twelve, but he had no illusions about the man who held him. Whether the Seven surrendered themselves or not, Joel would die at sunset today. And he was scared. He was so scared. He was scared for himself, he was scared for his mother, he was scared for his father. He was really scared for his father. Had those men hurt him when they took Joel? He looked hurt, his face all bloody.
Joel closed his eyes, trying once more to sleep, but it didn't work. He kept seeing his father as Joel was dragged from their house. Kept hearing Mr. Browner's laughter when he arrived at this place, sputtering that he wouldn't get away with this, that someone would come after him. That was the idea ... but one someone wouldn't come for him, but seven. The so-called Magnificent Seven, to be exact. And when they did ... they would all die.
After that, Mr. Browner said, they'd see what would happen. There was still the matter of Aurora Hutchins and Adriana Wilmington. Both of whom had crossed him one time too many. Joel had almost flown at him, when he threatened the ladies. Not even the town fathers, who hated both women, would have ever threatened either. That was partly because they were still afraid Miss Wilmington was a demon or witch, if not both. They were afraid she would put a spell on them. Right now, if he was really honest with himself, Joel would admit that he wished Miss Wilmington was a witch. Then she could cast a spell and get him out of here.
Joel was trying to be brave. He really was. He was trying to be brave, trying to have faith in God. He was a minister's son, after all. But he was also a twelve year old boy. He had seen his father, who seemed so strong and who was a rock in so many ways, attacked by those men. He didn't know what happened to his mother. (Never mind what those old fogies said, no matter that Cissy didn't give birth to him, she was still his mother) At least Rose was okay ... away at Aunt Judith's.
And he was going to die today. Oh, it looked like it was still night out, but Joel knew the sun would be rising in just a few hours. And that was when he heard it. A creak. There it came again. The boy held his breath ... would they kill him before sunrise, then? And then the door opened slowly. Joel almost fainted when he saw the tall figure step through the door ... because he recognized the newcomer immediately. Laertes Townsend. Laertes wouldn't have come for him, if his father wasn't all right. Joel began relaxing, realizing things would be okay.
The big, dark-skinned man smiled softly and whispered, "Came to get you out, son. Your father's waiting for you at Aurora's cabin." He stole quietly across the floor and knelt in front of Joel, carefully and quickly freeing him. He continued, "I'm gonna carry you outta here, son. My partner's gonna be setting up a distraction for Mr. Browner and his boys. Are you ready to go?" Joel nodded, wrapping his arms around the big man's neck as Laertes lifted him into his arms.
As they approached the door, a loud bang startled the already-frightened boy, and he buried his face against Laertes' shoulder. The big man, however, just chuckled, "Right on time!" He looked first one way, then the other ... then began running away from the direction of the explosions. Joel held on for dear life, looking away from the explosions, because he was too afraid if he looked behind, hellfire would be following them.
They were met at the end of the hall by a tall, blond man, about as tall as Laertes himself. The man looked vaguely familiar, but it wasn't until he spoke that Joel realized who he was. Thomas Burke, supposedly the leader of the mercenaries hired by Mr. Browner ... in reality, Julian Poplar, Pinkerton agent. Joel heard that when the Seven arrived in town with Miss Adriana after the fire at the Townsend place. Mr. Poplar said, "Worked a bit too well, but unless Browner's waiting for us at the exit, I won't worry too much. You remember where those holes are?"
"Billy and Laura went over them with me twice to make sure. Next time I tell Adriana I love her, I'll reassure her I plan on coming back in one piece," Laertes said dryly, transferring Joel to Mr. Poplar's arms. He told the boy, "You go with Mr. Poplar now, son. He'll explain what we're doing. Meet you boys back at the cabin." Mr. Poplar nodded, a respectful incline of his head, then hurried away with Joel in his arms. Joel didn't know Mr. Poplar very well, but he was ready to trust him, if Laertes Townsend trusted him.
"Credit to his people, he is. Too bad Jackson isn't more like him," the detective muttered as they ran to the stable ... or, what passed for a stable here. Mr. Poplar put Joel onto a horse, and the boy relaxed for the first time since he was taken. Horses. He knew horses. He liked horses, and they liked him. This one was no exception. She neighed as Joel gently stroked her mane, whispering softly to her. Mr. Poplar swung up behind him, and Joel turned, frowning slightly. Mr. Poplar said, as if guessing what Joel meant to ask, "If we get shot at, son, I don't want you taking a bullet for me. Mr. Larabee would be furious with me, if I did that."
