| Disclaimer: I do not own "The Magnificent Seven;" that honor belongs to John Watson, Trilogy, Mirisch Corp. and MGM. I am making no money from this story or its publication on this website. Feedback is greatly appreciated. Ezra left the saloon, needing some fresh air. He had won a large sum of money from a stranger in town and left the table before things got ugly. With a grin on his face and a bundle of money in his pocket, Ezra walked down the street, congratulating himself on a good day’s work. As he passed an alley, he heard men discussing some matter. Ezra paid no attention and kept walking until he heard the word “gold.” Ezra stopped dead in his tracks and hid around the alley’s corner to listen. “We’ll have to get old man Parker off the land so’s we can get to his mine,” one gruff voice said. “How we gonna do that, Doug?” another deep voice asked. Ezra’s eyes widened when he heard the next voice. It certainly didn’t belong to a man. “Leave that part to me. I'll think of something.” "At any rate, we're doing the job in a week," another man said. Ezra heard footsteps coming out of the alley and made himself look nonchalant by checking his gun. As the four figures came out of the alley, Ezra snuck a glance at them. Two of the men were quite large and looked like they could form a wall. They both had black hair, and one of them had a beard. The third man was not as large as the other two, but he was muscularly built, with dark blond hair and small eyes. The fourth person was petite and one of the most beautiful women Ezra had ever seen. Her hair was a silky light brown color and it flowed over her back. Her skin looked like a smooth porcelain and her eyes were the shade of sapphires. She disappeared into the hotel with the three men, and only then did Ezra realize that he had been holding his breath. He let it out and put his gun back in its holster. He knew he had to join up with those people for two reasons: one, to get some of that gold. And two, to become acquainted with that vision of beauty. But how? ****************************** “Hey, Ezra, why so quiet?” Nathan said upon entering the saloon. He found Ezra sitting alone, staring off into nowhere. Not even a bottle of whiskey sat before him. “Ezra? Did you hear me?” Nathan said, frowning. Ezra shook his head and looked up at Nathan. “Huh? Oh, good afternoon, Mr. Jackson. I was merely pondering…perhaps I need a change of pace.” Nathan sat down, looking confused. “What d’you mean?” “What occupies most of my time, Mr. Jackson? Imbibing whiskey and playing poker. I need to…get better acquainted with these fine townspeople. Let them know that I can be trusted. As it stands right now…well, I’ve cleaned out most of the population. I need to…make good with them.” Nathan chuckled. “Have you been drinking again, Ezra?” Ezra shot an angry glance at Nathan and stood up. “Good day, Mr. Jackson.” Ezra walked out of the saloon and up the boardwalk. He had actually been thinking up ways to join up with those three people he had seen the day before. He still wasn’t sure how he would do it exactly, but he knew he had to think fast. Suddenly Ezra’s moment was before him. The woman who had been with the two men was walking down the boardwalk toward Ezra. He slowed his steps for a moment, taken aback by her beauty. Then Ezra gathered together his senses and knew what he had to do. When the woman was right beside Ezra, he tripped over an imaginary board and knocked the girl off the boardwalk. She started to fall backward, but Ezra grabbed her arm before she could hit the ground. “Please accept my apologies,” Ezra said. The woman narrowed her eyes. “You oughta be more careful, mister. You could have killed someone the way you tripped over...uh, what was it you tripped over, exactly?” “Probably my own feet. I am deeply sorry, Miss...” “Miranda.” “Well, I am very sorry, Miss Miranda.” Miranda shrugged. “I suppose everyone’s entitled to be clumsy. Just watch yourself next time, would you?” She nodded her head and continued on her way. Ezra stood there frozen for a moment, then hurried after Miranda. “Miss, I would like a word with you.” Miranda turned around, looking very annoyed. “What?” she said harshly. “It is a...private matter I wish to discuss with you,” Ezra said. “Private? With me?” “Yes. Do you