The two men entered the hotel lobby and paused, taking in the crude surroundings. The larger of the two wore a long, dark duster with a red vest underneath. He sported a bushy mustache which covered his upper lip. His partner, a much younger man, balding prematurely, but with a boyish face wore a plain brown coat and trousers. Both men carried six-shooters strapped to their hips. They approached the counter and were met by the hotel manager, a small middle-aged man, who assumed by their dress they were either business men, lawyers or hired guns, either way, men of position, which meant men of money.

"And how may I be of service to you gentlemen?" The manager stated, a wide toothy smile pasted on his face, it was a practiced smile one reserved for business.

"Yes, I'm Mr. Tilly and this is my associate Mr. Brok we're looking for someone." He leaned forward on the counter placing a booted foot on the bottom rail which ran the length of the counter. "An elderly woman about so tall." Mr. Tilly indicated with his hand the height of the woman. "She usually travels alone and she's real good at poker."

This brought instant recognition to the manager's eyes. "Ah, you must mean Mrs. Maude Standish." Mr. Tilly looked over his shoulder at his associate who stepped up closer. He returned his attention to the fervent hotel manager whose smile never left his face.

"Does Mrs. Standish frequent this town?" Mr. Tilly asked in an even and courtly manner.

Unfortunately the manager did not think it odd that these men did not know Mrs. Standish's name, if he had, he might not of been so forth coming with his information. "Well sometimes to visit her son, Ezra."

The two men glanced at each other. Mr. Tilly's mouth twitched slightly. "She has a son?"

"Yes, he's one of the lawmen here. You can find him over at the saloon he's also a gambler." The manager chuckled as he added, "Like mother like son, huh."

The two men also chuckled slightly at this, but they were not amused. Mr. Tilly tipped his wide brim black hat turned and walked away, Mr. Brok falling in step alongside. They stopped just outside the hotel the bright sunlight causing Mr. Tilly to pull the brim of his hat down to shadow his eyes. He leaned against the post railing looking over the small backwater town. He preferred Kansas City and looked forward to returning there as soon as this little task was complete. "So she calls herself Mrs. Standish now," he mused thinking over what the hotel manager had disclosed to them.

"What do you want to do, Mac?" Hank Brok asked as he casually placed his hand upon the butt of his revolver. Hank Brok tried to appear harden and confident without much success, unlike his partner, Hank had never once shot a man. He was brought up fairly sheltered having been sent to various eastern schools for the past five years. He was only here at the demand of his father who thought it would be a good experience. Actually his father had his doubts that he would be able to take over the ranch when he was gone, but he had no choice. Hank's older brother, Samuel who was to inherit the ranch was killed last year in a barroom brawl.

"We find this Ezra Standish," Mac replied regarding Hand through narrow eyes. A worried smile slowly emerged on Hank's face.

Hank didn't like this man much, but he was his father's right hand man and was very loyal to his father, doing whatever it took to get the job done. Hank started to worry for Mr. Standish.

Several small dust devils swirled about their boots as Hank and Mac walked across the wide dusty street towards the saloon. They heard the music and laughter pouring out of the saloon and stopped at the entrance casually surveying the bar room. They then continued in maneuvering around tables and trying to avoid the drunk and jovial patrons as they made their way to the long bar in the back. They motioned to the bar tender for a beer. The two men received curious glances from several people, but interest was soon lost. Hank and Mac stayed at the far end of the bar surreptitiously glancing around the room. Hank nudged Mac in the ribs and motioned with his head towards a far corner table where four men were engaged in a poker game.

"There he is, Mac."

Mac Tilly turned around and leaned casually against the bar still holding his beer. He watched as Ezra Standish raked in the winnings from his latest poker venture the grin on his face so wide it showed his gold tooth. Mac took a swig of his beer and turned back around wiping his mouth on his sleeve.

"Yep, that must be him."

"What do you want to do? Do you think he'll tell us where his mother is?" Hank innocently asked.

Mac gave Hank a dubious look. The only reason he was paired up with the naïve young man was that he was the boss's son. He had promised his father he would introduce him to the real world. He realized that this boy would probably one day be his boss and the thought disgusted him. "Who would turn in their own mother? I have a better idea, this just made things a whole lot easier." Mac glanced over his shoulder to gaze at the fancy dressed gambler. "I didn't like the idea of roughing up a woman," Mac stated as he looked over to Hank. "All we have to do is take her son." Mac finished off his beer and headed out of the saloon. Hank took one last look at Ezra, downed his drink and followed after Mac.

Hank and Mac decided they'd just wait in the alley between the saloon and the mercantile, they figured that Ezra would have to come out sooner or later. As the evening wore on more people started making their way into the saloon. Hank watched as a tall dark-clad gunslinger went in followed by a younger man dressed in buckskin the pair looked dangerous and sent a slight shiver down Hank Brok's spine. He never thought of himself as a coward, but he was also not a fool. He was doing this because of his father, but he started wondering now if it was worth it.

The days were starting to get shorter and the shadow of night came quickly shutting down most other activities within the small backwater town, the saloon being the exception. Men would congregate until the wee hours of the morning trying to relax after a hard day on the ranch or on the range.

Ezra was on his usual winning streak and had just finished the last hand. "If you'll excuse me gentlemen, with your kindly donations I feel like treating myself to a pleasant dinner tonight."

"Hey, Ezra you comin' back so I can try and win back some of my pay?" Buck asked as he counted what he had left, his face showing that he was severely lacking in the monetary department.

"Yeah, Ezra, I thought you were goin' to give me some pointers?" JD complained to the silver-tongued gambler as he also took in the paltry remnants of his money.

"My dear boy, there is no better teacher than experience," Ezra cited as he smoothly stood, picking up his hat and placing it on his head.

"By the time I get experience I'll be broke. I think I want a different teacher," JD remarked sarcastically.

Ezra had to smile at the young sheriff. He hated taking the boy's money, but soothed his guilt by attributing it to his higher education.

"As you wish Mr. Dunne when I return I will endeavor to convey to you my many stratagems and to pass on my well-advanced poker skills."

"Huh?"

"He means he'll take more of your money," Buck interpreted ignoring Ezra's playful glare.