Joel nodded his understanding, and Mr. Poplar spurred his horse toward town, explaining, "We'll head toward town, then double back. So Browner and his men will be caught between us and the cabin. Mr. Larabee and the rest of his team have things set up there. Laertes is leading Browner's men into a trap. Your father tells me that you're pretty good with a rifle. You'll need to be. We'll be helping to defend the cabin."
This surprised the boy, but he nodded once more. Nothing more was said as the two riders swept an arc around from the ghost town, toward Pordios, and back in the direction of the cabin which belonged to Aurora Hutchins. As Mr. Poplar had said, they came in behind the miners hired by Mr. Browner, and Joel shrank back against Mr. Poplar. There were so many of them! But he swallowed hard, remembering that his parents were both inside that cabin. And that they were counting on Joel to make things right.
As they reached the treeline, trapping the miners and Browner between the trees and the cabin, Mr. Poplar eased Joel from the saddle, handing him a rifle as he did. He told the boy, "Get into one of the trees. Wait until you see fire from inside the house. You'll know when the house is fighting back, won't you?" Joel nodded grimly. The sun was just now rising, but it was still somewhat dark, and Joel knew he would see the flashes from gunfire.
With those instructions ringing in his head, the twelve year old shimmied into a tree, his rifle slung over the back of his shoulder. He found a branch that was relatively stable, and eased himself into his perch. He lined up his shots ... and saw something that took his breath away. A man was on top of the cabin, a rifle in his hands. On the ground was Laertes, galloping toward the cabin ... and then, Joel saw a large red stain appearing on the back of his shirt.
Even in the early morning light, Joel could see that red stain, and knew what it was. But the big man stayed in the saddle. As he reached the hitch rail in front of the cabin, he finally slumped to the ground, one foot still in the stirrup. The man atop the cabin opened fire, and that was Joel's signal. He sighted one of the men who had hurt his father and pulled the trigger. In the tree opposite his own, Joel heard Mr. Poplar firing as well.
The plan had worked. Though there were only two men in the trees (really, a man and a boy), the assault from both sides thoroughly confused the miners. Those who made it past the treeline ... for the first time, Joel noticed the riderless horses, and saw the ropes stretched between two trees. The boy grinned and returned his attention to the job at hand. A big man emerged from the house and pulled Laertes Townsend to safety, with some help from Miss Aurora.
Joel didn't know if he would be all right. He hoped so. But for now, he had a job to do. He pulled the trigger until he ran out of bullets, and then he reloaded with the bullets given to him at the same time he was lowered from the saddle. And he just kept firing. His father needed him. His mother needed him. Joel wouldn't let them down. Between the cabin and the pair in the trees, the defenders whittled down the numbers until there were no more than fifteen men left.
Vin was sleeping when the battle began, despite his best efforts. They made their plans over several hours, and by the time it was all over, he was exhausted. However, he forced himself to stay upright until Ezra returned with Mrs. Hurst and Aurora Hutchins. Then those two ladies helped him to bed, Mrs. Hurst still remembering the 'gallant young boy' who had gone to her aid ten years earlier. She didn't look like the working girl from that time, but she was ten years older, just as he was. A wife and mother now, not a working girl.
He slept without nightmares for the first time in what seemed like forever. But it was a waking nightmare which awoke him from that dreamless sleep. The sound of a friend in terrible pain. Adriana screaming, as if her very soul was being torn from her body, "NOOOOOOOO!" Vin's eyes snapped open. Drina. Something was wrong with Drina. Laura? Chris? Buck? His question was answered a half second later as she cried out, "Laertes, no!"
God. Something had happened to Laertes. Vin commanded his legs to move, but they wouldn't work. Now he heard the sound of running feet. Nathan bellowing at the top of his lungs. Dammit, why couldn't he move??? Vin lay back, closing his eyes. Mary telling the children to go downstairs, to look out for each other. The cellar, yes. The cellar, where they would be protected. Nettie barking out commands to Casey.
More gunfire. Cries of pain, of rage. Moaning from the other room. Nathan praying when he saw whatever wounds Laertes had suffered. They need me. It was ... a knowledge. Not a hunch, not a feeling. A knowing. Vin took several breaths and willed his legs to move. This time, they did, and he swung them over the edge of the bed, testing them. As he prepared to stand, the door flew open. Vin found himself reaching for his mare's leg, even though it was in the corner. But it was only Drina, her face tear-streaked and her eyes red.
