mystdogs

Family Ties

Part 1:

The stage coach rocked on the dusty road, jarring the two passengers aboard. The regal lady fanned herself with hopes of blocking the dust from reaching her immaculate makeup and hair. She sighed as she looked at her young son pouting across from her. “Now Ezra darling, don’t be so melodramatic. I have the perfect person for you to stay with while I work on our finances. I promise baby boy this will be the last time. After I become the next Mrs.Edward Shillings we will want for nothing.” Edward Shillings was a wealthy cattle baron she had met in Ridge City and he was charmed by the southern lady. They had plans to head back to his ranch in preparation for the upcoming nuptials, but first she needed to drop her son off in another home as Mr.Shillings has no idea she has a son. She was traveling to Four Corners now to meet with a man she hadn’t seen in nine years. She wasn’t sure how it would go but had no doubts he would take responsibility of Ezra for a short time, after all he was family and as honorable as his father. “You’ll like it there Ezra, they have a boy just a little older than you are. I’m sure you will enjoy yourself.”

“Yes mother” Ezra swallowed the sigh that was ready to come out. This wasn’t the first marriage his mother had and he had no disillusions that it would be the last. He wondered how he would fare in this home. He didn’t expect any different treatment than he had previously in other places his mother had dumped him in. He only hoped that he wouldn’t receive any physical discipline this time. He sighed and dutifully added the customary responses as his mother went on about the family he was to stay with and how it was only for a couple of weeks. He would miss the wedding, but that wasn’t any different than the last three he knew about previously. When his mother drifted off to silence he looked out the coach’s window to the town that was just coming into view. It didn’t look very big, he wondered looking at the town what the place he would be staying at looked like. As they pulled through town and stopped outside the stage stop he took a deep breath in as he followed his mother out of the stage. Courage Ezra, courage.

“Now that brother’s is a vision of beauty.” The words from the large man had his fellow peacekeepers turning to stare at the lovely woman that had just exited the stage coach.

“Wouldn’t get my hopes up pard, she got a lil’un with her. Likely got herself a rich husband to go with it.” The lanky Texan leaned back in his seat shaking his head as he watched Josiah smile a big grin and head over to the lady and her son.

Ezra snorted quietly to himself as he watched the large man with the silly grin on his face make his way over to the stage. Good Lord another sucker lined up already. He was amazed how often men tried to win favors with his mother. He listened quietly as introductions were made and added a “How do you do sir” when he was introduced. He followed behind as Mr.Sanchez escorted his mother to the hotel. Now that he was sitting alone in the hotel room he wondered about the family he would be with. His mother was leaving on the stage tomorrow back to Ridge City. He had only arrived in Ridge City a day before they headed off to Four Corners. He was supposed to be meeting up with his mother and they would spend some time together but instead he found himself being sent off to another home. He rubbed his sore shoulder before he carefully leaned back onto the bed. He had tried to broach the subject of his latest abuse but his mother always changed the subject before he could get started. He could only hope he had enough time to heal up before this home started to beat him as well. He was exhausted; the rough ride on the stage did little for his healing body. He decided he had enough time for a short nap before his mother would return and they made their way out to the homestead.

Maude made her way to the sheriff’s office; she figured that was the best place to start for directions. As she walked in she was taken aback by the young man sitting behind the desk. Either they are getting younger or I’m getting older. “Good afternoon young man I’m trying to find Mr.Larabee’s home. Would you be so kind as to provide directions please?”

JD jumped quickly to his feet with the entrance of the beautiful lady. “Yes ma’am, but he don’t stay there. He’ll be at the saloon though.”

“Thank you young man” Maude headed out the door and made her way to the saloon. As she entered the smoky room she took a quick look around. Spotting the man she was searching for at a table in the corner she made her way over. “Mr.Larabee how good to see you again.”

The last person Chris expected to see was the beautiful lady that almost became his step mother. “Maude, been awhile, thought you headed back to the South?” He had to admit she was just as lovely now as she was back then, hasn’t seemed to age at all.

“Yes it’s been near on nine years, I heard you and your family lived out here and decided it was a good time to visit.” She was an expert on reading people and the hard look and despair she read in his eyes showed the wealth of emotions he was going through.

