*******************************

His first thought was, damn he hurt. Pain throbbed through every part of his body. Disoriented and groggy he rolled over on his back. The sun overhead was blinding, what had happened? Squinting up at the bright sun a voice in his head told him he had to find shade. It took effort to sit up but finally he managed, causing his head to explode again. After a couple of minutes the pain seemed to be lessening, but he figured it would return when he tried to stand. Gently rubbing his temple he looking around slowly, trying to get his bearings. The dry empty country was confusing. Where was he? Then memories came rushing back along with another type of pain. Mother, she was dead and since there hadn't been enough money for college, he'd decided to go west. Well it looked like he'd made it this sure wasn't New York. So where was he and how did he end up in the middle of nowhere? Last thing he remembered was the train ride from New York to Chicago. After that should have been a stage ride, but there he came up blank. A low nicker and a gentle nudge from behind brought attention to the bay horse standing there. The animal shifted weight, favoring its left front leg. The sight of an injured horse helped shake the cobwebs out of his brain. Catching the reins and using the patient animal as an anchor, he pulled himself up. Standing made the pain worse and for a minute everything whirled. But after a bit, it calmed down. Running his hand over the sleek neck of the friendly horse he looked around. Nearby was a road that, judging by the sun, ran north and south. Was this Texas? That had been his goal, but if he'd made it to Austin and joined the Rangers then why was he alone? Sighing, he shook his head then instantly regretted the sharp movement. The bay asked for attention again by nibbling on the pocket of his jacket. Without even thinking about it, the dazed young man reached in pulling out a piece of carrot. He fed it to the bay then stood stroking the sleek neck.

"You're a friendly fella. I guess you belong to me? You're wearing that old saddle Mr. Walters gave me when I told him I was heading west. And you seem to know where I keep the treats."

Carefully he checked the horse over. The leg wasn't too bad, but he would need to baby it for a day or so. Digging out another treat he fed it to the bay then started scratching between his ears.

"Okay boy, which way? North or South?" The horse's only answer was to push his head against the man's chest asking for more scratches. "I think South. If we're in Texas it won't matter much which way we go and if we're not, then Texas is probably south."

Giving the reins a gentle tug he moved off. The life he craved, with good friends and exciting times was out there somewhere. JD Dunne just had to find it.

*******************************

Buck walked jauntily toward the saloon tipping his hat to the ladies. It was a beautiful spring morning and the day was bright with promise. Maybe he felt so good cause JD should be back from Phoenix today. Seemed like the kid had been gone forever. <Damn kid sure was excited to make that trip.> Buck shook his head ruefully at the thought. He'd wanted to go along, but they'd been too short-handed. Josiah and Vin had been, and still were, out at the reservation. With them already gone, Chris hadn't wanted to cut the town's defenses any more than necessary. So JD had gotten the chore of delivering some papers for the Judge to the courthouse in Phoenix. If everything had gone well he would be back today. Buck told himself, he wasn't worried, but he knew he wouldn't totally relax until JD rode into town.

Pushing through the saloon doors Buck paused to let his eyes adjust to the dimmer light. Spotting Chris and Vin eating breakfast he moved over to join them.

"Vin you ole dog, when'd you get back? Thought you and Josiah weren't due in till tomorrow."

"Got in late last night." Vin replied. "Kojay, sent us back, tole Josiah, he saw in a dream we were needed here."

"Well now, the town's been right quiet, I think that ole medicine man made a mistake." Buck snorted and waved to Inez for some breakfast.

Chris leaned back coffee cup in hand and regarded his oldest friend. The black clad gunfighter looked tired. Being shorthanded had been hard on them all, but especially Chris. He took his responsibility to the town very seriously and had been missing more sleep than the others.

"Probably, but a man never died from being careful." Taking another sip of coffee Chris let a wry grin twitch the edge of his mouth. "Course Kojay could have been talking about JD coming back. That's enough trouble to stir the spirits right there."

Buck laughed, "Now don't you worry about the kid. I'll make sure he don't get into anything his first day back."

"Notice you didn't say nothin, bout the second day." Vin offered, blue eyes twinkling.