"What are you doing?" she asked hoarsely. Vin just looked at her, then looked at the mare's leg. Never a stupid woman, Drina immediately caught on and immediately shook her head. She growled, "No!" The pair locked eyes, neither giving an inch. Vin was needed, he knew he was needed. And not even his old friend would get in his way. Drina whispered, her tone softening, "Vin, please, stay in bed."
"I ain't gonna do that, Drina. Ya should know me better 'n that," he replied. Drina just stared at him, and Vin continued, "They need me, Drina. Ya know they need me. Now, ya do what ya gotta ... but I'm gonna go out there and help them." Drina studied him for several seconds more, several agonizing seconds for the anxious young sharpshooter. Then she released a breath, sagging against the wall.
"I can't talk you out of this, can I?" she sighed. It was more of a statement than a question. Vin shook his head. Drina sighed again, this time blowing her hair from her eyes. At last, she sighed, "Aw hell. Okay. I can't stop you, and I can't talk you out of this ... so I'm coming with you." This time, it was Vin's turn to protest, the beginning of a smirk dying abruptly. She stopped him with a Larabee-type glare, growling, "This is not up for debate!"
"Hand me m' boots, then, girl, if yer that determined," he sighed, shaking his head. Damn, the girl was stubborn! He couldn't help his grin, however. He hadn't been looking forward to doing this alone. He would have done it ... but he was glad to have help. Adriana grabbed both his boots and his mare's leg, helping him to put on the boots, then helped him put on a shirt. Once he was dressed, she put her arm around his waist and helped him to his feet.
They made their way from his room, stopping only when Nathan hollered, "Vin Tanner, what the hell are ya doin' outta bed? Ya ain't in no shape to be goin' nowhere!" Adriana stopped as Nathan approached them, looking like a stormcloud. The healer took a half step back at Drina's expression. In a more conciliatory tone, he said, "Yer still healin,' Vin, ya need to rest and git yer strength back."
"I believe you have a patient, Mr. Jackson. I can take care of Vin. I've been doing it for a long time now," Drina answered in an icy voice. She called, "Mrs. Welles, Mrs. Travis ... Vin has an idea about evening the odds. Can you cover us until we reach our objective?" Damn girl had been spending too much time with Ezra ... she was starting to talk like him! Nettie called back an affirmative from the front room window where she had taken up position.
Aurora emerged from the room where Nathan had been treating Laertes. She said breathlessly, "Use the wagon." Huh? Vin frowned, at that and at Adriana's tense expression. The storekeeper continued, "Adriana, you know as well as I do, the time's come for me to move on. I'm a colored woman, trying to run a business. And not only that, but I don't mind my own business. I'm too uppity. It's time to move on. Take the wagon. Do what you have to."
"Take care of Laertes," Drina answered hoarsely. Aurora nodded. Vin and Drina started to move forward, then Drina stopped and looked at Aurora, and at Nathan, who was staring at them helplessly. Drina added, "I'm sorry, Aurora. For taking such a long time to see you."
The young, dark-skinned woman just smiled and said, "Thank you for seeing me at all, Adriana. Thank you for looking past my skin, and looking at me." Vin had the odd sense he had just witnessed something sacred ... and he would ponder it. Later. When he had time. For now, he had work to do. Drina understood and eased him toward the back porch, where the wagon had remained after Ezra's return from town.
"Get in back," Adriana said. Say what? Vin looked askance at her, and Adriana sighed, "Get in back. In case you hadn't noticed, we're heading downhill. All I need to do is get this going, and I can steer ... sort of. Now get in back, we don't have all day. You're not strong enough to push." Vin knew he couldn't argue with her, and he eased himself into the back of the wagon, ignoring the protests of his ribs ... just as Nathan followed them outside.
He said without preamble, "Ya cain't do this alone. Git up in there with him, Miss Adriana." Drina just glared at him, and Nathan grabbed her under her arms and physically lifted her into the wagon, saying, "I know ya don't like me, and that's fine. I ain't given ya no reason to like me, or even trust me. But ya cain't do this alone. Ya took care a' Vin, long after I gave up on him. I owe ya. Here's your rifle. Now hang on!"