“My family was murdered five years ago.” His voice was rough hardened with emotion.

“Oh dear I am so sorry to hear that Chris. You have my deepest condolences. Sarah was a lovely young lady and your boy such a delightful child.”

“So why after all this time is now such a good time to visit Maude?” He knew there had to be a reason for her visit; Maude wasn’t the type to do anything without a reason.

“I’m getting married. I wanted Ezra to get to know his family” Bluntness was always the best way to deal with Chris.

That quickly got his attention. Who the hell was Ezra? “Who’s Ezra?” He looked at her sharply.

“He’s your little brother Chris.”

Part 2:

Chris was sitting in the saloon hours later trying to processing the fact that he had a little brother. To say he was shocked was an understatement. He had agreed with Maude to take the boy on for a week or two while she was preparing for her wedding. He had yet to meet Ezra; the boy was sleeping when he had walked Maude to her hotel room. They had plans to meet for dinner later where he would finally meet the boy. Now he was waiting for the rest of the peacekeepers to arrive so he could tell them about Ezra and that he would be staying with him for awhile. Maude had told him her fiancé lived close buy, just outside of Ridge City. He was happy that he would be close enough to keep in contact when he did go back to his mother.

“Hey cowboy” Vin had noticed his friend was in deep thoughts and decided to join him. With a small grin at the glare Chris sent him he took a seat beside him. He nodded to Inez at the bar and was soon sipping the beer she brought him. “What’s on your mind?”

“I’ll fill you in when the others gets here.” He watched his friend settle back in his seat as they waited for the others to arrive. Free to dive back into his own thoughts, he barely noticed as the others filtered in over the next half hour. Coming out of his thoughts he took a deep breath before he began. “Had a visitor today.” He didn’t get much farther before he was interrupted.

“Was that the beautiful woman that asked me for directions to your place this morning?” JD couldn’t help but blurt out the little information he had this morning and was trying to figure out all day.

“A beautiful lady with the voice of an angel.” Josiah was still besotted with the southern belle.

Nathan had heard about this lady all day while he helped Josiah at the church, he couldn’t help but smile at his old friend.

“What do you mean? A beautiful woman arrived in town and nobody informed me? JD you’re supposed to be my friend, why didn’t you say anything kid?” Buck pouted on his lost chance at romancing the lady.

Finally when a moment of silence interrupted the conversation Chris got back onto the subject. “You know her Buck, remember Maude?”

“Maude, ain’t that the lady your father was going to marry?”

“One and the same.”

“Well I take it from the others she hasn’t lost any of her feminine charms?”

“Nope, still as striking as she was back then.”

“What’s it been, almost nine years since she headed south? What brought her out here?”

“She’s getting married to some rancher outside of Ridge City.”

“Well that’s a nice and all, but what has that got to do with you?”

“She needs me to watch her son for a week or two while she’s getting ready for the wedding.”

“Why would she need you to watch her kid, ain’t she got kin for that kind of thing?”

“She does, me. Her son is my little brother.”

“WHAT!” That was the last thing Buck expected to hear.

“Yup, I have a little brother, a little eight year old brother to be exact. His name is Ezra. Seems when Maude left she didn’t realize she was with child. She found out when she arrived back in Georgia.”

“Well I’ll be damned. When do we get to meet the little guy?”

“Oh I met him this morning, a polite but quiet child.” Josiah remembered the child from this morning. “Chestnut hair and the biggest green eyes I have ever seen.”

“I haven’t met him yet, supposed to meet him and Maude for dinner tonight.” Now that he had some time to become accustomed to having a younger sibling, he could admit he was looking forward to getting to know his little brother. He was heartened when his friends offered to help him watch over Ezra when he was needed in a legal capacity.