have a moment?” Miranda shrugged. “I guess so. But make it quick. I got things to do.” Ezra looked around and saw an alleyway. He took Miranda’s arm and guided her toward the alley. He looked behind himself to make sure no one was listening, then turned back to Miranda. “You sure are secretive, mister,” Miranda said, confused. “Yesterday, I overheard you and your...comrades discussing Mr. Parker’s property...” “You were listenin’ in?” Miranda asked, her face suddenly taking on a scared expression. “You aren’t going to turn us in, are you?” “Oh, no. It’s just...well, I believe I can be of some service to you,” Ezra said. “How?” Ezra wasn’t sure how either, but he had to think up something before Miranda walked away from him. “I can stop the lawmen from catching you...I mean, us.” “You mean those seven men that watch over this town? How are you going to keep them from finding “I have a close relationship with them. I believe I could divert them from the vicinity of Mr. Parker’s land.” Miranda stood silent for a minute, thinking about Ezra’s offer. Then she nodded, looking directly into Ezra’s eyes. “All right. But we have to see if it’s okay with Doug, James, and Phillip.” “Of course,” Ezra said. He gestured for Miranda to walk out of the alley before him, feeling exceptionally well once again. Once again, success had found its way into Ezra Standish’s life. ***************************** Ezra followed Miranda to the livery. They found Doug, James, and Phillip standing inside, saddling up their horses. They turned around when they heard Ezra and Miranda enter. “Who’s this?” one of them asked. “This is...um, what’s your name?” Miranda whispered to Ezra. “Ezra Standish,” he answered. Miranda nodded her head. “This here is Ezra Standish. He’s going to help us in our little...adventure.” “We don’t need no help,” another one of the men said, going back to working with his horse. “Excuse me a minute,” Miranda said to Ezra. He nodded, and she walked closer to the three men to discuss the matter. “Remember how we heard there were seven men watching over this town? Ezra here says he has a close relationship with them and he can...I think ‘divert’ was the word he used...divert them from our path.” The man with the beard, Doug, growled, “I suppose he’ll want some of our gold for that.” “Of course,” Miranda answered, taking Ezra’s side. “We can’t let him in on the action without paying him.” Doug leered at Ezra and said, “If we split it five ways, we won’t get as much.” “But with five people, we’ll get more work done,” Miranda said. She had no idea why she was fighting for Ezra to join them. Doug was right; they wouldn’t get as many profits if there were five of them. But there was something about this man, his eyes, his manner, that Miranda could not resist. “I think she’s right, Doug,” James said. “And if we can get those lawmen off our trail, it’s worth it.” "I agree," Phillip said. “So I guess I’m outnumbered,” Doug said. After a few moments, he nodded his head. “All right. We’ll let him in. But there’s something about him that I don’t trust.” Miranda turned to Ezra. “Welcome to the group, Ezra Standish.” Ezra smiled. “Thank you. I promise I will not let you down.” Miranda officially introduced Ezra to Doug, James, and Phillip, and filled him in on all that they had been planning. After Ezra had the information he needed, he left for the saloon, promising to return early the next morning. Miranda, having errands to run in town, walked with him for a while. “How long have you been residing in this borough?” Ezra asked as they walked out of the livery stable. “We’ve been here for four days, and we’re not planning on staying. We’re just here for Parker’s mine.” Miranda turned around to look back at the livery. “I should apologize for Doug’s behavior. He really doesn’t trust anyone. Sometimes I think he doesn’t even trust me.” Ezra smiled. “How did you come to be acquainted with those men?” “Doug is my cousin, and James has been his friend since they were kids. Doug had lost contact with our family after he turned sixteen, running off with James to become world-renowned criminals. I ran away from home when I was very young, and one day I saw Doug and James stealing some horses up near Frisco. Doug was having some trouble keeping one horse down, so I went