Family Ties Part 14

[mystdogs]

Family Ties

Part 14:

Ezra sighed as he watched the six peacekeepers head out of town. He wasn’t surprised Mr. Chris wouldn’t allow him to join in the capture of those vile miscreants. He was just going to have to give them no choice in the matter. He knew he would need to gather some supplies before he could trail after the men. How hard can it be to track six horses? His first order of business was going to be locating a firearm. He hadn’t found yet where Mr. Chris had hid his sleeve gun, but he knew that he could acquire a firearm or two without much fuss. He kept an eye on the dust leaving town so he would know which direction to head in a few hours. He figured that would be enough time for them to not be able to send him back to town. With an internal nod he turned on his heel to start gathering supplies, only to find his way blocked by Mrs. Travis.

“Come along Ezra, let’s get you settled in and then I’ll make you some food.” Mary tried to grab hold of the hand but the small boy moved discreetly out of her reach.

“Thank you Mrs. Travis, however I must decline. I have many chores I must accomplish this morning before I can engage in trivial matters.” Ezra didn’t want to seem rude, but he had to get out from the overbearing woman. She had a tendency to act motherly towards him and that was the last thing he wanted from anyone at this moment.

“Oh okay, alright Ezra. Why don’t you stop by when you finish your chores and I’ll make you something to eat.” Mary was a bit flustered; she was prepared for the small boy to be upset about his mother’s death and subsequently the worry for his brother out trying to capture the men whom killed her. What she had though, was a small boy that was radiating hostility and distrust. She decided to give him his space and be there for him later when the emotions caught up to him.

“Yes Mrs. Travis.” Of course he thought to himself that he wouldn’t be able to take her up on the offer, but he wasn’t going to tip his hand. He knew in a few hours he would be departing the dusty town.

Ezra’s first stop was back to his and Mr. Chris’ room. He gathered a few supplies and rolled it into the blanket. He really needed to invest in some saddlebags, but he had other items that required purchase first. He peeked out the door making sure no one was keeping watch on him before he ventured out. He made his way to the livery by a most convoluted direction. He wanted to make sure there was no chance of anyone stopping him getting out of town.

He had successfully stowed his supplies and decided that Mrs. Potter’s store was next on his list. He needed some traveling food.

“Why hello Ezra, what can I help you with today?”

“Good morning Mrs. Potter, I need to pick up some dry foods madam.”

“Of course young man, was there anything special that you needed?”

Ezra gave her a list that she quickly pulled together for him. While she was busy he looked through the gun display. Most were too big for him but he would make do with any firearm he could get. “Mrs. Potter how much is this beautiful firearm?”

“Oh Ezra I couldn’t sell you a gun without your brother’s permission.”

“Oh it’s not for me Mrs. Potter, Mr. Chris told me our father was a collector or side arms. I thought it would be a lovely gift for the kindness he has shown me.”

“Oh yes it would make a lovely gift.”

Ezra smiled inwardly; sometimes it was just too easy to get what he wanted. Leaving Mrs. Potter’s store with supplies, gun and ammunition he headed back to the livery to stash his growing supplies. He pulled out his pocket watch and checked the time. It had been less than an hour since the six rode out, knowing he couldn’t head out quite yet he went over to the saloon next to help Ms. Inez prepare the saloon for the afternoon crowd.

Ms. Inez had him sweep and clean glasses. She had made some food from her home country and Ezra eagerly dug into the meal. He felt a little guilty about snubbing Mrs. Travis on her food offer, but Ms. Inez was easier to be around. She didn’t try to mother him.

Ezra spent the next hour in the livery cleaning stalls and brushing horses. He decided he would borrow the chestnut gelding he had grown attached to. The horse had a fun sense of humor and loved to run. Mr. Yosemite said to be careful around the horse as he had a bad temper, but Ezra had always found him to be a perfect gentleman. He had just started to saddle the horse when he heard footsteps coming towards him.

“What are you doing?”

Great just what he needed, Billy Travis. He turned around to address the boy. “I am doing my chores Master Travis.”

“Looks like you’re going for a ride to me.”

“Your powers of observation are astounding.”

“Huh?”

“Yes Master Travis I am going for a ride.”

“You can’t do that, you need Ma’s permission.”

“I have permission from Mr. Chris and Mr. Yosemite, I do not need your mother’s permission to finish my chores.”

“I’m going to tell Ma you said that. She’s already mad at you for missing breakfast.”

“Then run along Master Travis and expound on the tale as you will.”

“Fine but you’re going to be in big trouble.”

“You have no idea” Ezra muttered under his breath, but it was lost on the little boy that fled from the livery yelling for his mother.

Ezra quickly finished saddling the gelding and led him behind the livery before swinging into the seat. He heard Mrs. Travis and the Judge calling for him. He knew he chose his horse correctly when he felt him jolt to a run when he gave a small kick to the sides. There wasn’t another horse in town that could catch the gelding, especially with him caring such a light load. He turned in the direction he saw the peacekeepers head off to and headed on a route that would meet up with them.