"Thing is Buck, you won't be here when the kid gets back. I need you to ride over to Collins Crossing and pick up a prisoner. Judge is due here tomorrow afternoon to arrange the trial."

"Ah Chris," Buck groaned, "why me?"

"Cause Nathan's out helping Mrs. Wagner bring her latest into the world." Chris started ticking off the reasons. "I've been up all night and Josiah an Vin's horse's are tired." The blond man pointed his coffee cup at Buck, "So you're elected."

Buck groaned again, but gave in good-naturedly. He could see how tired Chris was and knew the other man had indeed been up all night watching the jail. Besides the trip would help pass the day more quickly. Buck figured if he hurried he could be back by late afternoon.

*******************************

Ezra looked at Nathan across the table. "You sir, have a bet."

"Nathan since when do you make bets?" Josiah asked as he joined the two men. He'd heard Ezra's statement, not what prompted it.

"Since I decided that Ezra isn't the only one who knows a sure thing." Nathan took a bite of biscuit and smiled at Ezra.

Josiah thanked Inez as she set his breakfast in front of him then looked back to the table. "What's the bet?"

"Mr. Jackson claims I cannot forego the pleasure of cards shuffling in my hands for a week." Ezra waved his coffee cup at Nathan.

"And Ezra says I can't go a week without criticizing him." Nathan nodded back.

"And the stakes?" Josiah asked mildly.

"One dollar and the pleasure of knowing the other gentleman lost." Ezra supplied the answer, as he dug his ever-present deck of cards out. Holding them out to Josiah he said. "Would you be so kind as to hold onto these for me?"

Shaking his head, Josiah took the deck of cards. For a while all three men were quiet. Ezra kept running his hands over his coffee cup, restlessly. Nathan looked like he was going to say something a couple of times but stopped. Finally Ezra stood up, looking faintly bewildered. "Gentlemen, if you will excuse me, I think I will stretch my legs a bit."

He almost ran Chris down as he went out the door. The blond man moved over to the table and sat down. Jerking his head at the door he asked, "What's wrong with Ezra?"

Nathan opened his mouth, stopped, look confused then shut it. Standing up he grabbed his hat and slammed it on his head. Turning he strode quickly out the door almost knocking over Vin in the process. The lean tracker joined Josiah and Chris asking, "What's with Nathan and Ezra? Both nearly ran me over."

Josiah took a drink of coffee. "The wages of sin are nipping at their heals."

"Hell Josiah, Ezra ain't never run from sin." Vin grinned.

"I do believe the sin of pride is about to take a fall." Josiah chuckled. "They made each other a little bet."

Chris' eyes narrowed, "What kind of bet? We have a trial coming up and I don't need those two messing around."

"Whatever got Nathan to gamble with Ezra?" Vin asked as he poured himself a cup of coffee.

"Nathan bet that he could go a week without digging at Ezra. Ezra said he could go without cards." Josiah smiled widely. Chris looked pained. Vin chuckled.

*******************************

The prisoner pickup took longer than expected. It was dusk by the time Buck and his prisoner rode in. Jess Miller had turned out to be a disturbing surprise. Charged with raping and then murdering a young girl, the dark haired kid had reminded Buck very strongly in looks of JD. But there the resemblance ended. Jess was a cold blooded, fast on the draw, and mouth, killer. He'd spent most of the trip telling Buck that he was a dead man and how his father was coming for him. When he wasn't screaming threats he was bragging about the men he'd killed and the women he had. Buck finally told him to shut up or he'd gag him. When the young killer continued to rant, the normally even-tempered man kept his promise.

Chris and Vin were lounging in front of the jail when Buck rode in. One look at the grim set of his face and at the young man, tied and gagged, brought both men to their feet. They watched as Buck dragged Jess off his horse and shoved him, hard, through the jail door.

"Any trouble?" Chris asked giving the furious prisoner a cold glance.

Buck didn't answer, just continued shoving the bound man toward the cell. At the cell door, he used his knife to cut the rope around Miller's hands before throwing him in. Slamming the door and turning the key, he faced the other men. Stepping forward a bit and jerking his thumb toward the figure on the floor he spoke.