Ezra woke to a silent hotel room. Taking a quick look at his pocket watch he was surprised he had slept so long. Mother should be back soon for them to head for dinner. He knew she was leaving tomorrow on the morning stage and decided to enjoy as much time as he could get with her. He knew her promises of one or two weeks generally ran into one or two months, sometimes even as many as six or more. He supposed she was either plying her trade in the saloon or was with his new benefactor. Getting out of bed he took a few minutes to work the soreness out of his body before he prepared himself to join her. As he headed towards the dresser to wash his face, he felt his stomach drop with the white linen paper that sat beside the bowl. As he glanced around the room his shoulders slumped, he knew his mother was gone. Aw Hell! He cursed inwardly as he reached for the paper before reading it.

My Dearest Ezra,

I’m sorry to have left before you awoke, but I felt it would be easier on you without one of those dreadful long goodbyes. Anyhow dear you are staying with Mr.Chris Larabee for the next week or two. You shall be meeting him for dinner tonight, please be a dear and send my regrets for not being able to attend.

He really shouldn’t be surprised; this was typical of his mother, she was never good with goodbyes. He only wished he was able to have spent the little time she was here with her before she disappeared again. Nothing to do about it now, he had to get ready and find Mr.Larabee so he could learn what his fate would be for the foreseeable future. As he prepared for dinner he couldn’t help but remember his mother’s advice. Now remember son you should always present yourself as a young gentleman, appearances are everything my dear. Making sure he looked presentable enough he took a deep breath and headed out the hotel. Mother had told him he was likely to meet Mr.Larabee in the saloon, so with a quick look around he spotted the locale and headed off to meet him.

Part 3:

Ezra peered through the window of the saloon checking the set up and to see if he could spot the man in black his mother had described. He wished he was taller so he could look over the swinging doors, he would never lower himself to bend down and look under them, much undignified for a gentleman. Spotting six men sitting together, he noticed the one in black. Mother certainly described him well, he definitely looked formidable. The man slouched beside him looked like some wild ruffian, desperately in need of a bathhouse not to mention a barber. He saw Mr. Sanchez, the man that was enamored with his mother this morning and beside him a large black man. He hoped he was different from the other black people he had encountered before; most just saw him as another southern slave owner in training. Moving on he looked at the big man next to Mr. Larabee with that atrocious mustache. Goodness it looks like he stuck a caterpillar under his nose. He giggled a little to himself before he looked to the last man at the table, but he was young just barely into manhood. His clothing spoke of an eastern descent, but then he saw that awful hat, what was he thinking? Oh mother why must you torture me so? Whatever possessed her to send him to this backwater town? Stepping away from the window he took another look around the town and wondered again about the family he was staying with. Mother said there was a boy just a little older than him, he didn’t hold out much hope they would get along. Past situations have proven that enough, but he couldn’t help that small bubble that was there just hoping this time will be different. Brushing the dust that from his jacket he pushed open the swinging doors and entered the saloon.

Never being unaware of his surroundings, Vin had noticed the small boy peering into the saloon. He nodded his head slightly in appreciation that he took the time to check out the lay of the land before venturing forth. He wondered what was going through his head; he imagined it would be a bit frightening to be staying with someone he’d never met before. He figured he would do his best to help Chris and Ezra ease into their relationship. Seeing the boy move towards the swinging doors he nudged Chris, “Hey cowboy, got company.”

Chris’ breath caught as he got the first look of his little brother. He couldn’t believe how much he looked like his son and couldn’t help the audible Adam that slipped past his lips. He was small for an eight year old boy, looking no more than six. There were some differences from his son, but only slight. His hair had a slight reddish tint and those powerfully green eyes contrasted to his sons hazel ones. Any doubts he had that this boy was related to him vanished in that moment. .

Buck was equally shocked; there was no denying that boy as a Larabee. It was uncanny the resemblance that he had towards Adam. He looked towards Chris and could see the open wonder that engulfed his face. His voice was deep with emotion, “amazing, just amazing.”

Ezra cursed himself for the slight hesitation when six set of eyes locked in his direction. If mother would have caught him he knew he would have another lesson on appearances. As he made his way over to the table his eyes locked with Mr. Larabee’s, interesting he thought, the man looks as though he has seen a ghost. He watched as the shock changed into open wonderment. An odd reaction indeed. Usually he was greeted with hostility and contempt or he was simply ignored. His eyes widen a fraction when his gaze quickly took in the men sitting around the table; all had smiles on their faces ranging from the small smirk on the ruffian and the huge toothy smile of Mr. Sanchez. He stopped what he considered an appropriate distance from Mr. Larabee and his friends, just out of arms length and enough room to bolt, if need. “Mr.Larabee” he put just a hint of question to the name to verify he had the right man. With the lack of a negative and the slight nod he continued, “How do you do, Ezra P. Standish at your service sir.”