Vin groaned. He just had to give her a rifle, didn't he? Adriana took the weapon, glaring at Nathan all the while, but lay back beside Vin. They felt the wagon being turned around in the direction they wanted to go, and heard Nathan's grunts of exertion. If Nathan was having a hard time pushing it, Vin didn't even want to think about how it would have affected himself or Drina. Beside him, Drina whispered, "You done this before?"
He whispered, "Once. Not exactly like this. But reckon Nate 'members. We was in Eagle Bend, trackin' the lowlife who murdered Sarah and Adam. Reckon ya kin say it was somethin' of a distraction." Drina nodded, still looking worried, and Vin added in a low voice, "Ain't nothin' to worry 'bout. Least, not until we start shootin.' Ow!" He glared at her, but didn't dare rub the injured ankle she had just kicked.
And then there was no more time for talk because they were rolling toward the center of the fight. As abruptly as it began, the shooting ended as both sides stared in shock at the freewheeling wagon ... which had no horses pulling it. Vin mouthed, 'three?' Drina nodded her agreement, and Vin counted with his fingers ... one ... two ... three! On the signal, they both sat up straight and began firing at Browner and his miners. The unexpected gunfire shocked the other side, and their own allies opened fire once more, giving Vin and Drina time to slide from the wagon. They received unexpected help, too, when Josiah overturned the wagon, giving them shelter from the bullets.
Drina smiled as Josiah hid behind the wagon with them, the young woman saying, "Kinda reminds ya of the first time we met, doesn't it, Vin?" The former bounty hunter looked at his friend, then thought back to another gunfight, six years earlier. Then he smiled, remembering the sight of her leaving her meager cover behind an overturned wagon and making her way toward rocks. Yup, this definitely brought back memories. But they had a battle to fight right now, and a battle which would be won with bullets, not memories.
The trio kept up their constant barrage of fire, each watching the other's backs. But you couldn't watch everyone all the time, something they all knew, even with their combined effort. So Vin didn't even know about the danger behind him ... until a loud report from the house silenced the gunfire for good. Vin jerked around ... to find Rupert Browner staring at him with wide eyes, and a large red stain appearing on his chest.
His lips worked, even as the gun fell from his hand. He had slipped behind them ... with the intention of shooting Vin in the back. But someone stopped him before that could happen. Vin looked back at the house ... to find Casey Welles on the porch, with a rifle cradled in her arms, a still-smoking rifle. And a shocked expression on her young, pretty face. Josiah whispered, "Oh, Lord, grant our young sister Casey your mercy, for the life she was forced to take today. Take this burden from her." Amen, Vin thought numbly, amen.
Buck saw Laertes fall. He wanted to go to him, to that man who saved his little sister. But he had to stay focuses ... had to make sure Rupert Browner didn't claim any more victims. And so, he maintained his perch atop the cabin as the miners and Rupert Browner poured into the trap. A glance toward the treeline told him that both Joel Hurst and Julian Poplar were in position. Chris had told him to wait until he saw both were ready, before he started firing.
And that was exactly what Buck did. As soon as he saw Joel and Julian in position and ready to fire, Buck raised his rifle to his shoulder and pulled the trigger. The man who shot Laertes fell, and Buck felt a malevolent joy flood through him. But he put that aside, there was work to be done. And for the next several moments, as Nathan and Aurora pulled Laertes to safety inside the house, Buck concentrated on evening the score.
Until something odd caught his eye, as he slid from the roof, satisfied that he was no longer needed as a sniper. It looked like ... a wagon. Moving. Down the slope from behind the cabin and right into the middle of the firefight. Unbidden, memories of the gunbattle in Eagle Bend, when he and Chris were on Cletus Fowler's trail rose to his mind. He wouldn't ... would he? That was a dumb question, of course he would.
The question which remained was, how? And then two figures in the wagon sat straight up, opening fire on Browner and his men. One figure had light brown hair ... and the other had dark brown. Almost black, until the sun caught it in a certain light, and it shone red. I'm gonna kill him, Buck thought almost immediately. I'm gonna kill him, and then I'm gonna kill her, for doing something so incredibly stupid!
No, he wouldn't ... because he would leave that to Chris!
With that in mind, Buck returned his attention to peppering the miners. Ever so often, he would look at Vin and Adriana, fighting side by side with Josiah around the cover provided by the wagon. By this time, he had joined JD and Chris on the ground. Buck murmured, glancing again at his sister, fighting with such vigor and determination, "Would you look at that? Ain't that the damnedest thing you ever did see?"