"That may look human, but it's not. He makes Maddie look sane."

Vin and Chris shared a look, both remembering the insane young woman who'd shot JD just to prove a point. She'd shown no remorse for that or for the other killings she'd committed. Right then, Jess managed to get the gag off, screaming curses he grabbed the cell bars and shook them. Reaching one hand through, he clawed, desperately trying to reach Buck. The mustached man turned and stepped forward one step, just out of range of the gibbering boy, and glared. Finally realizing he couldn't reach the man he now hated most in the world, Jess returned to shaking the cell bars. His face contorted and ugly he screamed in a high-pitched voice.

"Your dead law man! Your friends too. My Pa is a big man, he won't never let me swing."

Buck turned back to the others, ignoring the threat and the creature making it.

"I need a drink. JD back?"

*******************************

JD was staring at the campfire he'd just built and wondering where he'd learned the trick he'd used to start it. In fact he was wondering why he suddenly seemed to know a lot of things. All day it had been like that. He would do something then wonder how he knew or where he'd learned to do that. It was all very confusing to say the least. Starting the campfire had put the cap on his confusion. Since thinking about it was making his head hurt, he gave up. Spitting the rabbit he'd killed and cleaned <sure seemed to have a lot of practice doing that> he started it cooking. After dinner JD did what he could for the bay's leg. He'd camped next to a small stream, hoping the cool water would help the swelling go down. From the look of the horse's leg and the aches in his body, JD figured they'd both taken quite a tumble. After eating he rolled up in a blanket, maybe some sleep would make things clearer.

*******************************

"Ain't back yet." Vin was half sitting on the desk. "Probably got delayed or stopped at Nettie's."

"Nettie and Casey are out of town, remember." Buck wasn't appeased.

"Phoenix is a long ride and you know how JD is about his horse. He won't push him unless it's necessary." Chris offered.

"Yeah, I suppose your right, Kid'll be back tomorrow." Buck agreed, but part of him wondered. Shaking his head, he pushed his worry aside. Time enough for that tomorrow. Phoenix was a long trip and realistically he knew JD would have been pushing it to get back today. "I still need that drink, though." Grinning he slapped Chris on the shoulder and headed to the saloon.

*******************************

JD felt like a stagecoach had run over him the next morning. His muscles had stiffened during the night causing him to ache like an old man. After a bit of effort he finally got up and moving. Over a breakfast of cold rabbit, he decided that it would be a good idea to rest up a day. By tomorrow hopefully he'd feel better and the bay would be ready to ride.

It felt good to spend the morning goofing off. JD took the bay down to the stream and made it stand in the cool water for about an hour while he lazed on the bank. Returning to camp, he cooked some fish he'd caught for lunch. After lunch JD stretched out under a nearby tree for a nap. The sound of loping horses on the road woke him up. Curious he moved to a nearby rock that gave him a clear view of the area below. Just as he started to peak over he heard a voice in his head. "If you want to stay hidden, it's _best_ to remove your hat." Grimacing a bit, he shook his head. That voice seemed to be popping up all the time. If it wasn't that one, it was another. He'd counted six so far, one of them even sounded southern. He'd never known anyone from the South, so who was it? They'd even invaded his dreams last night. Most of what they said sounded like warnings, but there was other stuff too. Maybe he was going crazy. Ignoring his old mystery in favor of the new one, JD carefully looked over the rock.

He counted five riders plus three packhorses. Dressed in range clothes, every man in the group was armed to the teeth. They had stopped and one cowboy was checking his cinch. As he started to mount, curiosity over-rode good sense. JD stood up waving and yelling. The response was immediate all five men drew their guns. In the back of his mind he heard that voice again, <Kid, never surprise a man with a gun.> Sighing he raised his hands a bit higher and called down.

"Uh sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." It sounded lame even to him and made no impression on the grim faced men below. Fanning out they approached in a wedge formation, guns firmly trained on him. The man on the right leaned forward to whisper something to the leader who nodded sharply. As they got closer JD could see the leader was a stern man in his late fifties, early sixties. Lean and tough looking, he holstered his gun and stared down at JD. Two of the men kept their guns trained on JD, while the other two, rode around him and toward his camp.