“You can call me Chris, Ezra. Pull up a chair and join us while we wait for your mother.”

He should have known mother wouldn’t have told his new guardian of her departure either, better wait on that chair until I let him know first. You just never know how they are going to react. “Sorry sir, but mother will not be joining us this evening.”

Chris had a sinking feeling where this was heading; he remembered how Maude had taken off on flights of fancy when she was with his father. “She left, didn’t she?”

“Yes sir, mother felt it was prudent for her to return to Ridge City as soon as possible.” He knew he shouldn’t have fallen asleep in the hotel; mother always used any advantage she could. He’ll remember his lesson for the next time and not make it so easy for her to leave without at least saying goodbye.

“It’s alright son, come join us and meet everyone here.” Maude certainly has changed much at all. He didn’t think if his father had lived he would have been able to keep that woman around long. She was certainly a free spirited woman, like trying to catch a whirlwind.

Ezra was feeling a bit overwhelmed, the group quite gregarious towards him, he wasn’t used to such treatment. After introductions were made he had learned the ruffian was Vin Tanner, an ex-bounty hunter from Texas, which also hunted buffalo. The man with the caterpillar on his lip was Buck Wilmington, he knew Maude from long ago too. He couldn’t help notice how often his attention would swing to one of the ladies to wink or smile. He supposed that Mr. Wilmington considered himself a lady’s man. Mr. Sanchez he had met earlier in the day. The black man was Nathan Jackson; he was a healer for the town. He didn’t notice the normal frown from the man, but wondered if he was just being polite because of the company of the others. The young man he learned was JD, he was surprised that he was so naive and the towns sheriff at that. He found he liked the men around the table; it was an odd sensation as he didn’t find many adults he did like. Most wanted nothing to do with him, and the others wanted to use him for his abilities.

Chris could see Ezra was feeling a bit uneasy and decided it was time that he got to know his little brother without all the other men overwhelming him anymore than he was. Chris stood and called to Ezra, “Come on son let’s go pick up your things from the hotel, show you where you’ll be staying and get something to eat.”

“Yes sir. Gentleman it was a pleasure to meet you.” He stood up and started to join Mr. Larabee; “Mr. Larabee would your wife and son be joining us for the evening repast?” It was at that point that his panic began. Mr. Larabee went still and his compatriots looked a bit wary. Ezra started backing away from the others, his eyes getting wider as the atmosphere grew even tenser. When he felt a hand settle onto his sore left shoulder he couldn’t help the cry of surprise and pain. He felt the hand release as fast as it had grabbed him and wasted no time in moving out of arms reach. He pulled his sore arm close to his body and engaged his derringer, thanking his mother silently for his newly acquired gift.

Part 4:

To say Chris was angry would have been an understatement; livid was probably a more apt description. He had a sinking feeling that more has gone on with Ezra than his mother was telling. It was obvious to anyone watching the scene happening in the saloon that this boy had been hurt and from his body language it had happened more than once. His stomach acid boiled with the sicken sensation that someone had dared to lay a hand on his little brother. Hell would be paid to those responsible if he ever had the opportunity to be in their vicinity. He took a deep breath to reign in the anger so he could calm Ezra down and have Nathan get a look at him. He slowly lowered himself down on his haunches to put him at Ezra’s level, “Easy Ezra no one is going to hurt you. Put down the gun son, I promise no harm will come to you.” He watched the wide dilated eyes as they turned towards him as he spoke; fine tremors shook the small figure as he felt the intense scrutiny he was being subjected to. He released a small breath as he watched the boy relax his hold on the small gun after a few moments and lower his arm so the gun was pointed towards the floor. “Can I have the gun Ezra?” He watched the boy quickly shake his head in the negative. He was calming down but wasn’t ready to give up his small bit of protection. “Ok you hold onto it, how about you putting it away so there are no accidents.” He felt like he was working with a skittish colt, one wrong move and he would be back where he started. He relaxed as he watched him reengaged his trick gun up his sleeve without ever taking his eyes off the six men. “I’m sorry we frightened you when you asked such a polite question, but we were just surprised. I thought Maude would have told you that my son and wife were murdered five years ago.”