Ezra tipped his hat and walked across the bar room towards the door tipping his hat at Chris and Vin who remained at the bar. The night was slightly cool which felt good after the stuffiness of the smoke-filled saloon. Hank and Mac watched as Ezra walked across the street heading towards the restaurant. They felt this would be there only chance. The moon was hidden and there weren't many people on the street and if they did this right no one would be the wiser. The two casually stepped out from the alley way and started to follow the genteel-looking man.

Mac drew his gun and jabbed it into Ezra's side just as he reached the other side of the street. "Listen, you cause any problem and we shoot the first person who approaches us after we shoot you," he said in a low and menacing voice.

Ezra's face remained impassive he didn't know if these men were serious, but was not about to risk it to find out. He didn't know what was going on, he had never seen these men before and could think of no reason anyone would want to do this. Well actually he could. There was a long list of people he had pissed off, but he knew these men were not on that list. He slowly nodded in acknowledgment, his face showing not a hint of emotion which started to unnerve Hank a little.

"C'mon Mac let's get out of here," Hank whispered as he looked around to see if anyone was watching. This gambler was to confident, to calm.

Ezra could hear the nervousness in the smaller man's voice and was even more perplexed at the situation. He kept hoping that one of his partners would come out of the saloon. He then would feel confident enough in trying to take the two men.

The saloon doors opened and a man and woman walked out laughing, they turned and went in the opposite direction completely enthralled with each other. Mac prodded Ezra with the gun motioning him to a nearby alley way where they had three horses tied.

Mac quickly searched the gambler and found all his guns, he grinned at the derringer he found up Ezra's sleeve. "Hank, cover him while I go take a look around." Hank nervously pulled his gun and aimed it at Ezra who eyed the youth with a knowing smile. Mac left to check the area and make sure no one was around.

"What is someone like you doing in this business?" Ezra asked hoping to get some answers.

"Ah, what business are you referring to Mister Standish."

This momentarily stunned Ezra, this man had called him by name. "Why, the kidnapping of a local law officer, you do know that's a Federal offense."

Hank's brows came together and his palms started to get sweaty. Ezra saw the boy's face fall than darkness crashed over him.

Mac came up behind Ezra and hit him with the butt of his gun knocking him to the ground. "Why'd you do that?" Hank asked.

"Because he talks to much and it'll be safer if he's unconscious I don't want him doing anything that'll call attention to us. Now help me tie him on the horse and let's get out of here."

"Mac I don't know, this is starting to get complicated. He's a lawman," Hank's voiced raised slightly in pitch.

Mac grabbed a handful of Hank's coat. "Listen, your father told me to bring you hoping to put some backbone in you. Now I happen to like my job and have no intention of losing it because you start running scared." Mac released Hank's coat and the smaller man took a step back smoothing his coat down. He looked up at Mr. Tilly with a slight tinge of disgust. Mac took a deep breath to calm down and forced a smile to his face. "Look, no one has to get hurt. Mrs. Standish is sure to hand over the stolen property with no trouble when she learns we have her son, then we'll let him go."

Hank seemed to consider this. He knew his father would be infuriated if he returned without the stolen property. He had a hard time living up to his father's expectations, maybe this time he could do something his father would be proud of. He went over to Ezra who laid in a heap on the ground and started to lift him up. Mac came over and gave him a hand and together they flung him over a horse and tied him so he wouldn't fall off than the three quietly left Four Corners.

Mid morning found Chris and Vin sitting outside the saloon waiting for the stage. Josiah and Buck came up to join them.

"Hey, has anyone seen Ezra? He didn't come back to the saloon last night," Buck asked the three men hitching his thumb into his gunbelt. He had figured the reason that Ezra hadn't returned was that he had got a better offer last night, but Buck checked his room this morning and the bed had not been slept in, this caused a twinge of worry to replace the annoyance he had felt.

Chris continued to lean back in his chair his head bowed with his chin resting on his chest, his hat pulled low. "Nope," he replied without looking up.

Vin glanced between Buck and Josiah who was sitting against the railing. "I haven't seen him since last night. Have you checked his room?"

"Yeah," Buck answered absently as he ran his hand down his face his brows coming together in concern. "I know he said he was going to get a good dinner for once, but I thought he was going to come back and play a few more hands with JD and me."

Before Buck or anyone else could continue the conversation or thoughts the stage roared in getting everyone's attention. The four men watched as passengers started to disembark. A smile broke out on Josiah's face that the other three couldn't help but notice. Josiah removed his hat and smoothed down his graying hair and proceeded to walk over to the stage. Buck, Vin and Chris could not help but smile at the ex-preacher.

Josiah came up to Maude Standish and took her hand bringing it up to his lips. "My dear lady what a pleasant surprise."

Maude flustered slightly as she regarded the handsome preacher turned gunslinger, her southern drawl like a song to Josiah's ears. "Why Mr. Sanchez, it is always a pleasure."

Buck, Vin and Chris approached. "Howdy Ma'am can we help with your luggage?" Buck asked, much to Vin and Chris' regret. They remember the last time they had to carry Maude Standish's luggage. She seemed to travel with every item she ever owned and then some.

"Why Mr. Wilmington thank you ever so much you all are such gentleman, Ezra must be rubbing off on you," Maude slyly replied with a wink to Josiah whose mouth twitch as if holding back an even bigger grin than was already pasted on his long face.

Chris winced at this and Buck and Vin couldn't help but notice their leader's obvious dislike of anything rubbing off the roguish con man on to him. Sometimes it was hard to tell that the two men really trusted each other with their lives.

As an after thought Chris asked, "Mrs. Standish, did Ezra know you were coming?"

"No, this is a surprise visit I'm heading to California." Chris nodded thinking that that ruled out Ezra skipping town for a few days because of his mother. He knew Ezra and his mother didn't always see eye to eye on things and even more so these days. Maude had raised Ezra to be a con man and a liar, to only depend on himself and trust no one. But the time he has spent with the other six gunslingers was slowly changing his way of thinking and his way of life, much to Maude's disapproval.

Chris had a feeling that Maude was here to again try and talk Ezra into rejoining her in her fortune hunting escapades.

"Well let me escort you to our fine lodging establishment," Josiah added his eyes never leaving Maude's smooth and elegant face.