"I didn't mean any harm mister, it's just, you're the first folks I've seen and I was wondering if you could tell me where I am." JD trained his gaze on the man in the middle, subconsciously recognizing that he was the one to convince.

There was no answer from the leader, but the man to the right did wave his gun a little at JD. In a Texas drawl he commanded. "You all drop them pistols son, nice an easy." His eyes seemed to bore right through JD. He was shorter than the first man. The lines on his face showed the face he smiled more than frowned. He was dressed in dark clothing and rode a dun horse.

JD unbuckled his gun belt and let it drop. By this time the other two men had returned. One pointed back toward the camp and grunted. "One horse, with a bad leg. Looks like he's alone."

JD was starting to get angry. Okay, he'd been a little rash, but that didn't mean they had to treat him like a criminal. "Look mister, I told you I was sorry …."

The older man cut him off his drawl sharp. "What are you doing out here alone boy? This ain't no country for a tenderfoot dude."

"I not a dude! I can shoot and ride better than most." JD bristled at being spoken to like he was stupid.

The hand, who'd remarked on his horse, leaned forward and whispered to the second in command. He nodded and moved up by the leader. The two held a whispered conference then the dark clad man pealed off waving to one of the ranch hands to follow. The leader smiled slightly then nodded toward JD's camp. "I believe you, but I think we'll share your camp tonight anyway. That is if you have no objections." JD knew it didn't matter if he did or not, he was having company. The other man continued, "This is rough country and a man shouldn't ride it alone." Swing down off his horse he stepped forward and offered his hand. "Name's Jed Miller of the Lazy Quirt ranch, Texas."

*******************************

JD was up early the next morning, checking over his horse. Talking low and soft he ran his hand down the leg, feeling for heat. The bay stood quietly, lifting his leg when asked, showing total trust in the man touching him. A short distance away, Jed Miller and his foreman, Clint Wilkes stood watching. The two men had known each other almost 30 years. Clint had been with Jed through Indian attacks, the birth of his children, loss of his wife and now he would stand with him as he tried to save his son. But at this moment he was watching a young man who could almost be Jess's double, behave in a way Jess never had. It didn't take a genus to see that Jed thought they looked alike too. Clint knew his boss and old friend was watching JD and wishing Jess would show half as much sense as this young man did. Last night both men had looked at JD in his city clothes and saw a complete dude. His camp had been a surprise to two men expecting the normal mess easterners usually made. Even in his current addled state JD remembered the lessons the rest of the seven had taught him over the last few years. He'd unconsciously picked a camp that was easily defendable for one person. His bedroll was tucked next to a big rock so no one could sneak up behind. Equipment was neatly placed, the campfire circled by rocks, his horse well cared for. Then this "dude" had helped with the unsaddling and setting up of camp like it was something he did all the time. Clint had seen the way Jed watched JD interact with the others last night. Both men had noticed that the ranch hands accepted the young man quicker than most strangers. He'd seen other things as well, JD's supplies were low and he seemed lost. But how did such a competent young man get lost to the point he didn't know where he was? And when the year had been mentioned he'd reacted very strangely. There was a mystery here, but one they didn't have time to solve. Catching his boss's eye, Clint nodded toward JD.

"You could ask him to travel with us. Tell him we'll help him get on with the Rangers."

"I could, but do I have a right to? The words were spoken reluctantly. Jed Miller was a man caught between a rock and a hard place and the sight of JD only aggravated the wound. Still he'd always been a fair man. Hard sometimes, yes, couldn't build one of the biggest ranches in Texas if you were soft. But he'd always been a man people looked to when it was time to stand and fight. Now his son was in trouble, accused of a crime he couldn't possibly have committed. Jed refused to believe he could have done what they said. Cause if Jess had, then his son was no better than an animal. And his father would rather be dead than believe that. Suddenly angry he snapped at Clint, "Do whatever you think's best, you will anyway." before walking back to camp.

JD hadn't even noticed the two men. His mind was still whirling from last night's revelations. How had he managed to lose so much time? Also, what was he doing in Arizona? Had the Rangers refused him? Had he even made it to Texas? Confused and starting to feel very alone, JD wasn't sure where to go or what to do next.