Ezra could still feel the adrenalin flowing through him but watched Mr. Larabee closely, ready at any moment to run as fast as he could or engage his gun once more. As he listened to him speak he watched his eyes carefully for any type of deceit. He listened as he was told about the loss of Mr. Larabee’s family, how could mother have neglected to inform me of these changes. He realized he had likely over reacted and no had to work on the damage he had caused. It was just the pain was still too fresh from his last overseer and mother’s prompt departure he was feeling out of sorts. “I’m sorry Mr. Larabee, mother must have left that out of her note. I do apologize for my rash behavior, I will be certain to conduct myself with more decorum in the future.”

“Ezra, did your mother tell you who I am?” Chris had a feeling she didn’t. The more time he spent with Ezra the more he was starting to despise the woman who borne him.

“Yes sir, she said you were an old friend I would be staying with while she prepared for her upcoming nuptials.” Ezra’s trembling had finally stopped and he kept his nervous hands busy brushing the dust that had newly attached to his clothing.

“Your mother was engaged to my father about nine years ago before he died.” Chris watched to nervous hands stop their motion and the fear and panic once more take residence in his emerald eyes.

Oh dear lord mother what were you thinking. You left me with a dead mark’s son. Aw hell, he’s going to get his retribution on you through me. What’s he saying? Oh God it can’t be good. Run. Run fast now.

Vin had begun to relax when Ezra seemed to have gathered his emotions back in, however he could easily read the growing terror in the boy when Chris continued on with the history of Maude and his family. So it was with quick reaction that he caught the young boy before he could get past them and out the door. He held on as the boy screamed and kicked before passing out in his arms, surprising him and the other peacekeepers. “Pard we best have Nate check him out before he wakes up. Poor kid is plum terrified. Feels a bit warm, got himself a fever I suspect.” With that he led the other men towards Nathan’s clinic.

Chris was seething, no longer trying to hold onto his anger. “I’m going to kill her for this.”

Buck was just as angry, no child should ever have to know such terror. The other men following were in like agreement. Children should be cherished and loved. Josiah was feeling disgusted that he ever found that woman attractive. What she had done to that child was an abomination.

Nathan had to kick all but Chris and Vin out of the clinic. He knew everyone meant well, but he needed the room to move. He had Vin lie the boy on the bed and had them remove his jacket and shirt. As he left them to their task he pulled out a few supplies.

With Ezra’s jacket removed Chris removed the gun and rigging before moving onto the shirt. Vin helped hold him as he worked on the numerous buttons. Hearing the sharpshooter’s sharp intake of breath he looked into the cold blue eyes that promised slow and painful death.

Vin never felt such rage before in his life. Someone would pay for this; no child should have had to suffer this type of pain. “Nate”

The seriousness in Vin’s voice brought his attention quickly to the boy he held. Getting his first look at the damage made him sick. “Damn.”

Part 5:

Nathan was exhausted, not like that after a hard day working, but the emotional kind that ate at your soul relentlessly. He had spent the last hour scrubbing the infected wounds on Ezra’s back. He woke before Nathan started and was given a healing tea to help him sleep and fight off infection. Except for the small grunts of disgust and slight swears, the room was in silence while he worked. “He’ll be alright, come outside and I’ll fill everyone in at one time.” He didn’t think he could get through the explanation more than once this night. He watched as Vin and Chris reluctantly left the boy’s side and stepped out to join the other. With a last look at his patient he headed out to join them.

The tension outside the clinic was like a powder keg ready to explode. It was a good thing Maude had snuck out of town post haste; otherwise her safety and life would have been greatly compromised. After what felt like hours to the men waiting outside the clinic door opened.