up and helped him. He recognized me, and invited me to join them. I accepted… I was seventeen years old and alone. The thought of having company was irresistible. I’ve been riding with them for five years now. Phillip joined us about a year ago.” They walked along in silence for a few minutes, and then Miranda stopped and turned to Ezra. “Ezra, you should get out while you still can. Doug doesn’t trust you and he’ll try and find some way to get you out of the picture. I haven’t known you for long, but I really feel you should back out of this.” Ezra was taken aback by this woman’s sudden concern for his safety. He had heard the way she had fought for him to be included in the livery, and now she was urging him to drop out of the group. What had caused this change of mind? “Miss Miranda, I assure you I can look out for myself. Your cousin does not frighten me.” Miranda turned away, unable to look at Ezra. “Well, he frightens me,” she said quietly. “I…we will be fine,” Ezra said. “Have no fear.” “I hope you’re right,” Miranda said, turning back to Ezra. “I hope you’re right.” ***************************** “Where are you off to?” Chris asked when he saw Ezra saddling up his horse. It had been two days since Ezra was initiated into the gold-digging conquest. Today was the day they were headed out to Parker’s land to get the old man off the land. “Oh, I’m going to visit my mother. She sent word that she was over in Eagle Bend. I plan on staying there for a couple of days.” Chris smiled. “Have fun.” “Sure,” Ezra replied, relieved that Chris believed him. He wasn’t sure if Chris would buy his story, considering the leader hadn’t trusted Ezra for quite some time. Ezra finished preparing his horse and rode over to the back of the livery, where Miranda, Doug, James, and Phillip were waiting for him. Doug spit on the ground and growled, “We’ll be ridin’ for an hour. You sure you can handle it, pretty boy?” “Doug, shut up,” Miranda said, nudging her horse forward. “I guarantee you I can handle an hour ride,” Ezra said, trying to contain his temper. They headed out of town toward Parker’s mine, Doug glaring at Ezra for the first ten minutes of the ride. Miranda noticed this and maneuvered her horse next to Ezra’s, between him and Doug. She smiled at Ezra. “If you ever feel like punching the hell out of Doug, you have my blessing.” Ezra laughed. “I will remember that.” “Hey, Miranda,” James said. “You never told us how you’re gonna get old man Parker off the land.” “That’s gonna be Phillip's job. He’s gonna take the old man to town for a little while. Then, when he sees us riding back to town, he’ll take Parker back home and no harm done,” Miranda explained. “How’d our new friend get the law off our tail?” Doug asked sarcastically. Everyone looked at Ezra for an answer. “Let us just say, if they start looking for me, they’ll be going in the opposite direction.” “Sure,” Doug said. He pointed a finger at Ezra and said, “If the law catches us, you ain’t gonna live to see the next day.” “Doug, if you keep threatening him, you aren’t going to live to see the next day,” Miranda said, glaring at Doug. Miranda realized she was becoming fond of Ezra. She knew Ezra could stand up for himself, but she couldn’t help it. She was getting tired of Doug’s distrustfulness. Finally, the five arrived at Parker’s land. Miranda instructed everyone to stay back, away from the old man’s house while Phillip got the old man out of the house. Phillip rode to the small residence and dismounted his horse. The group saw him knock on the door, and saw an elderly man open the door. They saw Phillip speaking with the man and then entering the house. Now all the men could do was wait until Phillip and the man rode out to town. “So,” James said, turning to Ezra, “what do you do when you’re not joining a gold digging?” “I partake in poker games with trusting residents,” Ezra replied. James spit on the ground and asked, “You a gambler?” “That is how most people label me.” “Quit the small talk,” Doug snapped. “They’re riding away already. Phil sure works fast.” Miranda rose up in her saddle, smiling. “Come on, let’s get to the mine.” They rode past Parker’s house to the mine, which was located a few yards behind the structure. Doug got down from his horse and threw a shovel at Ezra. “Time to