Buck, Chris and Vin proceeded to carry in all the luggage that the stage driver had brought down and deposited on the boardwalk. The hotel manger greeted Maude with a smile reserved

for only prestigious people or people who tipped generously, which Maude was the latter. "Ah, Mrs. Standish what a pleasure to have you grace our fine hotel once again. I do believe your favorite room is available." The manager reached behind him and handed Maude a room key as she signed in the registry and passed the man several bills. Josiah stood nearby and turned as he heard the grunts and complaints from his three associates who were lugging in several bags of luggage. Buck dropped three bags, one landing on his foot causing him to yelp and land on his backside.

"Oh, do be careful Mr. Wilmington," Maude reprimanded the fun-loving gunslinger.

"Yes, ma'am," Buck replied through gritted teeth. Just as Maude was about to turn the Manager added, "Mrs. Standish did the two gentlemen meet with you yet?"

Maude brought a confused smile back towards him. "Excuse me, sir."

"There were two well dressed gentlemen here yesterday asking about you," he answered.

Like her son, Maude was able to maintain a very placid appearance showing no disturbance what so ever on her gracefully aging face.

"I told them that you frequent here mostly to visit your son," the Manager continued, hoping he hadn't done anything wrong.

Maude's face fell momentarily nothing that Buck, Vin or Josiah caught, but Chris did and he suddenly became very interested. He stepped up to the counter next to Maude bringing a fearful look to the Manager's face.

"You told these men about my son?" Maude slowly asked.

"What did you say?" Chris cut in. The Manager looked at Maude seeming to ask permission to tell the dark-clad gunslinger what he had told the men.

"Well, I just told them that Maude's son was a lawman and a gambler who was over at the saloon."

Buck and Chris looked at each other a bad feeling passing between them. Josiah was still to enamored with Maude to really notice anything else. Chris turned to Maude. "Mrs. Standish, do you know why these men might be looking for you?"

Maude gave Chris her most indignant expression. "I assure Mr. Larabee I do not, is there some problem?"

"Well, no one has seen Ezra since last night," Chris explained.

No one could read Maude's face but inside she screamed.

Ezra woke to a splitting headache. He slowly opened his eyes the bright sunshine causing him to immediately close them. He was laying on his side with his hands tied behind his back, he could hear low mumblings and tried again to open his eyes. This time he looked upon a pair of brown boots which stood directly in front of him.

"I was afraid he hit you to hard," Hank said as he reached down and helped Ezra sit up. He held a cup of water to Ezra's lips and let him take a couple sips. "There, is that better? sorry about having to tie you up, but, er, well you understand."

Ezra was very confused he knew he had been kidnapped for whatever reason, but this gentleman was treating him like he was an invited guest. He nodded slightly to answer Hank's first question. Ezra swallowed and in a hoarse voice asked, "I don't suppose you could relate to me the reason I've been abducted?"

Hank smiled, he liked the way Ezra talked, not just the southern accent, but his words, they reminded Hank of the educated people he had met in the schools back east. "Well I guess I'll let Mac explain that to you."

Hank stood up and walked over to the nearby campsite. Ezra could see the other man sitting on a log, his back to them, drinking a cup of coffee. Hank went up next to him and knelt down informing him that Ezra was awake. Mac threw his remaining coffee into the fire and stood. He came up to Ezra and squatted down bringing his dark brown eyes level to Ezra's green ones. He quietly scrutinized the suave gambler, trying to get a feel for the man. He hadn't known many gamblers, but the few he did know were egotistical opportunists, he didn't think this man would be any different, especially since he was Maude's son. Ezra just stared back, his usual poker face already in place.

"So you're Maude Standish's son?" This was said more as a statement than a question. Mac didn't notice any reaction on Ezra's face and frowned slightly. Hank stayed back by the fire, but strained to hear the conversation.

Keeping his emotions in check Ezra replied, "And what if I am?"

Mac chuckled slightly and thought, he was definitely Maude's son, they both had the same smart mouth.

"Well, your mother has got herself in a passel of trouble. You see she stole something from my boss and my boss wants it back, real bad and he doesn't care how we get it. Now me, I'm against hurtin' a woman even one like yours." Mac thought he'd get a reaction to this last remark, but Ezra remained passive his face giving nothing away. Mac bowed his head for a few seconds than raised it. "But you, I have no problem with and if your mother wants to see you alive and kickin' again she'll return our employer's property."

Ezra's mind was racing, what had his mother gotten herself into this time. Maude steal? That was unthinkable. "My mother does not steal," Ezra remarked coolly. "She may con the shirt off your back then return for your pants, but she does not steal."

Mac gave Ezra a rather unpleasant smile. "Sorry, but she blatantly stole. She conned her way into my boss's home and walked out with a valuable piece of art."

Ezra didn't know what to believe. He hadn't heard from his mother in over a month. Her last letter was from Kansas City and said the next time she saw him she would have a surprise for him. This always made Ezra cringe, he hated when his mother visited she always tried to get him to leave with her. He tried to explain that things were different, but either she didn't believe him or didn't care. Ezra didn't know what he wanted, but he knew he didn't want to go back to his previous life. Four Corners was growing on him and so were six gunslingers.

"Well if you gentlemen think that my mother will trade anything for me you're in for a rude awakening," Ezra said, a faint smile turning the corners of his mouth.

Mac stood up and turned to Hank ignoring Ezra's remark. "You keep an eye on him, I'm going back to town and wait for Mrs. Standish."

Hank grabbed Mac's arm. "What do I do if you don't come back?"

Mac looked over at Ezra and calmly replied, "Kill him."

Hank's face fell as Mac walked towards his horse. This was definitely getting complicated.

"My boy must of found out that I was coming and is off somewhere waiting for me to leave," Maude explained to the six gunslingers who crowded around the saloon table. Ezra still had not returned and no one had seen him. Everyone was getting worried, except perhaps Maude who appeared unconcerned for her wayward son.

Chris eyed her suspiciously. He could tell that Josiah accepted her story, but his reasoning was clouded with feelings for the conniving woman. Like Ezra in the beginning, Chris did not trust Maude Standish. He wondered how far she'd go in getting her own way?

Josiah knew what Maude was, but believed, like Ezra there was something else inside, one just had to find and nurture it. He was the champion of lost causes.

Vin glanced over at Buck, who met the look and shrugged. Everyone knew that Ezra and his mother had their differences, but they didn't think he'd runaway. And what about the two men who were looking for Maude?

"Maude, it would be my pleasure to escort you to dinner this evenin'?" Josiah asked. "I'm sure Ezra will show up after he's done brooding."