Chris held his hand up to stall off any questions, he was so angry he didn’t think he could even speak at this moment. He watched as Vin silently seethed, alternately reaching for his mare’s leg and squeezing his fist tight. He could only imagine how everyone else would be handling the news that Nathan would tell them. He watched the black healer join the rest of the group leaving the door slightly ajar to keep an ear open for his patient.

“That boy’s been beat, got himself a lot of bruising. His shoulder had been dislocated, it’s still swollen and likely quite tender. His back is a mess of being whipped; some of the cuts were infected. There’s old marks on him from previous whippings; probably been going on for at least a few years. He’ll be alright though, got the infection cleaned up and the shoulder wrapped. After a good night’s rest, he should feel better in the morning.”

Chris slipped back inside and closed the door to the loud shouting and angry tones. There was no outlet for his anger at this point and he needed to be with Ezra more than he needed to vent his pain for the small boy’s pain. Pulling the chair close to the bed he settled himself for the night to keep vigil over his little brother. A few moments later he heard the door open and close as Vin returned to the other side of the bed. He gave him a questioning look about the silence he heard from when Vin entered.

“Sent them away from here, didn’t think Ezra needed to hear angry voices.”

It was uncanny sometimes just how easily he and Vin could communicate. He sent a nod of thanks and both men settled in silently for the night; each lost in their own thoughts.

When he woke the next morning, Ezra was feeling less pain and more rested than he had in a long time. The bed wasn’t the most comfortable he had slept in but much better than some of the places he has had to lay his head. He took stock of his body’s injuries, his bruises were a bit duller and his back felt much less on fire than it had. He felt a mild anxiety when he felt the restriction put on his shoulder, but relaxed as the shoulder wasn’t as tender in its bandaged position. Opening his eyes he got his first look at the room he was in. Heaving a sigh it was obviously a doctor’s room; likely belonging to Mr. Jackson. He noticed Mr. Larabee and Mr. Tanner sitting in chairs sleeping on either side of him. So much for sneaking my way out of here, now what do I do? He knew one thing for certain, he was going to need the chamber pot soon, but he figured he could hold off for a little longer. He thought back to yesterday’s events thinking that perhaps he had over reacted a bit. How embarrassing, Mother would not be pleased. Squirming he gave a tiny gasp of pain; he would have to wake someone up soon to do his morning abulations. He knew with his shoulder strapped he would never be able to get dressed on his own. It was all very disconcerting for him; he was always so independent not to mention he was still concerned about Mr. Larabee and any retribution for his mother’s cons. Sensing that he was being watched, he turned his gaze to each of the men noticing them watching him in silence. He licked his lips with a feeling of nervousness knowing that it was time to pay the piper. “Good morning Misters Larabee and Tanner, I am dreadfully sorry for my behavior last evening. Mr. Larabee I am sorry for any inconvenience my mother may have placed you in. I will wire her right away so that she can make new arrangement for my stay.” He would have continued on but the look on Mr. Larabee’s face had him cringing back farther into the bed.

Vin couldn’t help the small snort of amusement that rose out of him. That boy sure could talk. He wondered who would out talk whom, Ezra or JD. Just thinking of all that talking had him lose the humor that had bubbled out of him; or was it the dark glare he was getting from Chris. “Think I’ll go let Nate he’s awake. Watch the glare cowboy, your scaring him.”

Chris watched his friend leave as he softened his expression. “How you feeling?”

“Fine sir.” The quirked eyebrow and earnest look in Mr. Larabee’s eye had him rethinking his answer. What was it about this man that made him wanting to tell the truth? “A bit sore, but much better.”

Chris nodded when he saw the truth in the words. “Let’s get you dressed and fed. After that you and I need to have us a talk; and this time with no guns or trying to run off. Ok?”

“Yes sir, Mr. Larabee”

“It’s Chris, remember?”

“Yes sir.”

Part 6:

In all the gun fights he had been in, he never thought he would have been having that kind of stare down with an eight year old boy. The morning had been going pleasantly enough, until Ezra wanted his derringer and rigging back. Now they were locked in a battle of wills, with neither showing any ambition to backing off. Finally realizing that there would be no chance of either changing their decision, and that Ezra was equally stubborn, he allowed a slight grin before quickly sweeping the little boy up and over his shoulder before he walked out the door. His grin grew to a bold smile as he heard the loud indignation in his little brother’s voice over the indignities of being carried around like a sack.