start diggin’. Or maybe you don’t want to mess up your fancy clothes.” Ezra caught the shovel and replied, “Sir, the well-being of my wardrobe should be the least of your worries.” “He isn’t going to dig,” Miranda said. “What?!” Doug and James exclaimed in unison. “I said, he isn’t going to dig.” “Of course he’s gonna dig,” Doug said. “And he’ll have the honors of goin’ in first.” “Doug, he isn’t going in at all and that’s final.” “Care to explain, cousin?” “I have to scout the land to make sure no one is prowling about. I’m not armed, so I need someone with a gun to come with me.” “I’ll go,” James volunteered. “You have the worst aim I’ve ever seen,” Miranda said. “Ezra’s coming with me. Have fun, boys.” Miranda gestured for Ezra to follow her and rode away. Ezra smirked at Doug and threw the shovel back at the brute. He turned his horse to follow Miranda and rode next to her. “You did not have to relieve me of digging duties,” Ezra said. “I know. But I wanted to,” Miranda said, smiling at Ezra. “Then I must thank you.” “No need. It was my pleasure.” Miranda and Ezra rode around the land, and stopped at a stream. They both got down from their horses and got a drink from their canteens. “I have to warn you,” Miranda said, “If Doug has his way, he won’t let you get any of the gold.” Ezra nodded. “But he won’t get his way,” Miranda added. “Not this time.” “Miranda, I hope you do not mind my asking...why are you being so salutary to me?” Miranda smiled nervously. “I...well, I...” She didn’t have to answer. Ezra could tell from the way she looked at him. He took a couple steps toward her and put his hand on her cheek. He bent down and lightly kissed her lips. He pulled away from her and looked into her deep blue eyes. Miranda smiled. “That’s why.” Ezra nodded. He had gotten the girl he wanted, now all he needed was the gold. Would he get it, or would Doug get his way? ***************************** “You sure you checked all over?” Doug asked. Ezra and Miranda had just gotten back from scouting Parker’s land, which took about an hour. Doug had greeted them with a sneer and didn’t seem all too pleased that Ezra had returned. “Yes,” Miranda snapped. “Are you finding anything?” James emerged from the mine. “There ain’t one stinkin’ piece of gold yet. We’ve gone all the way to the back, and still nothing.” “Maybe you aren’t looking right,” Miranda said. Doug stepped closer to Miranda. “You’re such an expert, you get in there.” Miranda jumped down from her horse and snatched the pick from Doug’s hands. “Fine.” “And make your ace pretty boy go in with you,” Doug snarled. “Doug,” Miranda said, “one more smart remark from you and this pick is goin’ straight through your head.” “I’d like to see you try.” “Excuse me,” Ezra interrupted, getting off his horse. “I don’t mean to interrupt this poignant family discussion, but wouldn’t it be more prudent to work rather than argue?” “Come on, Ezra,” Miranda said, gesturing for him to follow her. “Gladly,” Ezra replied, grabbing a shovel and the torch from James’ hand. The two entered the cave slowly, scanning the walls for any sign of danger. They walked about seventy-five feet into the mine before they reached the end of it. “Looks like Parker gave up at this point,” Miranda said. “He probably didn’t find any gold this far into it,” Ezra said. “Which means....” Miranda began. “...there might be some beyond that barrier.” Ezra finished, a wicked grin on his face. “Shall you begin the picking or shall I?” “Ladies first.” Miranda laughed. “I knew you would say that.” She swung the pick and struck the wall, sending parts of the ground flying. ***************************** Miranda and Ezra emerged from the mine two hours later, their clothes, hair, and faces covered with dirt. They found Doug and James napping against a tree. Miranda kicked Doug in the knee, causing the big man to jump and wake up from his rest. “Damn, Miranda, what’d you go and do that for?” “I wanted you to be awake when I told you there’s nothing to find there. It’s time to leave.” “You didn’t find nothin’? In all that time that you were in there, you didn’t find a thing?” “No. Guess there was a reason it was a deserted mine,” Miranda smirked. Doug stood up and glared at Ezra. “You better not have taken any gold.” Ezra laughed. “I believe your