Rodeo - Chapters 7 - 8

Part 7

The next morning Vin took care of exercising both horses while Chris dealt with the bureaucracy of getting information from another law enforcement agency. Chris didn't show up until after the day's rodeo had started. He found Vin and Buck behind the bucking chutes. Vin was going over his gear while listening to Buck who seemed to be a little agitated.

"Vin, you haven't ridden bucking stock in years. I been talking to some of the other contestants and Dollarhide is one of the worst broncs here. Are you sure you can handle it. This isn't like topping off a 3 year old for Nettie, this horse is out for blood."

"I'll be fine Buck, only hafta stay on for 8 seconds. Horses ain't like bulls, they don't try ta hurt ya if ya fall off." Vin's Texan drawl was amused. "Hey, Chris ya made it in time ta see me ride."

Chris nodded and looked at Buck who was shaking his head and muttering to himself. "There's that phrase again, just as bad when Vin says it as when JD does."

"Buck, you say something? Where's JD, I told him he was in no condition to be carrying trays today so he better not be working."

"He went to get something to drink Chris, he'll be right back. I was just telling Vin that the horse he's drawn is one of the worst on the circuit. I'm not sure he should ride today."

Chris turned his attention to the younger man, "Maybe he's right Vin, I don't need another agent banged up."

The long haired agent finished checking the cinch on his saddle and looked up at the other men. "I'm ridin and ya aren't talkin me out of it." Vin's soft drawl was calm and determined.

Chris looked into his eyes and shook his head then glanced at Buck. "No sense trying to talk to him any more, he's got that look."

"Yep, same look you used to get just before you climbed on some four legged stick of dynamite. It's like a disease with you people. I give up, just, whatever you do, don't let JD catch it, my heart won't be able to hold out." Buck threw up his hands and moved off shaking his head.

Vin chuckled as he watched Chris trying to act casual as he looked around. He knew he was really trying to check up on everyone without being obvious. "JD really did go to get a drink, Nathan's at the emergency tent, an Josiah is over by the ticket booth. Oh and Ezra's in the arena helping some guy with his trained dog act. It's kind of cute, guy has taught this australian shepherd dog to herd sheep and he's got this monkey that rides on its back." Chris gave Vin one of his 'you think your so smart' glares and turned his attention back to the arena. Vin grinned and continued. "Also 'that woman' as ya like to call her is over saddling her horse, the paint, so ya might as well not even go over there. Did ya find anything out from the Rangers?"

Chris ran his hand through his hair as he remembered the frustration of the morning. "Not really, I got passed around a lot, first they sent me to the computer department, the computer department handed me off to personnel, seemed they thought I was trying to check her employment. Then I got passed around some more, at one point I think they decided I was looking for a lost person because they recommended I contact a P.I. organization called Thunder Investigations. Finally one of the Rangers told me I needed to speak with Ranger Cordell Walker."

"He give ya any help."

Chris growled and threw a look of frustration at Vin. "No, Ranger Walker was out of the office working on a case. He'll call me as soon as possible. I told them it was urgent but I'm not holding my breath."

Vin sighed and threw his saddle over his shoulder. Turning he started over to the chute where a steel gray horse was making his dislike of the world in general known.

Chris headed for the stands behind the chutes that were for contestants and their families. Half way there he met JD coming from the refreshment stand.

"Chris, hey, did you find anything out?" JD was smiling as he held a coke out to the older man.

"Thanks JD. No, the Rangers are gonna call me back. How are you feeling today, I thought you would be pretty stiff and sore."

Both men continued walking to the stands as they talked.

"Nah, if I forget and move a certain way it hurts some but it's not too bad. That stuff Laura left me is great, even Nathan was surprised this morning. He thinks I'll be healed up a few days if I keep using it."

The two men sat down to watch while the announcer started his introduction.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, it's time for the saddle bronc riding. If I can direct your attention to chute number 2 the rider is Vin Latham and the horse is Dollarhide. Dollarhide has never been ridden for the full 8 seconds in this arena. Let's see if Vin can be the first." The announcer cut through their discussion causing Chris and JD to hurry to take their seats.

