Josiah Sanchez stepped through the saloon's swinging doors and chuckled at the sight before him. He moved forward and lowered himself quietly into the empty chair that was next to the gambler then looked sideways but couldn't see the face that was hidden by the black hat but he knew what was there; a handsome face that held capturing green eyes and dimples that would melt a woman's heart and make many a man jealous.

The ex-preacher was beginning to think of Ezra more like a son than a friend. He was feeling more protective of the younger man and found himself staying close to him. Josiah was afraid that one day he would go too far and Ezra would learn of his secret. He knew Ezra wouldn't like or appreciate him wanting to be his father. But he did want to be the man's father. Ezra never had a father; he had grown up without one although there had been plenty of male role models, none of them were worth a damn. Josiah had lost his own son and had never been able to watch him grow into a man. It took him a while but he realised he could gain back through Ezra what he lost in his son.

So he had begun to pay more attention of Ezra and what he was like. He watched his mannerisms carefully and tried to get a better understanding of the person behind the face. After a period of three months he learnt that the gambler had two personalities; a more cheerful one that showed itself around his friends, (Ezra always preferred the term 'associates' instead of 'friends') and one that was filled with a sullen depression when his mother was around. But that second personality was also visible when an innocent person died. Ezra seemed to take an innocents death pretty hard and it was something that Josiah still didn't understand. Something else that was unnerving was the way Ezra could swing from one personality attribute to the other in a matter of seconds.

He knew there were many levels to Ezra's personality and he'd only begun to get an understanding of some of the upper levels but there were still a lot more to discover and explore. Josiah wanted to fully understand the young man but feared that he never would. Ezra kept his feelings and past to himself. They had only found out about his mother, Maude Standish, because she had arrived in Four Corners on a surprise visit. Ezra had kept to himself a lot during that first visit. The only way he was going to find out more about Ezra was through his own investigations and he had to do it without Ezra knowing about it.

'Sleeps like the dead, doesn't he,' said Chris.

Chris Larabee had been sitting with the sleeping Southerner for over an hour and absolutely nothing had disturbed him, not even the rowdy cowhands who had ridden by earlier but their fun didn't last long, one cold look from the gunslinger had stopped any further thought of continuing their boisterous ride through town.

Ezra was sleeping with the heel of his left boot resting against the pole in front of him, his right foot crossed it, the chair he was sitting in was balanced on it's two back legs, his arms were crossed against his chest and his hat covered his face. Chris was amazed that Ezra was able to keep his balance while he was asleep.

Josiah leaned forward, smiled towards the darkly dressed gunslinger and answered. 'He does at that.'

'Never could understand why he stays up so late gamblin',' said Chris who was holding back on a strong urge to slap Ezra across the side of his head and wake him up just to see the expression on his face.

'Probably for the same reason you get up before the sun rises.' Josiah laughed at him.

Chris and Josiah's attention was attracted by the noisy argument between Buck and JD as they pounded along the boardwalk on their way to the saloon. Both Josiah and Chris looked at each other, their eyes rolled in amusement at the two men's antics. As they got closer to the three men the argument they were having grew in intensity and Josiah realised they were arguing about Ezra. He frowned as the concern suddenly filled him. He knew he shouldn't be worried because Ezra was quite capable of looking after himself but he couldn't control the feelings that filled him. He wanted to be a father again and fathers became concerned when they thought their sons were in danger.

'I'm tellin' you it's from a lady!' Buck yelled in frustration at his young friend.

'And what makes you think that? Ezra doesn't have a lady friend remember,' argued JD.

'It smells of perfume!' Buck shot back.

'If this doesn't wake him I don't know what will.' Chris told Josiah.

Josiah struggled to smile in return. He knew the only lady that would be writing to Ezra was his mother and just the mention of Maude's name had a way of switching personality one to personality two. Ezra was going to become depressed and this was going to cause him to distance himself from the others. He glanced nervously at Ezra who still hadn't moved but that was about to change.

'Hey Ezra!' Buck yelled as he stepped up on to the saloon porch.

The only reaction he got was from Chris and Josiah. Chris was smiling in amusement and Josiah was watching the Southerner with concern. Buck could understand Chris' reaction because he took more enjoyment from what his friends did these days but Josiah continued to confuse him. He couldn't understand why he was always showing concern towards Ezra. The others had noticed it too but it had been decided to wait and see just how far Josiah was going to go.

Buck shrugged and slapped Ezra's feet off the pole. The smile dropped off everyone's face when they heard the click of the derringer as the release mechanism forced the small weapon into the gambler's right hand. His left hand pushed the hat up from his face so he could see whom he was about to shoot.

'I thought you would have learnt by now Buck, not to wake me in such a manner,' Ezra grimaced at the reason for his abrupt awakening. 'Maybe I should just shoot you anyway, you know, for the fun of it.' He kept the derringer aimed at Buck for a moment longer then smiled up at the lady's man before forcing the derringer back under his sleeve.