"Nice horse, he all right?" Clint's voice startled him, sending his hand toward his hip in an instinctive reaction. A move Clint made note of. This young feller might look and talk like a dude, but he had a gunman's automatic reaction. He also noted that JD seemed surprised and slightly embarrassed by the move.

"Yes sir, he seems ready to travel." JD ran an appraising hand down the patient bay's leg one last time. "I guess we'll head on."

"I been thinking about that son. Boss has some business in a little town near here, shouldn't take more then a day or so. Why don't you come along, then ride back to Texas with us." Clint waved his hand at the open country. "There's safety in numbers and the boss can put in a good word for you with the Rangers."

"I'd like that sir." JD smiled relieved he wouldn't have to ride off alone again.

"Ain't nothing son. You can drop the sir too, I'm Clint and the boss is Boss or Mr. Miller." Clint tilted his head and studied the young man. "You know son, you really need some decent clothes."

"What's wrong with my clothes?" JD looked down, studying himself.

"Nothin, if you're back east, but out here man needs to dress different. He also needs a hat. Come on, time I'm through, you'll look like a real Texan." Clint steered the young man toward camp. The clothes had been brought for Jess but he figured a couple of shirts and pants wouldn't be missed.

*******************************

Buck had the afternoon watch at the jail. Unable to stand the ranting of the prisoner he was sitting outside. Sipping coffee and watching the people on the street, and trying to pretend he wasn't waiting for JD to come riding in. Buck kept telling himself that the kid wasn't late, after all Phoenix was a fair ride. So far he hadn't been able to convince himself. His thoughts were interrupted by Ezra's arrival.

"Good morning Buck, how fair you on this bright day?" The southerner looked a bit harried and one eye seemed to be twitching a bit.

"Ezra you look like you just found a skunk in the privy. What's wrong?" Buck leaned back in his chair looking up at the other man.

"Nothing, nothing, I assure you." Ezra tugged nervously on his cuffs. "It seems that I find myself at loose ends today."

"Well pull up a seat, we can play a couple of hands to pass the time." Buck offered.

"Oh well, um, I mean," Ezra looked almost hunted. "As appealing as that sounds, I must decline. I need to check my horse, he seemed to be perambulating a bit stiffly yesterday." Tipping his hat, the gambler hurried off toward the livery.

"Any trouble?"

Buck had been watching Ezra disappear into the stable so missed Chris and Vin's approach. Looking at Chris he answered his question with a question. "What's with Ezra? Seems a mite jumpy."

Chris grimaced slightly and told him. Buck was still chuckling as the stage pulled in. Judge Travis climbed out and headed for the jail.

"Gentlemen, how is our prisoner?"

Buck kind of growled as Chris stepped forward to answer. "He's inside Judge. Not a very pleasant person."

"Considering the crimes he's accused of, I'm not surprised." The Judge and Chris went inside, followed, after a moment's hesitation, by Vin and Buck. Inside, the judge moved into the small area in front of the two cells. He stared at Jess who was sprawled on his bunk glaring at everyone. "My name is Judge Travis and I will be presiding at your trial."

"Fine with me old man, you preside at my trial and I'll preside at your death."

"Don't get too close Judge, he's tried to jump everyone of us." Vin nodded at the cell, adding with a grin. "Including Josiah."

"He's scum. Sooner he's dead, better off the world will be." Buck glared at the cell then turned sharply, throwing an, "I'll be outside", over his shoulder as he headed out the door.

"Oh yeah? Well it'll be a pleasure killing you!" Jess yelled at Buck's back.

Judge Travis shook his head as he walked toward the door. "The trial will start at ten, day after tomorrow." Once on the boardwalk he paused and turned back to Chris. "I want all of you at the trial. Word is that Jess Miller's father is headed this way. He's said he'll do whatever's necessary to keep his son from hanging."

"We'll be there Judge." Chris promised stepping out the door. "All except JD, he hasn't made it back from Phoenix yet."

"Really, that's strange." The Judge looked thoughtful. "I got a telegram six days ago from the capital telling me they'd received the papers I sent."