Chris found himself clenching his hands into fists as the gate opened and Dollarhide exploded into the arena. He was surprised at how good Vin was. He managed to stay on the full 8 seconds then everything went wrong. As the pickup man rode up beside Vin to get him off the horse a small child next to the rail waved her souvenir flag in Dollarhide's face. Dollarhide screamed and rammed into the pickup horse knocking the smaller animal down. Vin had already kicked his stirrups free in preparation for dismounting so he didn't stand a chance as the enraged horse renewed his attempts to get the hated rider off his back. Vin went flying, hit the ground on his back then rolled onto his side, after that he didn't move.

Chris had jumped to his feet and started running almost before Vin hit the ground, JD close behind him. <Please, please let him be okay. I should have put my foot down when Buck told me the horse was bad. Damm it Vin, you had better be alright.>

Due to the fact they were already in the arena Buck and Ezra were the first to reach the crumpled man. They could see he was having trouble taking a deep breath.

"Vin, Vin, speak to me, I told you that was a bad bronc." Buck was frantic, he didn't realize he was rambling. "You had better be okay or Chris is gonna have a fit." Buck had his hand on Vin's shoulder about to turn him over when Ezra stopped him.

"Perhaps we should wait for Nathan to determine the extent of his injuries before trying to move him."

At that moment Chris skidded to a stop and fell to his knees beside the injured man. He had to take a few seconds to calm his racing heart enough to speak coherently "You okay cowboy, that was some spill you took." Chris looked at the others, "where's Nathan, we need him NOW!"

I'm right here Chris," Nathan pushed Buck out of the way and knelt beside Vin unfazed by Chris's anger. "Vin can you hear me?

Some of the tension went out of everyone as a faint voice replied "Yes, and before ya ask the answers are; yes, three, and all over."

Chris started to panic. "Nathan, he must have hit his head, he's not making any sense."

Nathan was processing Vin's answers in his head while he checked him for broken bones. When he figured out what they meant he started laughing. He turned Vin over onto his back and checked his eyes to see if they were normal. Then he sat back and looked over to Chris who looked like he was trying to decide if Nathan had lost his mind as well. "I think he's alright Chris, he just got the wind knocked out of him when he hit his back. Those are the answers to the questions I asked JD last night after he got hurt."

Vin groaned and tried to sit up, "Nathan's right, I'm okay, somebody help me up."

"Oh no, you stay right where you are, we'll get a stretcher out here for you." Chris ordered.

Vin looked at him for about three seconds and then shook his head. He was starting to breath better "Ya've rodeoed before Chris, ya know the unwritten rule, if ya can walk out of the arena ya do. So either help me up or get outta my way."

The two men stared at each other waiting for the other one to give in. Due to the stubbornness of both men the standoff might have continued indefinitely if Buck hadn't intervened.

"Nathan, you grab that side, I've got him on this side, on the count of three. One, two, three." Between the two of them Buck and Nathan easily picked Vin up and set him on his feet.

As soon as he saw Vin on his feet the announcer went into his spiel. "As you can see folks he's alright. Ladies and Gentlemen let's have a big round of applause for Vin Latham, with a score of 89."

Vin waved to the crowd as Chris grabbed him around the waist and started helping him toward the exit gate. He smiled at Chris's muttered "Show off".

Josiah and JD were waiting at the gate when they came out. Rodeo officials had refused to let JD into the arena saying they didn't want to add to the confusion. Josiah had been under the main stands when he heard the announcer say Vin was injured. He had hurried around the arena praying the young man would be all right. Both men were relieved to see Vin walking under his own power.

"Vin, are you okay?" "How do you feel brother?"

JD's question mingled with Josiah's.

"I'm" Vin stopped mid statement and looked over at Buck who had let out a groan. He tilted his head to the side a bit and smirked as he rephrased his answer. "I'll live I think." Pulling away from Chris's supporting arm he bent over and placed his hands on his knees and started to take slow deep breaths.