'Go ahead and shoot him.' Chris snorted when he tried to hold back his laughter at the look on Buck's face.

Buck scowled at Chris then decided to get his own back at the Southerner. 'Got a letter for you Ezra, you never told us you have a lady friend, or is she just, how do you usually put it . . . a paramour.'

Ezra didn't bite. Instead he watched Buck with an expression that was full of total boredom. He hid what he was really feeling behind his poker face. The letter was from his mother and he already knew what was in it. She would, again, tell him that he was wasting his god given talents as a lawman and that he should drop everything and join her to take part in a con. After reading it he would take a bottle of whiskey, go to his room, and drink it until he collapsed in a heap on his bed. It was what he did every time he received a letter from her. Something about his mother always brought the worst of his emotions out in the open.

'You're no fun Ezra!' Buck growled at him as he handed him the letter. 'Here! Mary asked us to deliver it to you.'

Ezra took the letter from him. The perfumed paper confirmed the gambler's suspicions. Buck stepped closer to the gambler hoping to catch a glimpse of it's contents but he was disappointed when Ezra put the letter into his waist coat pocket without even looking at it.

'Aren't you going to read it Ezra?' Buck asked him.

Ezra shrugged.

'Hey Buck,' Chris got his attention, 'you feel like a drink?'

'Wouldn't say that I don't.'

'Good, you can get the rest of us one while you're in there.'

'You're getting a bit slow in your old age Buck.' JD slapped him on the arm. 'You were easily pulled into that one.'

'Beers all round Mr. Wilmington. That should leave you enough money to spend on the ladies tonight.' Ezra fingered the letter in his waistcoat.

'You won all my money yesterday Ezra,' Buck leaned down close to Ezra's left ear, 'remember!'

'Yes I did, didn't I.' Ezra grimaced and rubbed his ear with his forefinger.

'Put them on your tab Buck. Now go and get us a drink!'

'Yes Sir, Chris.' Buck saluted him then grabbed JD by the arm and dragged him into the saloon with him.

While he waited for his drink Ezra removed the envelope and stared at it. Maybe it would be good news for a change. Who was he kidding; it was never good news where his mother was concerned.

Aw hell, I may as well read it now and get it over and done with. He ripped open the seal and pulled the letter out.

'Looks like she's got a lot to say.' Josiah commented as he noted the four sheets of paper.

'Large words that say very little,' said Ezra.

Buck and JD returned, as he was about to start reading. He reached for the mug of beer that JD was offering him and took a long drink from the glass.

'So you are going to read it now.' Buck had already drunk most of his beer and was now trying to catch a glimpse of what was in the letter. 'Who is it from?'

'My mother, who did you think it was from?'

'Some rich lady that your mother wants you to marry.'

Ezra laughed and shook his head. 'Well, she has done something like that before.' He turned back to the letter and didn't see the strange looks the others were giving him.

June 16th

Dearest Ezra,

There will be a gentleman arriving in Four Corners on the twenty fifth of this month. Ezra, this man is your father.

The colour drained from Ezra's face and his grip weakened on the glass that he held in his left hand, it fell to the boardwalk and shattered much like his sanity.

'Ezra?' Josiah's voice was heavy with concern. 'Is there something wrong? Is Maude alright?'

It took everything that Ezra had to gain control of his emotions; he didn't know what to think or what to do. His world had just fallen apart. He looked back at the letter to make sure that he had read it correctly. He had. His mother was telling him that the man he thought had died nearly twenty eight years ago was very much alive and due to arrive in Four Corners in two days.

'There's nothing wrong and Maude's fine.'

'Then why did you drop the glass?'

'It slipped.' Ezra folded the letter and stood up. 'If you'll excuse me gentlemen.'

'You sure everything's alright Ezra?' Josiah asked him again.

Chris gave Josiah a warning. 'Leave him be Josiah, he knows where we are if he needs us.'

'Thank you Mr. Larabee, I appreciate the interference.'

Ezra turned away from the group of men and began to enter the saloon.

'Ezra!' Chris saw the troubled expression on Ezra's face when he lowered his head and looked back at him. 'I mean it okay, you know where we are if you need us.'

The gambler nodded. 'Thank you.'

Ezra sat at a table in the corner of the saloon and quickly glanced around at the patrons before he returned to the letter. He read the first couple of lines again. His father. Maude had gotten straight to the point. Why couldn't she have broken the news gently or better still, tell him in person. Having to read the words on paper instead of hearing them verbally made it even more difficult to accept. He didn't want to continue reading the letter but he couldn't ignore it and hoped it went away.

Ezra, I never lied to you. I too had thought he was dead, I only found out the truth two months ago but refused to give him your current location but he has since proven to me that he has our best interests at heart.

Two months. She had known for two months and he was only finding out about it now. And what would mother know about her son's best interests. She only thought of herself and she had always been that way. But what if he's lying mother? What would you do if you found out he were lying?