"Six days?" Buck, who'd returned to his chair, stood up quickly. "Then where is he, Phoenix is only about a four and a half day ride."

"Easy Buck, lots of things could have delayed him." Vin soothed, "Don't mean he's in any trouble."

Buck didn't look convinced and Chris couldn't blame him. JD's attraction to trouble was well known. But they were also facing a possible attack from a force of unknown size. Did he dare risk cutting his forces by sending anyone to look for their missing comrade?

The Judge took the decision out of his hands. "I need every one of you here for the trial. If Miller's father rides in, I want to be prepared. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go see my grandson."

Chris watched the Judge walk off before turning back to a fuming Buck.

"Chris, I ain't.." "Buck, I know.." The two men started to speak at the same time. When both paused Vin inserted a quiet comment.

"Might be a good idea if someone was to ride down the road toward Eagles Bend." He grinned when both men turned their attention to him. "Just to kinda scout around. Miller and his men would be coming from that direction." Unspoken was the point that so would JD.

Buck started to relax and Chris's lips twitched a bit as he told the tracker. "Then I guess you'd better go take a look. Just remember, be back before the trial starts."

*******************************

JD was beginning to wonder if traveling with the Texan's was such a good idea. While Clint and the hands seemed friendly enough, all kept their distance. He could feel them giving him strange looks. Mr. Miller had ridden out in front all day, his face set in grim lines. It didn't take a smart man to see he was troubled about something. JD sighed and pulled at his hat, the big Stetson felt wrong. In these new clothes he just didn't feel like himself. What JD didn't know was, in his new clothes he didn't look like himself either.

*******************************

Josiah had that prickly feeling you get when someone is watching you. Turning from where he was hammering a particularly stubborn board down he found Ezra silhouetted in the doorway. "Afternoon Ezra, can I help you?"

The other man ran his hand nervously over the back of a pew. "Actually I was wondering, that is, if I would not be a nuisance..you see I seem to have some time on my hands" Ezra paused as if at a loss what to say then shrugged his shoulders helplessly. "I thought perchance you could use some assistance, but I understand if..."

"Ezra, I'll take all the help I can get." Josiah took pity on the uncomfortable gambler and cut him off "You any good at painting?"

Within five minutes a slightly bewildered Ezra had his coat off and a paintbrush in hand.

*******************************

Vin eased up training his spyglass on the camp below. He watched the men setting up camp, counting the bedrolls on the ground. Six bedrolls, six men, not bad odds he thought. Two of the men visible were regular hands going by their clothes. One had his back to Vin starting a fire while the other cleaned a couple of rabbits. Two older men stood off to the side talking, figured one was the boss but it was hard to tell which. Probably the men belonging to the other bedrolls were tending the horses. Their clothing and rigs screamed Texas to his trained eye. Vin lowered the glass with a troubled look. Carefully squirming back down the hill, he ran to his waiting horse. Tied to the saddle was a familiar derby hat. Vin had spotted it lying in the grass by the road about two hours ago. He had been following the tracks of a limping horse and a man on foot when he'd heard the gunshots used to kill the rabbits. The handsome tracker was torn, part of him wanted to keep following JD's trail, but he knew he needed to warn the others. If he turned back now he could reach town about midnight. If the men below got up early and rode hard they would be there by late afternoon. Vin knew Chris would need time to prepare so he made the hard decision to return to town. With a last glance back towards the camp he mounted up urging his horse toward home. JD's tracks showed he had been able to move under his own power and there had been no blood. Vin just hoped that whatever had sent JD off in the wrong direction would slow him down enough that he could be found once Jess Miller's father was dealt with. What he hadn't seen was JD's rig tucked behind a rock or JD's horse, which was right now drinking with the others. JD had been starting the fire, but in his new clothes and hat Vin hadn't recognized him.

*******************************

Ezra had settled into the rhythm of painting. His shirt, hands and face were spattered with little flecks of white but he didn't care. One wall was a quarter done. Blissfully unaware of Josiah's occasional scrutiny and gentle amusement he hummed slightly to himself as he worked. Lost in their thoughts neither man heard Nathan enter. Josiah was the first to notice him standing in the doorway with a slightly surprised look on his face. He waved the healer closer, "Brother Nathan, what brings you here?"