“Mr. Larabee I can certainly assure you I know how to walk, I have been ambulatory for many years.”

“Faster this way and its Chris, remember?”

“Of course sir, now would you please return my person back to my own two feet.”

“Nope”

Nope? What is it with these people; they are so strange and a bit overwhelming. Ezra resigned himself to this very embarrassing position for the remainder of their trip for their morning meal. He had to admit it wasn’t so bad once he got used to it. I’ll have to remember this so I am not caught unawares again. Now he had to figure out a way to get his gun and rigging back. That was the last gift his mother had given him. Anytime he got a gift from her he cherished it, they were so far and few between. He could count the number of gifts his mother had given him on one hand. He had a deck of cards; he had to admit he cherished that special deck. Mother had given it to him when he was four before being left at his Uncle’s house for eight months. He became quite proficient during that time as it was his only source of entertainment. Mother was quite pleased with the progress he had made, but when she dropped him off nearly two weeks later with a friend of hers she told him he wasn’t good enough yet and needed to practice more. He was still practicing as much as possible, but now with his arm bound he would have to work one handed. His first and most prized possession though was the small brown bear he has had for as long as he could remember. Mother had taught him how he could hide money and valuables inside and then how to restitch the bear. That was right before they took off late at night from Mr. Franklin’s home where they had stayed a few weeks. He was left two days later with another cousin and the torn stitching to fix. He had his special cards and bear secreted away in the false bottom of his valise. He decided he would have to find a time to slip away and retrieve his gun and rigging, mother would be disappointed if he didn’t keep up on his lessons. Finally he felt himself lowered to his feet, “thank you Mr. Larabee.” He couldn’t help the sarcasm that entered his voice; he was certainly old enough to walk. He ignored the hand that was held out to hold his. Are you kidding me! Brushing his shirt down, he turned on his heel and made his way into the restaurant.

Chris let the boy move ahead of him before following him in and joining him at the table. He ordered two breakfasts and thought about how he would start. He was still lost in his thoughts after their food arrived and they had eaten most of it. Knowing he shouldn’t put it off any longer, he began to tell Ezra about his father and Maude’s relationship.

Ezra listened as Mr. Larabee filled him in about the relationship between his father and Maude. He felt a bit sorry for him as he seemed to have good memories of that time. The poor sap was being conned and had no clue, or just didn’t care. He was surprised that there was no ill will towards that relationship, especially considering that his father had died before mother had taken off. Perhaps that is why they were on amicable terms; mother must not have been able to finish her con. Maybe he wouldn’t have to worry about any retribution on his person. It would certainly be a new experience for him. He was nothing but adaptable. Wait a minute, what did he just say? “Could you please repeat that Mr. Larabee, I’m afraid I must have misheard you?” I must have certainly misheard, no wait he just repeated that. Oh mother, what have you done now? He’s going to kill us when he finds out you lied to him. “Mr. Larabee, you must be mistaken, mother has never mentioned the possibilities of siblings to me.”

“I’m sorry Ezra; I don’t know why your mother never told you. I only found out yesterday myself, but there is no denying the family resemblance, you are my little brother.”

“You’ll have to excuse me for my reservations Mr. Larabee, but since mother had neglected to inform me of these circumstances you will have to realize I cannot just accept this for fact.” Although having you for an older brother could certainly have its advantages.

“Alright, how about we straighten out the brother business when your mother returns. For now though I would like to get to know my little brother better and enjoy the next couple of weeks together.”

“That would be agreeable Mr. Larabee.” Ezra smiled even though he knew this was one of mother’s cons he wouldn’t mind pretending for awhile that he had a big brother. He’ll probably be a great asset at the gaming tables, it would be nice to have someone to back him up when the losers decided he had to have cheated.

“Just one thing Ezra.”

“What would that be Mr. Larabee?”

“You can call me Chris.”

“Oh course Mr. Chris.”

Close enough for now he thought with a smile. Small steps he cautioned himself.