Josiah's deep silvery voice caused a warm feeling to radiate throughout her body, if only he had money. "Why Mr. Sanchez, I would be honored."

Everyone watched as Josiah pulled out Maude's chair and offered his arm. Maude smiled and nodded and the two left the saloon. JD had a cocky grin on his face happy for the ex-preacher. Buck, Chris and Vin weren't so sure.

"What do you make of it, Chris?" Buck asked as he watched the two leave the saloon.

"I think Ezra's in trouble and Maude knows it," Chris bluntly replied.

Vin smirked, Chris never was one to mince words.

Mac Tilly found Maude and Josiah enjoying an elegant dinner, or as elegant as possible, in the town's restaurant. He came up to the table and sat down much to Josiah's astonishment.

"Can we do something for you, friend?" Josiah asked in a deep menacing voice, his hand instinctively hovering near his revolver. He immediately saw this man as trouble, for who, he was not sure.

"I wish to speak to Mrs. Standish, alone," Mac replied looking Maude straight in the eye.

"Anything you have to say to me Mr. Tilly you can say to Mr. Sanchez," Maude venomously replied. She was already trying to think of all her options and how to manipulate the situation. She knew what card Mac Tilly wanted and was pretty sure she knew what cards he held. Now she just had to figure out what to throw away and hope she was given a better hand.

Josiah was surprised that Maude knew this gentleman.

Mac looked Josiah up and down, shrugged and keeping his voice low said, "We have your son." Maude gasped believably, which was all part of her plan. Josiah placed his hand on his gun. "If I don't return he'll be killed," Mac quickly added glaring at Josiah.

Maude took a deep breath. "What do you want?" Maude placed her hand on top of Josiah's removing it from his holster.

Josiah was a little taken back by the fact that Maude didn't ask if Ezra was alright.

Mac shook his head. "Now, Maude is it? You know what I want and I want it at noon tomorrow. Meet me two miles north of town." Mac looked back over at Josiah.

"I assure you sir I have no idea what you are talking about," Maude added, maintaining a confused expression.

"Suit yourself, you have until noon then we kill him," Mac stated matter-of-factly. He stood, tipped his hat and left. Josiah studied Maude for a moment not sure what to believe, she was very convincing.

"Oh Josiah I'm afraid I need yours and the others services," Maude pleaded, her green eyes threatening to spill the tears she held back.

"You know we'll help to save Ezra," Josiah replied, for some reason Josiah got the feeling that was not what she was referring to. They left the restaurant to find the others.

Ezra realized he was sitting on top of a huge mesa, he thought it was the one that was just north of town. He had been propped up against several large rocks and pretty much left alone. Hank brought him water on occasions. He felt a sharp stone behind him and began moving his bound wrists up and down slowly wearing the ropes apart. He stopped as Mac came over to him. Hank and Mac had been in deep conversation ever since Mac had returned. Ezra was not sure what it was all about, but he knew he had to escape. He did not know what his mother was involved in, but he was not about to endanger her further by being a captive. "Well by tomorrow you'll be out of here one way or another," Mac sneered. Ezra kept his face neutral his green eyes glaring at the larger man which sent a slight shiver up his spine and caused him to stand up rather quickly. He would be glad when this was over. He didn't want to hurt Mr. Standish, but he would not hesitate if it would get his boss's property back and help him keep his job.

Later that evening the six gunmen and Maude sat around the same table they sat at earlier in the saloon. Everyone else had been chased out. Buck could barely sit still in his chair anxious to go out and rescue the gambler. He couldn't believe anyone would have the nerve to mess with any one of them. JD paced behind him.

"Okay, Mrs. Standish you have no idea what this man is talking about?" Chris asked for the second time hoping for a better answer.

Maude looked up at Chris' stone blue eyes her patience running thin. Mr. Larabee was a hard man to convince. "Mr. Larabee if you do not believe me please just say so. As I've said Mr. Tilly is an old business associate of mine. We broke off several months ago so I have no idea, maybe he believes I've wronged him in some way."

"This Mr. Tilly is probably one of the men who was looking for you the other day?" Vin remarked.

"Yes, Mr. Tanner I would assume so, but at the time I had no idea who would be looking for me and I still don't know why. You will have to ask Mr. Tilly," Maude replied her voice curt and sharp.

"Don't worry, we will," Chris added.

Maude didn't understand why her son had seen fit to take up an allegiance with these men. They were decent enough and so was the town so why hadn't Ezra taken what he could and left. She'd have to figure it out later right now she needed them to finish playing out this game. She was using them to stack the deck in her favor.

Chris folded his arms and hung his head. Maude was so much like Ezra it was scary. For now he would have to take her word for it, either way they had to rescue Ezra. "Okay it appears that this man, for some unknown reason believes you have something of theirs." Chris sat back in his chair. "So we need them to believe that we're bringing them their property at least long enough so we can get the jump on them."

"We can carry a basket, hope they believe we have something in it," Nathan suggested.

Chris nodded and continued to stare at Maude whose own poker face was now in place. "Okay everyone, get some sleep."

Mid morning, Maude was hurriedly unpacking, but stopped as she removed a statue of a young woman from one of her suitcases. It was carved out of ivory and encrusted with semi-precious stones. The woman was beautiful, exotic. Maude caressed the smooth statue going over every jewel. She turned around and gasped almost dropping the statue as her eyes land on Josiah standing in her doorway.

"Mr. Sanchez don't you ever knock?"

The sad look in Josiah's eyes almost broke her heart. He stared at the statue that she held in her hands.

"Is that what this is all about?" He asked.

Maude bowed her head unable to meet the ex-preacher's anguish filled eyes.

"So, this Mr. Tilly was tellin' the truth, you stole it?" He added. His body slumped alongside the door frame.

Maude looked up at Josiah. "Mr. Sanchez," she paused biting her lower lip. "Josiah, you don't understand I'm not getting any younger." Maude turned and sat on the edge of the bed still clutching the statue. Josiah didn't move. "Ezra refuses to join me how can I survive." Maude holds the statue up. "This statue will provide the means for my retirement, and anyway Mr. Gill Brok owes it to me." Maude turned watery eyes towards Josiah and choked back a sob. "We were to be married, I would of been set for life, but at the last moment he backed out. No reason just told me to leave."

Josiah didn't know what to believe. "What about Ezra?"

"He would understand," Maude casually replied stroking the statue.