"Mr. Wagner sent you some old nails he couldn't use." Nathan kept darting looks at Ezra as he handed over the bag to Josiah. Ezra smiled back and gave a jaunty wave with his paintbrush.

Josiah accepted the bag with a nod and a smile. It wasn't the first time someone had dropped off something they claimed to have no use for. Many repairs to the church had been made with donated boards, nails, etc. The paint Ezra was so happily applying had been a donation from Mrs. Potter.

"Be sure and thank him for me." Josiah's replied, enjoying the look on Nathan's face.

"Uh, no problem" Nathan gave Ezra one last glance as he turned to go. "Looks good Ezra."

"Thank.., thank you." The gambler replied a slightly quizzical look on his face.

Nathan also looked confused for a moment, then turned suddenly as if making a decision and left. Ezra went back to painting a thoughtful look on his face. Josiah picked up his hammer and started back to work his face amused. He wondered if either man had realized how much certain habits had become part of their lives when they made their bet.

*******************************

Buck pulled back the curtain looking at the street down below for probably the hundredth time. He tried to tell himself he was just checking the street but inside he knew it was JD and/or Vin he was hoping to see. Out of the corner of his eye, Buck saw a black clad figure detach itself from the shadows and cross the street to the jail. <Guess it's Chris' turn at watch. Worrying about our missing youngins too I bet.> Buck let the curtain fall, turning to put on his boots and gunbelt. He'd go keep ole Chris company.

Chris looked up from his book, not really surprised it was Buck. He'd seen the curtain move as he crossed the street. He was a slightly amazed the other man was still in town. Buck's main weakness, if you didn't count women, was the kid. When Vin hadn't returned by dark Chris figured he was going to have to get Josiah and Nathan to sit on Buck. They had all taken a try at calming the worried man without much success. Finally Ezra had pulled Buck aside and after a short conversation, that involved a lot of arm waving on Buck's part and Ezra finally grabbing the larger man by the shirt, Buck had calmed down enough to agree to wait. Chris would have paid to know what the smooth talking Southerner had said. A focused Buck was harder to stop than a cattle stampede.

"Chris."
"Buck."
"Coffee hot?"
"Yep."

Only five words, but they didn't need any more after all these years. Buck poured a cup and sat down next to the stove. Normally he was a talkative man, but tonight he didn't want conversation, just company. Chris recognized the mood and let him be. The two sat in silence both worried but unwilling to discuss it. Also neither man wanted to wake the sleeping prisoner it was the only time he was bearable.

Vin's sudden entrance about an hour later was met with drawn guns. Stumbling slightly he fell more than walked in the door. Chris came around the desk as Buck shoved a chair under the tired, dirty tracker.

"Get the others." Chris took one look at Vin and knew they had trouble.

Buck choked back the questions hovering on his tongue and ran out the door. Seeing Josiah and Ezra exiting the saloon he yelled "Jail" at them, before continuing toward Nathan's.

The two men started running toward the jail. Ezra easily pulled ahead of Josiah and was first to enter. He found Chris and Vin having one of their silent communication moments.

"Vin, are you all right?" Ezra figured if the other man was actually hurt Chris wouldn't be just sitting there, but good manners decreed he ask.

"I'm fine, just tired. Been riding hard." Vin shrugged tiredly. "Need a drink more than anything else."

Pulling out his flask Ezra offered it to the other man. "Never let it be said I failed a fellow comrade."

"Thanks pard." Vin took a long pull.

"Ezra, go get Josiah." Chris ordered.

"He was right behind me." Ezra replied looking behind him. Out on the street he could see the back of Josiah's head. The other man was standing next to Vin's horse looking at something. "He's examining your steed."

Vin groaned, "Get him in here before Buck comes back an tell him to bring the hat." Ezra gave him a rather startled look before turning to do so.

"Hat?" Chris had a hard light in his eyes. "Who's hat?" His voice held a "I do not want bad news right now' tone.