JD, who was still being cool toward him, replied, "She's not doing it for you, Buck. She's doing it for him." This was said with a nod toward Vin. Buck knew that. But as he watched the pair, he had a sudden, breathtaking image in his brain ... of two nineteen year old kids fighting for their lives against a group of mercenaries. Some things never changed. It was then that Buck caught movement out of the corner of his eye. Browner!
But one of the miners was firing at Ezra, who was covering the porch with Mary and Casey, and Buck fired at him instead. Thus, he barely had time to swing his gun back toward Browner ... who was aiming his own gun at Vin's unprotected back. DeeDee and Josiah were both occupied with other targets, on either side. Buck silently screamed, knowing there wasn't a damn thing he or anyone else could do.
Or was there? A report from the porch drew Buck's attention first to the porch ... then to the man falling to his knees, then forward into the grass. Buck looked back at the porch, to find Casey Welles staring at Browner, at the place where Browner had been standing only a few minutes earlier. As soon as this processed in his brain, Buck next noticed the hush that fell over the field. All the guns were silent. There were about five men left.
Chris snapped, "JD, relieve those men of their weapons. I'm gonna check on Browner." And Vin, it was understood. Buck pushed himself slowly to his feet, just as Casey bolted from the porch and began retching. At the same time, Nettie emerged from the front room, Spencer carbine still in hand. From behind the wagon, DeeDee emerged. She stopped long enough to say something to Chris, then she headed for Casey's shuddering form. Josiah helped Vin to his feet, and Buck realized the only thing left for him to do was help JD.
But the boy had things well in hand. All five men turned over their weapons without a whimper ... and it was then that Nathan bellowed something inarticulate from inside the house. Adriana, who was halfway to Casey, froze ... as if whatever he said, she could understand. Casey was already turning, shoulders still shaking with spasms. Adriana looked from the house to the girl. Casey urged DeeDee toward the house ... and that was all the prompting she needed. She bolted inside, flying past Mary, Ezra, and Nettie.
Buck followed his sister, having the sudden, awful feeling that she would need him. He failed her once ... and Buck was determined to never fail her again. He followed her into the house, followed her into the room where Nathan had treated Reverend Hurst the night before. He almost ran full tilt into her, hearing her soft anguished cry as she looked at the still body of Laertes. And Buck understood. There was nothing to be done. Nothing Nathan could do.
Reverend Hurst and his wife, Nathan and Aurora, all moved out of her way as DeeDee approached her dying guardian. She fell to her knees, and again, Buck followed her.
Laertes whispered, "Not much time, little lady. But I wanted to say good-bye to you properly. Don't cry, little lady ... I'm an old man. Lived a long time, longer than I ever thought, back when I was growin' up on the plantation. And I'm dyin' a free man. That's the dream of every slave. You know that, girl. Bein' free ... dyin' free. And I even get to leave this earth, knowin' that my girls have a new family now."
DeeDee tried to speak, but Laertes wouldn't let her. He whispered, "Let me finish. I've been watchin' Vin and his friends. They're good men. Vin ... you there, son?" Buck looked around as the stricken tracker joined Adriana at the man's side. Laertes put his hand on Vin's chest, staring into the blue eyes, and said, "You took good care of my girls, you hear me, son? I've been proud to know you."
Vin whispered, "Just hang on, Laertes ... there's gotta be somethin' more that can be done!" Laertes just smiled and coughed. Buck shuddered, hearing the sound. God, that sounded awful. It sounded awful to Vin, too, for he lowered his head and whispered, "I been proud to know ya, too, Laertes. And ya got m' word ... I'll take care a' Drina and Laura. I'll defend 'em with m' life. I won't never let them down again."
"You never have, son ... you never have. Me and Nettie, we had a few talks while you were asleep. Nettie was right ... you do live up to being a Tanner, boy. You always have, and you always will. Chris?" Laertes whispered. Now, the leader of the Seven moved to the side of the dying man, and Laertes went on, obviously tiring, "I'm countin' on you to take care of these two stubborn children. I know I can trust you to do that. It's time for me to go now. Miss Victoria is waitin' for me ... they're all waitin' for me ... "
He took a deep breath, as if he meant to say more ... but as he exhaled, the light died from his eyes. Chris reached out and gently closed the staring brown eyes, before resting a hand on the shoulder of Buck's weeping sister, while Vin put a supportive arm around her waist. Laertes Townsend, the man who took care of Buck's sister when he did not, was dead. Rupert Browner had claimed his final victim. It was over.