"Nathan, are you sure he's okay?" Chris knew better than to take Vin's word on his condition.

"Yeah, he'll be okay, but he probably should take it easy for the rest of the day."

"Fine, I'll take Vin and JD back to the motel. They can rest and I'll take another shot at the Rangers. We'll see you guys when you're done here."

"Chris, Vin's the one who got hurt why do I need to rest?" JD wanted to know.

"Give in kid, you know how Chris is when he's in big brother mode. It won't hurt you to rest this afternoon either." Buck reached over and pulled JD's hat down over his face.

JD straightened his hat and looked at Vin who rolled his eyes and then winked. Vin knew they wouldn't win this argument so decided to give in gracefully. Besides, he and Ezra had plans for tonight after everyone had gone to sleep. Vin figured a little nap that afternoon would make him sharper for their reconnaissance mission.

"Okay, I guess. Hey Vin I'll give you some of that ointment for your bruises when we get there. It's pretty good stuff………." The rest of JD's comment was lost as Chris herded Vin and him towards the truck.

The others split up to go back to their respective jobs. Only Josiah noticed a red haired woman watching everything with worried eyes.

When the others got back to the motel that night they found Josiah and Nathan's door open and an exasperated Chris Larabee sitting on the bed talking into his cell phone.

"I've tried this place called 'CD's' that you referred me to, they haven't seen him. No, the DA's office was no help either, it is very important that I get in touch with Ranger Walker. Yeah, I know, you'll have him call me, thanks." Chris ended the connection and threw his phone at the wall. Buck who had been expecting just such a move caught it before it hit.

"Careful there Chris, you still need this and it takes forever to replace these things. Remember when you killed your laptop, took em two months to get ya another one." He grinned and handed the phone back to Chris. "Where's the kid and Vin?

"They're in my room, I told both of them to rest then came in here so I wouldn't disturb them. I've been on the phone with what feels like half of Dallas trying to get in touch with this Ranger Walker." Chris was frustrated and it showed.

"So we still don't know any more about our mysterious cowgirl then?" Nathan moved further into the room and sat down on the other bed.

"If you'll excuse me gentlemen, I think I will take a shower before we go in search of sustenance. Ezra's southern drawl cut into the conversation. "I will also check on our wounded comrades while I'm at it." He turned and made his way through Buck and JD's room towards his.

Chris came to his feet and followed as far as the door. Once Ezra was through the other room he closed it and turned back to the other three men. "We have got to wind this case up and soon. I'm afraid we're going to loose him if this goes on much longer. Everyday he retreats a little more, he is going to do something stupid trying to prove she's innocent." He started to pace trying to work out his frustration. "How can a girl he only knew for three years have this much emotional impact? She's not blood relation, it was fourteen years ago, how?"

"Chris, you should know that blood relation isn't important when it comes to making a family. Nor do you need three years, our little group is proof of that." Josiah voice was deep and calm, his words caused Chris to stop pacing and look at him.

"Your right Josiah, I guess I'm just so frustrated I forgot." Their leader took a deep breath.

"He IS right, Ezra will get through this because we will help him. Just like we've helped each other since you formed this team." Nathan stood and placed his hand on Chris's shoulder and squeezed gently for emphasis. "Now let's go find some dinner, as the team medic I prescribe a beer and big steak for everyone."

"Nathan's got a good idea, let's go get the youngins." Buck started for the other room.

All four men would have been a lot more worried if they could have heard the conversation Ezra, Vin, and JD were having at the same time.

Ezra entered the bedroom and saw JD standing by the door that connected it to Laura's room next door. JD had the look of a four year old who has just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

"Ezra, you guys are back early. Did you have a good day?"

Ezra knew something was up, JD was the worst liar of the group. Then he realized that Vin was missing. "Where's Vin, he's supposed to be in here resting."

JD was saved from trying to come up with a believable answer as the door into Laura's room opened and Vin stepped through.