cousin already informed you there was no gold to be taken.” Doug stepped up to Ezra until they stood only inches apart. “You took somethin’.” “I did? Care to enlighten me?” “You took advantage of my cousin in there, you bastard.” Ezra narrowed his eyes. His temper was rising and he knew he couldn’t hold his anger in any longer. “You should not make such accusations against someone you do not know,” he said coolly. “I knew I couldn’t trust you.” Doug turned his head to look at Miranda. “He forced himself on you, didn’t he?” Miranda looked shocked. “What?! What are you talking about, Doug? No, he didn’t force himself on me. We were looking for gold, that’s it.” Doug turned back to Ezra. “You’re gonna pay for what you done.” “No sir, I am not,” Ezra retorted. Ezra’s fist met with Doug’s face, knocking over the big man. James stirred and looked up at Miranda and Ezra. His attention turned to Doug, who laid on the ground. He looked back up to Ezra and started to stand up, but Miranda stepped in front of him. “Don’t even think about it, James.” “What the hell is going on here?” James asked. “Doug is being stupid, that’s what,” Miranda answered. Doug sat up and glared at Ezra. He started to reach for his gun, but Ezra’s derringer was in his hand before Doug could pull his out of the holster. “That would not be a wise maneuver,” Ezra said. Miranda walked away a few feet and then turned around. “Doug, wherever you’re headed next, have a great trip. I’ve had it with you.” She turned back around and walked away. Ezra gave Doug one last scowl before turning and following Miranda back to the horses. The two mounted their respective horses and rode off. When they had ridden far enough out, they stopped riding and looked behind them to make sure Doug and James hadn’t followed. Miranda began laughing. “I didn’t think it would work.” Ezra pulled a large gold nugget out of his saddlebag and smiled. “It seems Lady Luck is my companion today.” Miranda reached into her bag and pulled out an equally large nugget. “We must have done something good to deserve this.” They put their finds back in their bags and nudged their horses forward, feeling a certain amount of pride that they had accomplished what they came for. ***************************** Two days had passed since Ezra and Miranda had discovered their gold. They had turned in their finds to the bank, getting a substantial amount of money back. Ezra couldn’t seem to wipe the smile off his face, and his friends wondered what the gambler was up to. “Must have been some visit with your mother,” Chris said, smiling. “Oh, indeed, Mr. Larabee. She...informed me of my inheritance,” Ezra lied, keeping his smile on his face. Miranda approached Ezra early in the afternoon on that second day, marveling at how handsome he was and how absolutely charming his smile was. They were standing outside the saloon, in the same place they had had their first encounter. “I see you’re still happy about our new fortunes,” Miranda said, beaming. “I have never been in possession of so much money at one time,” Ezra replied. Miranda nodded. “I haven’t known you long, Ezra, but I’ll miss you.” Ezra’s smile vanished. “Miss me? You’re leaving?” Miranda nodded. “I figured I can’t stay here forever, as much as I’d like to.” “But where will you go?” Miranda shrugged. “I’ve thought of heading south toward Arizona. Maybe I’ll settle down finally. Start my own business or something.” Ezra nodded. “I wish you all the success in the world, Miranda.” “Thank you, Ezra.” Ezra brought his hand up to Miranda’s chin and leaned down to kiss her on the lips. He pulled away and smiled. “Thank you, Miranda.” Miranda stepped off the boardwalk and smiled. “At least you didn’t knock me off of there this time,” she joked. Ezra laughed as she turned around and walked toward the livery. When she reached the building, she turned to look at Ezra one last time. He tipped his hat and turned to enter the saloon. Miranda smiled to herself as she entered the livery. She knew she had become a little richer from this experience; not just with money, but with independence and the memory of a man who had given her a heart. ~ THE END Email Rebecca with your comments! Back to the previous page |
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| HEART OF GOLD by: Rebecca |