Josiah shook his head not believing what he was hearing. He knew Maude believed that everyone should only watch out for number one, but he had hoped that didn't always hold true. He'd seen that it didn't with Ezra as he now cared a great deal for the others, even though he'd never admit it. "You would sacrifice his life for that statue?" Josiah quietly stated his voice revealing his disbelief and pain.

"Of course not, why do you think I got you all involved, you can rescue him. Ezra is very resourceful, I taught him myself," Maude replied very confidently. "And anyway Mr. Tilly is not a dangerous man, who wouldn't hurt Ezra."

Josiah wondered if she really believed it or was only trying to convince herself.

Chris suddenly appeared behind Josiah. "Maude are you ready to..." He stopped when he noticed the statue in Maude's hand his anger started to push to the surface. His face clouded over as he glared at Maude Standish. He looked at Josiah who he could tell was hurting inside, but he could not hide his anger. "We're leaving c'mon," he said tersely, turned on his heel and left.

"We're taking the statue," Josiah told Maude who looked up at him in shock, but bit off what she was about to say and slowly nodded her head. She carefully wrapped the statue up in several cloths. Josiah stared a moment more, turned and walked away.

Ezra stretched his legs trying to get some of the kinks out so he was ready to make his escape. His shoulders ached from having his arms tied behind him for so long. He had been given plenty of water by his captors, but no food so he was a little weak. He wasn't worried about Hank he didn't think the man's heart was in this, but Mac Tilly was another matter, he was desperate and that made a person dangerous. Ezra watched as Hank and Mac gathered up their belongings, Hank would occasionally glance over at him and he recognized the face of regret. He knew he had to make his move quick he was running out of time. He was almost through his bounds, one more rub and suddenly they snapped apart. Ezra kept his hands behind his back flexing his fingers to circulate the blood. He didn't know how to get down off the butte since he had been brought up in less than a coherent state. Ezra watched as Hank and Mac turned their backs going to their horses. He felt this was going to be his last opportunity. He stood up hearing his knees crack and winced at the sound. He skirted the edge of the butte hoping to find a way down.

Hank turned to pick up his saddle, he saw Ezra, and paused a moment, secretly hoping the man would escape. He knew Mac was about to spot him so he yelled, "Hey, Stop!" For a moment Ezra thought this was funny, did they really think he would stop then he felt the bullet tear through his shoulder throwing him back. He seemed to hang in mid air for several moments then where he should of landed on firm hard ground his body cut through open thin air as he fell off the cliff. The two men looked at each other as Ezra vanished from sight. They ran to the cliff edge and cautiously peered over, but all they could see was the rocky, winding river which ran in the center of the ravine about a hundred feet below.

"WHY DID YOU DO THAT?" Hank yelled at Mac who still held his gun loosely in his hand.

"Shut up!" Mac yelled in return his eyes darting around the campsite. He ran his hand through his thinning dark hair. This was not going as planned. An idea suddenly came to him, it was a weak one, but the only one he could think of. "Take the bed rolls and make it look like someone is under them, I'm going to meet Mrs. Standish and get the statue." Mac glared at Hank who for a moment held his ground. "Be prepared to make a break for it. When you hear a gun shot take off and meet me at Devil's Rock."

Hank looked back at the place that the gambler was last, he bit his lower lip sadden at the fact that he was partially responsible. He bowed his head and turned to comply with Mac's orders.

The six gunmen and Maude rode silently towards the rendezvous point. Maude, Josiah and Nathan rode ahead of the others. Maude gave a sidelong glance trying to catch Josiah's eye but he kept his head down allowing his horse to pick it's own way. He stared down at the ground not seeing anything. He listened to the rhythmic four beat of his horse's hooves striking the hard packed dirt. He knew he shouldn't of been surprised by Maude's behavior, but he was. Everyone was told that Maude had lied and did in fact steal the statue and was going to keep it even at the risk of Ezra's life.

Nathan looked over at Josiah whose face seemed to have aged ten years. His eyes could not hide the pain he felt their normal brightness replaced with an abiding sadness. Nathan still could not believe that Ezra's own mother would do such a thing. He now better understood why Ezra was the way he was and he was sorry.

Ezra had no idea how long he laid on the hard rocky surface. The rock was warm under his cheek. He tried to move but it brought instant pain to every part of his body. His right hand clenched grabbing a handful of dirt. He decided the more prudent avenue would be to just stay still. His shoulder and arm throbbed, but he wasn't sure why. His head was the worse it felt like he had been kicked by a horse. He slowly managed to open his eyes and looked out over a beautiful vista. He could see the next butte and actually found himself admiring the many layered colors that it held. Everything seemed so vivid even the sky appeared bluer than he had ever seen it. He heard the melodious call of an eagle enjoying the currents of warm air which rose and fell between the mesas. He was never much of a nature lover, but he had to admit, this was a good place to die. His eyes slowly closed.

As they neared the rendezvous point Chris, Vin, JD and Buck held back as Josiah and Nathan followed Maude forward. Josiah shook off his despair he knew he had to be alert for Ezra's sake. Maude might not care about her son but he and the others did. Ezra was a part of them, a part they did not want to lose.

Mr. Tilly stepped out from behind several scrub trees pointing a gun at the threesome. He saw the four gunslingers who held back. What's goin' on?" He demanded looking straight at Maude. Josiah and Nathan carefully dismounted and Nathan helped Maude down. She clutched the wrapped statue to her chest. Josiah and Nathan both opened their coats showing that neither was armed. Mac was nervous he kept slapping his left hand against his leg. He regarded the two men through narrow eyes.

"You didn't expect me to come out here alone," Maude explained. Josiah saw fear come to Mac's face and knew he had to reassure this man.

"Listen, we have your statue, we just want Ezra and no one has to get hurt," Josiah stated.

Mac stood still for awhile contemplating this, he also just wanted this over with and for some reason he believed the big man. He looked back at the four other men who hadn't moved, then let out a tense breath.

"Alright, but if my partner hears any shooting or I don't come back the gambler is a dead man," he lied saying this loud enough for the others to hear. Josiah nodded his understanding. "Okay let's get this over with, lay the statue down then back up," Mac growled at Maude.

"What about Ezra?" Nathan queried as he secretly palmed a knife, the blade running alongside his wrist.

"I'll tell you where he is, you give me a head start than you can go get him."