"Mr. Tanner, just what do you think your doing. I believe that is an invasion of privacy not to mention highly illegal."

"I know she's your sister Ezra, but I just wanted to see if I could find out something one way or the other." Vin hoped he hadn't just damaged his friendship with Ezra but his instincts were telling him one thing while the evidence was saying something else. He had decided to take the opportunity to search the room and try to answer some of the questions they all had.

"And did you find anything interesting while you were breaking and entering?" Ezra hoped the answer was no just as much as yes. At least he would know one way or the other.

"Not really, some black clothes, a laptop, and…" Vin paused, not sure if he should tell the tense man the other three items he had found.

"And, what, I would rather know, no matter how bad it is." Ezra was braced for the worse.

"I don't know if it's really bad so to speak." It's just she's got three guns, a 38 like mine, a derringer and a colt 45." Vin watched as Ezra collapsed onto the bed as if his legs couldn't hold him up any longer.

"A lot of people carry a gun for protection." JD offered in an attempt to make the other man feel better.

"Yes, JD they do, but not three and Laura didn't even know how to shoot a gun when I knew her.

"Ezra, the derringer and colt are old, not the usual thing people carry around for defense." Vin was determined to make the other man look on the positive side of this. In an attempt to redirect Ezra's mind he continued with another subject. "Do ya still want to go check out the stock trailers tonight? I figure we should go out there about midnight."

"Yes, I am more determined than ever to bring this thing to a conclusion."

"Chris is going to kill you guys if he finds out what your up to." JD looked at both men.

"Chris won't find out if ya don't tell him." Vin pointed out.

"I won't tell him, if I can go with you." JD smiled gleefully.

Part 8

12:05 AM Frontier Motel Parking lot.

"JD, thought ya said Buck hid an extra key in the wheel well."

"He does, it's on the passenger side, have Ezra get it."

"May I suggest you both reduce the volume of your vocal cords. Unless you want to explain to our fearless leader what we are doing out here in the middle of the night."

After some more grumbling and fumbling in the dark the three men had Buck's spare key and were on their way to the fairgrounds. Getting in after dark without being seen required parking along the back boundary fence and climbing over. Once inside they headed to the area where most contractors had parked their empty trailers.

"So where do we start?" JD was full of energy even at this late hour.

"Might as well split up, we can cover more ground quicker that way." Was the reply in a Texas drawl.

"The inherent flaw there is, JD and I have no intimate knowledge of where a miscreant would hide things in a stock trailer."

"Check the feed bunks, if there are any. There's sometimes a storage section in the fronta the trailer depending on the type. Look underneath ta see if anything sticks down. They could have a secret compartment under the floor." Vin pointed to a group of trailers on the left. "Ya guys take those, I'll check over here."

An hour later three dirty and frustrated men met back where they had started.

"Ya guys find anything" Vin had a streak of dirt down his cheek and his jeans had mud and something else plastered on them.

"Nah, Ezra and I checked every trailer we could find. Nothing." JD had approached the activity with his usual vigor and he looked even worse than Vin with hay in his hair and dirt all over.

"I think our little sojourn has proved useless. Did you find anything in the Greyhawk trailer?" Ezra eyes looked haunted.

"Didn't find the Greyhawk trailer. Thought it was in your group."

"Uh guys, there it is over by that corral." JD pointed to where the trailer in question was backed up to a loading chute.

The tired men approached the trailer slowly. As they walked Vin studied the best way to get into the trailer. The loading chute had high solid walls that couldn't be climbed. The corral fence was also higher than normal to ensure whatever was inside couldn't jump it.

"We're gonna have ta go in through the corral and walk up the chute. Ya two wait here, I'll go check it out." Vin said as he opened the gate.

"I insist on accompanying you, I wish to ascertain the contents for myself." Ezra was right on Vin's heels.

"Well your not leaving me behind either." JD followed the other two as they walked up the loading chute.

The minute Vin slide the rear door of the trailer open he knew something was wrong. "Ezra, JD start backing up, slow an easy."