The day after the confrontation at the cabin, they were preparing to leave. Vin would ride in the wagon provided by Aurora ... once the bullets were removed and blankets covered the holes created in the gunfight. The children would both ride in the wagon with him, much to their delight. Julian Poplar would remain about another week, maybe more, going through the papers which Rupert Browner left behind. He confided to Chris that he didn't think he would find anything to indicate who was backing Browner, but he had to try.
In the meantime, he would look after Aurora. She would be closing down her store, and had been considering moving to Four Corners. Mary strongly encouraged her to do so, adding that she would help in any way she could, if Aurora decided that was the best thing for her to do. Nettie agreed, saying that Aurora was a strong, hardworking young woman, and she and Casey could always use some help. Aurora promised to think about it.
Vin remained a question mark. He would return with them to Four Corners, though he hadn't decided if he would rejoin the Seven. Chris hoped he would. But the gunslinger knew there was still a chance that he would leave Four Corners and head for Tascosa with Adriana and Laura. Everything depended on what happened in Four Corners. If Vin made that decision, then Chris would ride with him. To hell and back.
While Reverend Hurst was praying over Laertes, Chris noticed Nathan taking Vin to one side. Vin later told Chris that Nathan understood there was a chance Vin would never forgive him ... never trust him. And he was willing to accept that ... but ... Nathan wanted the chance to make things right. No "I'm sorry, but ... ," no qualifications, no conditions. Just a chance to make amends for his poor judgment. Vin agreed that he would think about it. Which was progress, of a sort.
Adriana and Laura would be returning with them to Four Corners. Things between her and her brother were still tentative. Billy, knowing only that Buck hurt his sister, asked Chris why Adriana was still shutting him out, even though he apologized. Unsure of how to explain the complex situation, Chris told the boy that sometimes, apologies weren't enough to make everything okay ... and that was the case this time. Buck hurt his sister very, very badly. So badly, she kept him at arms length in order to protect herself from getting hurt again.
In a way, it was like how Billy shut out his mother after seeing the murder of his father. It wasn't that Billy stopped loving his mother ... but he was trying to protect himself, and her. The same idea applied, except Adriana was trying to protect herself and Vin. Billy understood, about as well as anyone could under the circumstances, even an adult. Or maybe, Chris thought as his eyes lingered on his surrogate sister, who was now mounting her horse, especially an adult
Chris shifted his gaze from Adriana to the blanketed form arranged respectfully over the remaining horse. They were taking Laertes' body back with them to Four Corners, and Chris had asked Adriana if she would mind if he was buried beside Sarah and Adam. Adriana looked at him, rasping out that it was a family plot where his wife and son lay. Chris had nodded, explaining that Laertes took care of Adriana at a time when Chris failed her ... by his reckoning, that made Laertes part of his own family. Did Adriana mind?
The answer to that was a resounding 'no,' as she flung her arms around him and began crying all over again. Startled by this very un-Adriana like behavior, Chris nonetheless put his arms around his surrogate little sister and held her. After a few minutes, she calmed herself and apologized for acting like a hysterical female, then very calmly explained that she would be very pleased if Chris honored her foster father like that. Chris didn't tell her that it would be his honor. But that would be the truth.
Casey sat astride her own horse, her eyes still puffy and red. She spent most of the night crying in Adriana's arms, once it hit her that she really killed a man. It was the first time Casey ever killed, and regardless of the circumstances, Chris knew it would be a long time before the nightmares eased. She would always have nightmares. The first kill was always the hardest. And if you were fortunate, it never got any easier.
Chris didn't know what Adriana told Casey, as she rocked the sobbing girl, but he did know that Casey had appointed herself ... well, something. Adriana was now one of Casey's, in a way she hadn't been earlier. It was almost funny to watch. Would have been funny to watch, if not for the continuing division within the Seven. Some of the division had been erased during the gunfight the previous day, because there was no room for divisions.
But the lack of trust remained. Both Buck and Nathan were slowly making progress, but Chris wasn't sure if that would be enough. Maybe it would be. Buck had told him the day before that if he left now, he would never be able to make things right. He understood that, at least. And Chris knew that Buck wasn't about to give up on his sister. For as long as she was in Four Corners, Buck would continue to work his way back into her trust. Maybe even after she left Four Corners.