Josiah noticed that Mac's eyes shifted down as he said this and fear gripped his insides.

Maude took a couple steps forward then bent down keeping her eyes on Mac Tilly. She gave the man a wary smile as she laid the cloth wrapped statue down and backed away, but not too far. Nathan casually edged up behind her, he had to get close enough to catch the man's gun arm. He would only get one chance and if he missed it could mean Ezra's life.

Chris had planned this he didn't like being at the mercy of anyone and hoped to get the upper hand. Mac kept his gun trained on Maude assuming that the gunslingers wouldn't risk a woman's life. He slowly bent down and unwrapped the statue. His grin turned askew as he looked upon a plain rock. "What the hell is this!" Mac yelled. Josiah's eyes widen in disbelief and he turned to Maude showing the betrayal he felt. Nathan let his knife fly striking Mac in the forearm causing him to drop his gun. Josiah lunged at him knocking him over. He held him down as Chris, JD, Vin and Buck raced over.

Chris approached Mac who Josiah pulled roughly up to his feet. Nathan came over and quickly tied off the wound on his arm. Chris felt little animosity towards this man, he realized he only wanted his property, but he wanted Ezra. Chris looked down at the rock which Maude had used in place of the statue. He glared angrily at the gray-haired woman the disgust not hidden on his harden face, he could not understand how she could risk Ezra's life.

Maude stood quietly off to the side ignoring the men's obvious disgust towards her. Her face showed none of the emotions that raced inside her. Everything was going according to plan. She'd be able to keep the statue, her son would be rescued and Gil Brok would think twice about pulling anything again.

Chris grabbed Mac Tilly by the shirt. "Listen to me, we'll give you back the statue we just want Ezra."

Mac laughed, "Yeah right, another trick."

Chris' anger was rising he was not in the mood to debate with this man, he drew his gun and pointed it directly into Mac's face.

"Now, are you going to show us?" Chris menacingly asked.

"If you shoot me my man will kill him," Mac sneered. Buck casually picked up Nathan's knife.

"Here Chris try this," Buck stated with a malicious smile, handing Chris the knife.

Fear suddenly came to Mac's face as Chris placed the point into his throat. The cocky grin evaporated as he looked into Chris' icy blue eyes. Mac swallowed hard he didn't know what to do he was afraid if he told this man that Ezra was dead he'd kill him right here and now. So he did the only thing he could, he lied, hoping to at least buy a few more minutes of life and a possible escape.

Hank turned to the sound of several cocking guns all pointed directly at him. He slowly put his hands up as he looked at the six angry men standing before him. He recognized the black dressed man as the one from the saloon and felt a lump in his throat. JD came over and removed his guns. Hank noticed that the young man was a sheriff and was somewhat relieved, hoping that the young man would protect them. Because right now he was deathly afraid of the black-dressed gunslinger.

Vin went over to the unmoving lump covered with blankets. "Ezra," he quietly spoke, fear clutching his insides. He threw off the blankets only to look down at an empty bed roll. He called over to Chris. "He's not here!"

Chris turned to Mac shoving his pistol into his face. "Where is he?"

A cold chill went through Maude and fear finally came to her eyes. He must of got away, Maude thought and tried to hold on to that thought as the fear built in her.

Mac figured either way he was a dead man so he kept silent. Hank, fearing his own life and feeling guilty about what had happened decided that this had gone to far and declared somewhat reluctantly, "He's dead."

Maude gasped bringing her hand to her mouth, her legs buckled and Buck grabbed her just in time. Hank bowed his head. "I'm sorry it wasn't suppose to happen this way."

"What happened?" Vin approached the young man his own anger reaching the boiling point. He grabbed the young man by the shirt almost holding him up off the ground. Josiah came up behind the buck-skin clad tracker and placed a calming hand on Vin's shoulder.

"Son, I suggest you tell us, as we've been lied to enough today," Josiah said then turned to glare at Maude whose face was streaked with tears. Josiah wondered if they were real, but gave her the benefit of the doubt.

Hank looked over at JD who only stood and glared at him grasping the butt of his guns his knuckles turning white. Hank looked up at the tall ex-preacher and he replied quickly, "He tried to escape, Mac shot him and he fell off the cliff over there." Hank pointed to the place where Ezra fell. Vin and Josiah raced over followed by JD. Buck maintained a steadying arm on Maude and helped her towards the cliff's edge.

She felt that her world was falling apart, it was not suppose to happen this way. She loved Ezra she just didn't know how to show it. She raised him like she herself was raised and never thought anything was wrong with it.

Vin laid flat on his stomach and inched his way over the edge to peer down. He pushed back some of his long loose hair. "I see him! He's about twenty feet down caught on a ledge."

Chris kept his gun on Mac and Hank his eyes never leaving the two men. "Can you tell if he's alive?" Chris called to the bounty hunter.

"No, he's on his stomach, it looks like he might of hit a bush going down, maybe it broke his fall," Vin explained.

"Okay, rig a line, Nathan you'll have to go down and see how he is," Chris ordered. Nathan acknowledged this with a nod.

Chris grabbed Mac by his injured arm taking pleasure at the pain he caused him, he forced him closer to the edge.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Mac shouted without realizing it. Panic was finding its way into his soul and trying to take over. He looked into Larabee's ice blue eyes and fear gripped his insides twisting them in knots.

Chris pushed him until his left foot started over the edge sending pebbles and dirt sprinkling down. Mac grabbed Chris' arm to keep his balance. "If he's dead, I'm throwing you off," Chris replied in a curiously flat voice. For a moment Mac thought he couldn't be serious, but when he looked into those eyes there was little doubt. He looked towards the others pleadingly, but was rewarded with unconcerned looks.

"Please, I was just following orders. I had to get that statue back," Mac pleaded, almost babbling. He knew he was close to hysterics, but didn't care, for the first time he feared for his life.

Chris realized he was taking all his anger out on Mr. Tilly when there was someone else to blame, but he was taught never to strike a woman.

Josiah, Buck, JD and Vin manned the ropes, slowly lowering the healer down the vertical face, sand and rock crumbled under each step. Ezra had landed on a ledge which was only about five feet wide by seven feet long. When Nathan reached the ledge he straddled the gambler and paused, afraid to check for something he might not find. He noticed the pool of blood, which had soaked into the rock under his shoulder. He took a deep breath and knelt down placing two fingers against Ezra's neck. It was a moment, but Nathan felt a very faint pulse. He looked up the cliff face to see Vin's worried gaze. "He's alive!"