"Why…"

Vin cut the question off, his drawl low and intense. "Because this trailer ain't empty and I think we just woke something up."

Suddenly all three men heard the enraged bellow of a bull who's just had his beauty sleep disturbed.

"I don't believe this, they took JD too." Chris's shout woke Buck and had him reaching for his gun.

"Chris, what is? What do you mean, they took JD, who's got him?"

"I think Vin and Ezra went to the fairgrounds to check out stock trailers. Looks like JD went along for the ride." Chris gave Buck a feral grin. "Want to go with me? If they're alive and uninjured we'll kill em for pulling such a bonehead stunt."

Buck was already pulling on his clothes. "Oh yeah, I wouldn't miss this. Stupid kid what was he thinking."

"Run!" Vin turned and started shoving the other two down the chute. "Scatter, JD, ya try an get the gate open while Ezra and I distract him."

They spread out as the bull came charging down the chute. Hitting the bottom of the ramp, the bull paused for a moment. The pool of light from a nearby security lamp, allowed the men to get a good look at him. He was a big reddish brahma herford cross. Luckily he had taken after the brahma in the horn department and didn't have any. Ezra recognized him immediately. His normal southern drawl was strained as he shared his knowledge.

"Gentlemen, meet Devils Leg, they had a special briefing on him for all the clowns. He's mean, killed a rider last year and put several in the hospital. Some riders are trying to get him banned saying he's a killer. We've got to think of something quick."

Vin didn't get a chance to reply because Devil's Leg had used Ezra's voice to zero in charging directly at him. Ezra remembered what Bill had told him and waited until the last possible moment before jumping aside. The enraged animal couldn't stop and the momentum of the charge carried him forward to crash into the fence shaking the whole enclosure. As he jumped Ezra twisted his foot in the soft ground and fell.

"Ezra!" JD ran forward to help just as Devil's Leg righted himself and turned around.

"JD look out!" Vin pulled his gun as he ran toward where JD was helping Ezra to his feet. He tried to get a shot at the animal but couldn't without running the risk of hitting the two men. JD saw the four legged freight train bearing down on him and Ezra and shoved the other man aside to safety just as Devil's Leg hit. The bull tossed JD in the air with his head throwing him clear across the corral to land in a heap against the fence. Vin fired a quick shot as the animal whirled to charge at Ezra again. He knew he hadn't hit anything vital as soon as he pulled the trigger but the bullet did make the animal stop and spin around to charge whatever was responsible for the burning in his hip. Vin managed to fire another shot before jumping out of the way. Unfortunately he wasn't fast enough and Devil's Leg caught him a glancing blow with his shoulder. Not enough to do any damage but it knocked the sharpshooter off his feet. Vin started to roll as soon as he hit the ground hoping to avoid the sharp hooves he could feel thundering down on him.

Ezra had managed to stay on his feet and now pulled his gun. Like Vin before, he couldn't shoot for fear of hitting the wrong thing. When Vin fell, with his heart in his throat, he tried aiming again. This shot had to count or they were all dead. He wasn't even really sure where to aim. <Aim for the head, don't think about what will happen if you miss. Or what Chris will say if you….aim for the head.> He squeezed the trigger and prayed. When the bullet hit the bull stopped and shook his head. Ezra triggered off another shot and the massive killing machine became a mound of potential hamburger patties. Everything froze for a minute as the three men stared at the form lying only inches from where Vin was getting to his feet.

"Wow, that was some shot Ezra." JD's voice broke the silence. Ezra and Vin looked to where he was slowly climbing to his feet.

"JD, ya okay?" Vin hurried over to the young man and pulled him to his feet.

"Yeah, I think so, just a couple more bruises to add to my collection."

Vin smiled, put an arm around JD's waist and started helping him to where Ezra was slumped against the fence. Vin looked at the southerners pale face and then at the gun in his hand. "Mighty fine shootin Ez." He looked at the stunned expression on Ezra's face. "Ya okay?"