Chris found Ezra next. At the beginning of this quest, Ezra had been on the outside, along with Buck and Nathan. Because he was in town, and couldn't keep the pair from handing Vin over to the mercenaries. There was still a part of him which thought Ezra should have snuck Vin out of town, while Nathan and Buck were asleep, but Chris knew better than that. Ezra did the best he could. And in the weeks since this quest began, there was never a time when the gambler failed him ... or Vin.
Chris didn't miss the wistful glances Ezra gave to Aurora Hutchins, and wondered how Maude Standish would react if she realized her son was falling in love with a woman of color. Chris knew the signs. He saw them on a daily basis with Buck after all, and he could tell that Ezra had grown very fond of Aurora. Perhaps he would get his chance. But Chris didn't insult his friend by suggesting Ezra stay here. Not a second time.
Ezra was determined to prove to Vin that he, too, could be trusted. Even though Vin never stopped trusting him, even though there was a time in the recent past when Ezra was the only member of the Seven Vin would speak to, Ezra still felt as if he let Vin down. The Southerner had changed, while Chris, Josiah, and JD were out of town. Chris couldn't pinpoint how he changed exactly, but the change was there, nonetheless.
And then, Chris looked at Vin again, who was already half-asleep in the back of the wagon. Billy and Laura sat on either side of him, glowering at Nathan if he came close to the wagon, and tucking the blankets around Vin more securely. That was something else ... Billy still refused to speak to Nathan. The child was still afraid that he would give Billy away when Billy was sick or hurt. If the Seven remained intact, Nathan had a lot of work to do. Not just in winning back the trust of Vin and the others, but winning the trust of children like Billy. And adults like Nettie Welles.
Chris didn't know if the Seven would remain intact. He didn't know what Vin would decide, once they got to Four Corners. Didn't even know if there would still be a Four Corners, or a job for them when they got back to town. There was only one thing he did know. Regardless of what happened with the Seven, regardless of what happened with the town ... he had his best friend, his second in command, his little brother, back.
The gunbattle with Browner had knocked down the last of Vin's walls, at least with Chris. As soon as he realized they needed him, he was there for them. Again. Nothing more needed to be said. There was still a great deal of work to be done, before the easy friendship came back. But in this, Browner had failed as well. Despite his best efforts, despite everything, Chris still had his best friend. And the leader of the Seven would do everything within his power to make sure nothing threatened that reconciliation.
More than a week after the Seven began their journey back to Four Corners with their friends and allies, Julian Poplar was boxing up the last of the paperwork he found at the ghost town where Rupert Browner made his headquarters. Apparently, just before leaving that final time, Browner killed the telegraph operator and destroyed all of the telegraphs he had sent to his boss. When Julian arrived at the ghost town, he found the telegraph operator lying dead in a pool of his own blood ... his throat cut.
So he still didn't know who was holding Browner's leash, so to speak. Julian smiled, remembering Vin Tanner's words. He wondered if the young sharpshooter would remained with the Seven ... to his surprise, he hoped so. He wouldn't blame Tanner if the young man headed for Tascosa with Adriana Wilmington and Chris Larabee ... but he hoped he didn't. Julian remained disgusted by Jackson's behavior, but Laertes Townsend taught him there were some darkies who were worthwhile.
True enough, Julian found himself tensing when Laertes touched Adriana Wilmington. An age-old bias, which couldn't be erased over night. But that man sacrificed himself to save the life of a child and stop an evil from spreading. And he loved Adriana Wilmington as if she was his own child. He took her in and took care of her after her escape from the asylum. Miss Aurora was another who changed Julian's perception.
They had taken care of each other during this last week. As she told Adriana, she finally closed her store. She hadn't decided what she would do next ... but in the meantime, she helped Julian at the ghost town, seeking any information she could find about Rupert Browner's boss. The Pinkerton detective was glad for the company.
His mind returned to the Seven, and to the pair who were still somewhat outcasts. Wilmington was just as guilty as Jackson, but in the weeks between the discovery of his true identity and the final confrontation, Julian found himself actually liking the other man. He was genuinely sorry about falling for Julian's deception, and genuinely willing to do whatever was necessary to make things right with Tanner. Unlike Jackson, who was only just now starting to take the steps Wilmington had already taken.