Everyone let out a breath including Mac Tilly who almost collapsed with relief. "That man has more lives than a cat," Buck voiced bringing a slight chuckle from JD and Vin.

Chris motioned for Mac and Hank to move back. "Buck, get some rope and tie them up."

Nathan did a cursory once over on the gambler, the ledge was to narrow to turn him over. It looked like his left side took the brunt of the fall, including his head which seriously worried the dark healer. He carefully fixed the noose over Ezra's head and under his arms. "Okay take him up, slowly," Nathan yelled up to the top. The rope grew taut and Ezra was slowly lifted up. Nathan guided him as far as he could. He looked at Ezra's pale, slack face. His left side was soaked in blood. He watched as Vin and Josiah reached over the rim and grabbed him by his jacket hoisting him the rest of the way up. The rope was thrown back down and Nathan was then pulled up. When he reached the top he immediately went to Ezra's side. Maude was cradling Ezra's head in her lap her face no longer hiding the emotions she felt as she looked down at her injured son. She looked up momentarily, seeing the six gunslingers surrounding them and understood for the first time why Ezra stayed. Nathan ran his experienced hands over Ezra's body he then opened his vest and shirt.

"Buck help me take off his jacket and shirt."

Buck knelt down, carefully lifting Ezra up so Nathan could remove his jacket and blood soaked shirt. Everyone's eyes widen and Maude had to stifle a gasp. Luckily the bullet had gone clean through, but Ezra's whole left side was nothing but one huge bruise. His smooth muscular chest was covered in blood.

Nathan worried because Ezra hadn't made a sound throughout the whole examination. He felt three broken ribs and knew he had lost a lot of blood. He had a wicked gash on the side of his head and a broken left arm. What really worried Nathan was the possibility of internal injuries, but he didn't voice his concern, if there was internal damage Ezra would die and there was nothing anyone could do. "How long was he down there," Nathan shouted to the two tied men.

Buck aimed his revolver at them to hurry their response. "Ah, about three hours," Hank nervously muttered.

"Nathan." Nathan looked over into Maude's watery eyes. "Is he going to be alright?"

Nathan looked up at the others and replied, "I don't know, we have to get him back to town, but we need to make a travois to carry him in."

"Vin, JD go and find something we can use for poles," Chris ordered. The two raced off without question.

Ezra moaned slightly bringing everyone to his side. Maude looked up at Josiah, Buck and Chris who seemed to show genuine concern for her son.

"Ezra, come on open your eyes," Josiah plaintively asked. Ezra's eyes opened slowly, blinked, then remained open trying to focus on the faces that swam above him. Maude caressed his fevered brow.

"Ezra, how do you feel?" Nathan asked in a strong slow voice trying to cut through the fog of Ezra's mind.

"Hurt," he replied in a hoarse whisper. Ezra began coughing and choked back a scream as pain racked his body. He tried to curl up, but Buck and Nathan held him still. Chris knelt down at his side to help he still wanted to throw the men responsible off the cliff and decided he better do something or he would. The spasm stopped, leaving Ezra exhausted and even more pale. Chris soaked a cloth and placed it on Ezra's head.

Buck had turned to see sympathy in Hank's face and some of his anger left him.

Ezra wet his lips and swallowed, his chest rattled with each painful breath he took. He turned his head and furrowed his brow as he looked upon his mother's face. "Mother?"

Maude smiled. "You're going to be okay, son," she soothed smoothing down his sweat drenched hair. She couldn't stand to see him in pain. Even when he was a child she would ignore it or send him away so she didn't have to deal with it.

Buck knelt down next to Maude and helped to bring Ezra's head up as Nathan placed a cup of water to his lips. "Here Ezra, drink this it'll help with the pain."

Ezra managed a couple sips then slowly slipped back into unconsciousness.

Buck came and took Maude around the shoulders and slowly forced her up and away, her eyes never leaving Ezra's slack face. He helped her over to a rock where she sat. Buck glared at the woman then turned and walked away. Maude watched as Nathan cleaned Ezra's head wound and wrapped a bandage around it. He cleaned and put herbs on his shoulder wound then he set his broken arm and wrapped his ribs.

Vin and JD returned with two stout poles. They used the bedrolls and made a travois which they attached to Chris' horse then they slowly moved out.

When they reached town JD and Vin pulled Hank and Mac off their horses none to gently. Hank stopped and looked down at Ezra then turned sad brown eyes up at Chris. "I'm sorry." Chris ignored him and Vin and JD shoved them towards the jail. Josiah and Chris carefully carried Ezra up to Nathan's room. Maude followed close behind she knew she was no longer welcomed, but she was not going to leave her son's side. She kept telling herself that Ezra would understand.

As they placed Ezra on Nathan's bed a small groan escaped his lips. "Ezra, can you hear me?" Nathan quietly coaxed. Chris, Buck and Josiah backed up against the wall. Maude had gone to the other side of the bed and sat next to his head. Nathan took a cloth and wet it putting it on Ezra's fevered brow.

Buck moved closer to Ezra's bed. "C'mon pard come on back," he quietly voiced.

Ezra's eyes fluttered opened, everything was blurry and he closed them again bringing his hand up which caused him considerable pain. Someone took it and gently forced it back down. He could hear murmurings like a low atonal hum all around him. He tried again to open his eyes, shapes were starting to form and Ezra wrinkled his brow trying to bring them into focus. His head hurt something terrible and every breath he took was painful, it felt like someone was sitting on his chest. He managed a faint smile as Nathan's concerned face came into focus. "Nathan?" he asked in a pain-husky voice. Nathan smiled.

Ezra turned a heavy head slowly towards Maude. "What happened? Are you alright mother?"

"Yes dear, you just rest," Maude softly replied placing a comforting hand over Ezra's. He had so many questions but his eyes grew heavy and darkness swept him away. Josiah abruptly walked out. Maude heard him leave and bowed her head. She raised her eyes to meet Nathan, Chris and Buck's accusing stares. "I did it for him too. I can buy him that saloon he's always wanted, he doesn't have to stay in this accursed town."

"The statue goes back," Chris stated coolly and walked out.

Chris sat down in the chair next to Josiah who stared morosely at the beer in front of him. "She was willing to trade Ezra's life for that statue, I can't get past that," Josiah muttered still staring at the amber liquor on the table.