"Yes, I'm alright." Ezra's eyes had a glazed look to them. He slid his gun back into it's holster then rubbed his eyes. He straightened and looked at the other two. "Are you sure you're okay JD? That was quite the aerial flight you took."

"My wrist hurts but I don't think it's broken."

"We're in for it now, no way Chris ain't gonna notice this." Vin waved his hand pointing to the dirt that covered everyone and the bruises starting to form. "Big brother is gonna be on a rampage for sure."

All three men looked at each other, the relief at being alive and fairly uninjured, added to the adrenaline rush each man was feeling caused all to start laughing.

"We'll just tell em we're fine." JD gasped

"Better not use that phrase with Buck, it starting ta give him a twitch." Vin managed to say. "Come on, we better get outta here before someone starts asking questions."

By the time they made it to the fence where Buck's truck was parked they knew that Ezra had twisted his ankle and JD'd probably sprained his wrist. Vin figured he'd have a new bruise or two but nothing serious. As they approached the fence it became evident they had a new problem. Bucks' truck now had a black Dodge parked behind it and two very grumpy looking men leaning on it with their arms crossed. Chris looked at the dirty tired men on the other side of the fence and had to grit his teeth to keep from smiling in relief at their appearance.

"Out for a midnight stroll?" The question was asked in a silky voice and accompanied by the same feral smile he had given Buck earlier. He watched the 'youngins' as Buck liked to call them exchange guilty looks. "JD, I expect this kind of thing from Vin and Ezra, but you…." He let the sentence trail off as he continued to glare at his weary agents.

Buck decided it was time for him to join the fun. "JD, you want to tell me how these two lured you into this life of crime."

"They didn't lure me Buck, I volunteered." JD didn't want anyone taking the blame for his actions. "Vin and me wanted to help Ezra.

"Find anything interesting?" Chris was starting to relent, he didn't like the way Ezra was holding his weight on one leg and leaning on Vin. Something had happened and he wanted to get the injured back to the motel where Nathan could look at them.

Vin, Ezra and JD exchanged a guilty look.

"I guess we should tell them now rather than wait til they hear about in the morning, huh." JD looked at the older men.

"Mr. Tanner, you had the best view of our little experience. If you would be so kind." Ezra always became very formal when he thought he was in trouble.

Buck had noticed JD favoring his arm and was starting to move into worry mode. "Kid are you okay?"

"I hurt my wrist but it's not too bad. I'm" JD stopped as Vin and Ezra started chuckling. He looked at them and started to laugh himself.

Chris looked through the fence to where three grown men had collapsed on the ground laughing and gave up. He grabbed the top of the fence and motioned for Buck to give him a boost. Once on the other side he walked over and started pulling men to their feet. With Chris pushing and Buck on the other side to catch them, they soon had everyone on the outside.

"Buck you take JD, I'll take the Hardy Boys here with me. Let's get back to Nathan so he can patch em up." He then turned to glare at Vin and Ezra. "After Nathan assures me you're gonna live I want every detail of what went on tonight."

The drive was short but it gave Vin and Ezra time to sober up a bit. When they arrived at the motel both men noticed that a white Ford Ranger was missing from the parking spot next to Chris's. They didn't say anything just followed Chris slowly into the motel.

Once inside Nathan descended on the injured men. Still slightly giddy from the fact they had almost been trampled to death all three looked at him and said in almost perfect unison:

"No, three, my ankle."
"No, three, my wrist."
"No, three, my side."

Even Chris couldn't help laughing. It took Nathan about 20 minutes to check everyone over. Shaking his head he looked at Chris, Buck, and Josiah.

"Ezra is gonna have a limp for a couple of days. JD has to keep that wrist wrapped, and Vin'll have some more bruises but they'll live. Unless, of course, you kill em for trying a fool stunt like that. Which Buck, Josiah and I will help you do for worrying us."

"No Nathan, I'm not gonna kill em just yet, I think I'll wait and see what their story is first."

Vin swallowed and looked at the other two then looked back at Chris. "Well, ya see there was this bull….."