Well, there was nothing Julian could do about them now. Any more than he could change the manner of Rupert Browner's death. He sighed, once more wishing Browner had been a coward by staying away from the fight altogether. Give them a chance to take him alive. But no, he had to try to shoot Vin Tanner in the back, and forced Casey Welles to kill him, in order to protect her friend.
The girl had apologized to him for that ... she knew they wanted him alive, but ... Julian reassured her that Browner didn't give her the choice to do anything else. There was no time. She simply reacted to a threat to someone she cared about, someone she had been helpless to protect once before. There was no shame in that, there was no need for her to apologize. Not to him, not to anyone.
Chris Larabee agreed, telling her that she saved Vin's life. Casey rightly pointed out that they would never know who was backing Browner, but Julian interjected they didn't know yet. That was true, and he wouldn't say otherwise. However ... that didn't mean they wouldn't find out. Chris agreed once more, telling her that they would be on their guard now ... even if the Seven was still mending, whoever did this wouldn't be so successful in the future.
The day after the Seven left for Four Corners, Julian returned to the asylum, hoping to find some information he missed the first time. For the first time, he imagined having someone whom he actually knew in this place, and it almost made him sick. He silently swore that once they took down Browner's boss, he would go after Judge Avery Wilmington. A man that slimy had to have done something wrong at some point. Something illegal.
When he questioned the younger Wilmington sibling about Katrien's deception, he asked, if Katrien said Avery Wilmington wasn't the father of her child, why did Adriana carry his last name? Adriana simply laughed and explained that it was her mother's contrary nature. She had to give her child a last name, and Katrien wanted her to be 'one hundred percent American.' So, she took the last name of the first man she ever slept with as a working girl, for the last name of her new daughter. The eerie thing was, he could see Katrien's daughter doing something equally contrary. Or even more so.
Nothing more was turned up at the asylum about Browner or Powell, much less their mysterious boss. Although, he did find a letter in Powell's file that was stuck between two other papers. A letter, addressed to Adriana Wilmington. Julian had confiscated it, fully intending to send it to the girl when her wounds were healed a little more. Perhaps after she forgave her brother for leaving here there? Because Julian was sure, as sure as he was of his own name, that he would see the Seven again. They weren't finished.
Nor were the Hursts. They were on hand to say good-bye to the Seven. Robert Hurst confiding to Chris Larabee that he was having second thoughts about remaining in Pordios. He had smiled, adding that he probably wouldn't travel to Four Corners, since they already had a preacher in that town. However, they would probably, at the very least, come for a visit. He had been intrigued by Josiah's stories about Koje and his tribe.
Pordios held nothing for Robert Hurst and his family. He had learned that ... he just wasn't sure how much longer he would be able to remain. And ... he wanted to know if he succeed where Owen Moseley failed. Not so much in his mission to convert the Indians, but in gaining their trust. Their respect. Chris replied that he was already making a good start of being nothing like Owen Moseley ... especially by marrying a working girl. Hurst laughed at that, replying that 'working girl' taught him a lot about love. She and their daughter, who was out of town at the time of the attack, visiting Hurst's sister.
And again, Julian's mind circled back to the Seven. As he carried the last box of papers down to the stagecoach, which would in turn take him to the train station, Julian was startled by the crackling of paper in his jacket pocket. He eased the box into the seat of the stagecoach and removed the paper. His breath left his lungs in a rush, as he realized what it was. A wire. From Tascosa, about Vin Tanner. He forgot to give it to Chris Larabee, or at least tell him. Damnation! Well, there was no help for it.
He would just have to wire Chris when he got back to Chicago. But this was not to be. When he arrived in Chicago, he had only time to unload his boxes and turn them over to his supervisor, before heading out on another assignment. Browner's mysterious benefactor had struck again, this time, taking over an asylum. The angle which involved the Seven of Four Corners would be abandoned for several months ... and with it, the information contained in the wire, still in Julian Poplar's coat pocket.
For now, he had to stop another person's road to hell ... because regardless of the actions of two, Vin Tanner had people who would take care of him. The late Laertes Townsend ... young JD Dunne ... Josiah Sanchez ... Ezra Standish. Mary Travis, her son Billy. The Welles ladies. Adriana Wilmington. And always there, always strong, was Chris Larabee. Not everyone was as fortunate as Vin Tanner. Vin's road to hell finally ended ... as Browner's road to hell began. It ended with the beginning of his reconciliation with his friends.
Here ends the Road to Hell trilogy. Coming soon, the first story in the Family Business series, Paying the Piper.
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