"I don't understand it either, Josiah," Chris replied. "And I'm not so sure Ezra will either."

Everyone took turns watching over Ezra throughout the night. He had become delirious brought on by the high fever which came with the infected head wound. Several times he had to be held down so he wouldn't injure himself more. Maude had to leave early on, she couldn't stand hearing the rantings of her son. JD had promised to keep her informed as he was the only one even remotely talking to her.

Nathan entered the room the next morning to find JD asleep in a chair. Chris was sitting in a chair next to the bed his eyes on the gambler's slowly rising chest, afraid if he looked away his chest would cease to rise. Nathan came over and placed a dark hand on Ezra's pale forehead. "I think his fever is coming down the worse should be over, Chris. He should be alright as long as no complications set it." Nathan placed a hand on Chris' shoulder breaking him from his task. "You and JD should go and get some rest I'll take over."

Chris nodded and went and shook JD.

"Wha..What? is Ezra..."

"He's okay. I need you to come with me, there's something we have to do."

Chris kicked in the door to Maude's room and stormed in, followed meekly by JD.

"How dare you?" Maude yelled. "What gives you the right?" She had just finished putting some clothes into the chest of drawers which sat against the wall under an open window.

Chris ignored her and went to the bag which sat on the bed and started rummaging through it.

JD stood in the doorway his hat in his hand, trying to appear respectful. He knew she didn't deserve it, but it was hard to break from years of teaching. He was always taught that his elders were right and should be respected no matter what.

Chris removed the statue and glared at Maude. "This goes back to it's rightful owner." He turned his back on Maude, stopped and said, "Ezra's fever broke."

JD tipped his hat remorsefully. "Sorry, ma'am," and followed Chris out. Maude stood silently and watched them go her hands clenched in fists of rage. She had lost this hand.

It was several days before Ezra was lucid enough to know what was going on around him. Nathan kept visitors to a minimum, but Maude was at his bedside most of the time holding his hand and talking softly to him. Most of the men thought this was too little to late, but didn't interfere, unfortunately she was still his mother.

Ezra was getting frustrated he couldn't remember much about what happened. He remembered trying to escape, but by the way he felt he didn't think that went to well. No one would tell him what had gone on. Even his mother tapped danced around the events of the past few days. Everyone gave vague answers then made excuses and left. He always thought he was the only evasive one.

After several days of this Ezra began to believe that he would never discover the truth until Josiah quietly entered and pulled up a chair. Josiah had waited, giving Maude every chance to tell Ezra what had happened and what part she had played. Now he felt that Ezra should know.

The next morning everyone was sitting in the bar room enjoying a good breakfast supplied by Mary who knew they had been neglecting their own health as they took care of Ezra. Maude came in not even acknowledging their presence as she headed towards the stairs to go and check on her son.

Chris and Josiah who shared a table glanced up as Maude went by, her skirt flaring out behind her determined strides. Since she had been forced to relinquish the statue she had little to say to the six regulators. The statue had been returned to Mac and Hank and they were released as soon as it was certain that Ezra would be alright. Hank gave his word that they would return next month to stand trial for kidnapping. Chris believed the young man and assured him he would be given a light sentence in view of the circumstances. He wished there was some charge he could place on Maude Standish, but there was no law against being a bad mother and Hank Brok had refused to press charges against her for theft. Chris suspected that Maude had talked to the young man while he was in jail and convinced him to not press charges.

"Did you tell 'em?" Chris asked Josiah in a quiet voice.

"Yep," Josiah replied, taking another bite of sausage.

"How'd he take it?"

"Hard to tell, but I think we'll find out shortly," Josiah remarked as he pushed his plate away and removed the napkin from his neck.

Everyone held their breath then looked up at the sound of shouting from the top of the stairs. "GET THE HELL OUT!" Followed by the sound of a glass being thrown against a wall. JD abruptly stood at the crash, but was summarily forced back down by Buck and Vin's hands on his shoulders. Everyone looked away as Maude descended the stairs trying to compose herself quickly. She stopped at the bottom of the stair case standing on the last step she cast an angry glare at the six men.

"I hope you're all satisfied I've been asked to remove myself from your quaint little town." Maude brought her eyes down upon each one of the six men. "You think you're better for him than his own mother?"

Chris raised his head to meet Maude's burning scowl. "He'd of been better off if he'd been raised by wolves."

Maude didn't know what to say, she didn't understand why these men were acting the way they were. She had only been trying to take care of herself and Ezra. It wasn't her fault he had been hurt, if he hadn't tried to escape he would have been rescued and. Her face fell at this thought and Josiah noticed the sadness that replaced the anger in her eyes she turned on her heel and walked out the door.

Josiah approached Ezra's room stepping over the broken glass in the hallway. He entered the partially sunlit room seeing Ezra in bed his right arm over his eyes.

"Ezra, are you okay?" Josiah quietly asked.

"No," came a curt reply. Josiah pulled a chair up next to Ezra's bed.

"Do you want to talk about it," he asked.

Ezra removed his arm from his eyes which had taken on a lost appearance. His head was no longer bandaged and a huge purple bruise covered half his face. His left arm was bound to his chest and the bruising to his ribs could be seen peeking out from under the bandages.

"What's to talk about. I've always known what she is. She's never hid it from me." But Ezra never believed his mother would choose money over his own life this tore at his heart. He was not sure he could ever forgive her. A thought came to Ezra and he turned his bruised face towards Josiah.

"I apologize, Mr. Sanchez I'm fully aware that you carried certain feelings for my mother and for that I'm deeply regretful."

Josiah smiled and shrugged, he then stood as Nathan entered to check on him. Josiah walked out and stood outside the door leaning against the wall. He didn't want to see anyone. His heart did ache, probably not as much as Ezra's, but he did feel betrayed. He thought he had learned to accept Maude as she was, but after all that had happened he no longer felt the same way and he grieved for that.

Maude waited for the stage the next morning. No one had come to carry her bags and she was forced to hire a man off the street. When the stage pulled in the driver proceeded to load her baggage. She cast an eye up to the second floor window of the saloon, she thought she saw the curtain move. The driver offered his hand and helped her into the stage. Ezra stayed back from the window not wanting to be seen. He stared down at the contriving woman, who he called mother, and a single tear slid down his cheek.

The End