Vin didn't say anything just locked eyes with the blond man for a moment then nodded toward the cells. Chris swung a grim look toward the now awake prisoner then returned the nod with one of his own. Chris sat back on the desk, trying to figure out what to tell Buck while Vin wondered if he'd made the right decision to turn back.

"Vin said to come inside and bring the hat." Ezra stepped close enough to see the big man's hands. An anguished whispered "No" burst out when he spotted the item Josiah was slowly turning in his hands. The gambler actually stumbled back a step as if to deny what the hat meant.

"Strength brother, Buck is going to need our support." Josiah clapped a heavy hand on Ezra's shoulder using it to guide him inside. He had a feeling that the next few hours were going to be some of the worst the seven had ever faced.

Chris took in the familiar derby in Josiah's hand, the devastated look in Ezra's eyes and came to his feet. Stepping forward he took the familiar derby from Josiah a dark look on his face. Before he could ask Vin any questions Buck and Nathan charged back through the door. Nathan started straight for Vin but Buck froze his eyes centered on Chris' hands. He moved close enough to take the derby from Chris, clutching it in one hand he turned toward Vin.

"Where?" One word yet it conveyed utter despair and deadly intent all at the same time.

Vin shot a glance toward the cells, not surprised to see Jess was watching everything with intent eyes. Standing up, he gestured toward the door. "Outside." Suiting action to words, he walked out, Buck right on his heels like a hound on a scent. The others followed, sharing worried glances with each other. Outside, Vin turned to lean against the hitching post, bracing himself for the upcoming explosion.

"Where?" Buck couldn't seem to force anything more past the lump in his throat.

"About a half days ride from here along the trail." Vin paused to gather his thoughts not sure if he should offer hope or not. One look at Buck's face and he decided to take the chance. "I don't think he's dead or bad hurt. I found some tracks, showed where a horse took a tumble. Found some others of a limping horse and a man walking south. Looked like JD's."

"Why didn't you follow them?" Buck demanded his temper starting to rise.

"I did." Vin shot back, "Followed em till I heard some gunfire. Went to check that out and found something I figured Chris needed to know about."

"So you left JD out there wandering around, hurt?" Buck stepped forward a grim, sad look on his face.

Josiah stepped forward, putting himself between Buck and Vin. "Calm down Buck, let's hear it all." The big man enforced his request with a hand on Buck's chest.

"Tell the rest." Chris seemed to have his attention on the tracker but he kept Buck visible in the corner of his eye. Buck would never intentionally hurt Vin, but if the big man had a blind spot it was JD.

Vin was still leaning against the rail staring at Buck. A part of him had wanted Buck to hit him. Wanting some form of punishment for the decision he'd made, even though it was the best choice. "Found Miller's pa. He has five of his men with him, should be here tomorrow afternoon." Directing his attention to Chris now, he continued. "He's gonna be trouble Chris. I know Texas hands. Everyone of em will fight AN die for their boss. Not fer money, cause a loyalty and honor."

Chris nodded in agreement. The men were more dangerous than any regular outlaw gang. He'd seen first hand what a true Texan could do during the war. He'd never forget the "Yeeagh" cry of the Texas Light Brigade or a small Rebel Captain walking into a Union encampment in the name of honor.

Vin moved in front of Buck who had gone silent and still, his eyes on the hat in his hands. "Buck I followed the tracks fer about 2 hours. He never fell, was walking okay and I didn't find no blood. Expect he took his horse somewhere to rest." The trackers voice was harsh with regret.

"If there weren't no blood and he was walking, he's probably all right." Nathan agreed with Vin.

"Buck?" Chris laid his hand on top of JD's hat letting the other man know silently he wouldn't stop him if he wanted to ride out.

Buck raised his eyes, they were still dark, but some of the light was back. "Vin's right Miller and his men are going to be trouble. We'll handle them, then Vin and I will go find the Kid." He paused to give Chris a wry grin. "Way he attracts trouble maybe this is for the best. Won't have to worry about him getting shot during the gunfight."

As a joke it wasn't much but the other five men laughed a bit anyway.

Vin offered his hand to Buck, clasping his forearm the same way he often did with Chris. A silent promise between the two men that no matter what, they would find their missing friend.

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Comments: GinaD