There was a reason behind your father leaving us like he did and it had nothing to do with what happened to you.

Ezra blinked.

He was suddenly four years old again.

He had pushed himself into a corner in his bedroom to hide from his parents. Their violent arguing was causing his young body to tremble with fear, tears rolled down his cheeks and he had to be content with using his bare forearm to wipe the dampness from his face. He jumped and looked up in fear when he heard his bedroom door slam open. It was his father. Blood soaked the side of his face and his shirt was torn at the sleeve. Ezra shut his eyes and tried to think of pleasant thoughts but none would come. A strong grip took his arm and pulled him to his feet. He tried to pull away but at his young age he didn't have the strength or skill to fight back.

'Where are you taking me?' Ezra asked through his tears.

'You're coming with me Ezra. I'm taking you away from that woman.' His father explained in an angry voice.

If his father had asked him a week ago Ezra would have packed his bags in an instant but not now. He was terrified of his father. The man was acting in a way he had never seen before and there was no way in hell he was going to go with him. He knew his mother treated him differently than other mothers treated their children but it was better than leaving with this man. His father was acting violently and he was afraid of being hurt. His worst fear came true when his father finally gave up and threw him back against the wall.

The gambler shut the memory out before he heard the child in his mind scream for his mother.

He took the letter in both hands and tore it in two; he had no intention of reading anymore. Ezra continued to tear it until the only thing left were tiny pieces of paper. He couldn't read the letter now even if he wanted to. After scrunching the paper up and putting it in his pocket he stood up and headed toward the bar. He had never needed or wanted a drink so badly in his entire life.

Ezra could hear footsteps behind him as he walked to the bar and recognised them as Josiah's. Obviously Chris's warning hadn't been enough for the ex-preacher. He stopped when he reached the bar and felt more than saw Josiah move into a position beside him.

'You okay Ezra?' Josiah was looking at the gambler while he asked the question.

'I'm fine Josiah.' Ezra took the shot of whisky and motioned to the bar tender to leave the bottle. 'There is no need for you to stay so close Josiah, I don't need you to look after me.'

'I know son. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I know how you tend to feel after you've heard from or seen your mother.'

Ezra laughed, he couldn't help it. 'Son? I'm not your son Josiah and I would like for you to stop calling me son!'

'I'm sorry Ezra. It's only an accolade.'

'Accolade? Do you think it's a compliment that you think of me like a son? If I ever wanted a father Mr. Sanchez it would not be you!' Ezra grabbed the bottle and stormed away. The words he'd spoken to the ex-preacher were meant to hurt and he knew they did.

Words; they could say a lot and yet say nothing. He knew what words would hurt the men he worked with and he knew how to cut through a man's soul with the right words. He had never been at a loss for something to say but what the hell was he going to say to a twenty eight year old ghost that had become flesh and blood through the words of a letter.

His own soul was cut deeply with the thoughts that ran wildly around his mind as he made his way to his room. Clayton Standish was coming to Four Corners in two days. He had two options, stay or run. If he ran like his head and heart were telling him to Chris and the others might come after him and drag him back. If he stayed then he would have to face his father. If it was his father. He wouldn't put it past his mother to lie. He would not accept that this man was his father until he had proof. Only three people knew what happened that night and he knew Maude would be too ashamed to tell anyone of the event.

He was going to have to stay and find out if his mother was telling the truth. If he didn't then he would spend the rest of his life asking himself 'what if' and he wouldn't be able to live with that.

When he got to his room he entered it and closed the door behind him. Ezra removed his jacket, guns and waistcoat then settled himself into the rocking chair that faced the window in his room. He waited for the thoughts to continue but they didn't. There was nothing. It had all stopped. It couldn't be this simple could it? Maybe he was in shock? He thought he should be angry, upset even but he felt nothing. Was he really so much like his mother? Cold and beyond caring. No. He didn't believe that. He knew he was different from his mother even though he had lived the same trade for so long, a trade that he would no doubt go back to once his law enforcement employment was over.

But he had to feel something. He needed to feel something. This was wrong. He had felt so angry and hurt for many years after his father had left. As a young man he had blamed his father for everything that went wrong but as the years passed and he learnt about life and what people were like his anger and resentment towards his father had faded. Knowing his father was coming back should have brought back the feelings he had as a child.

Ezra continued to drink as he continued to think about what was about to happen to him and the more he drank the more he began to feel. The emotions he thought he couldn't feel were finally returning. His anger started to grow at the thought of meeting this man that Maude claimed was his father.

His hands began to shake, then the rest of his body followed. He stood up and took a few faltering steps to the bed. The blanket would get rid of the chill that was causing him to shake. Ezra pulled it off the bed and wrapped it around himself but his body continued to shake, even his teeth were clattering. After ten minutes of walking around his room he realised he wasn't cold. It was his emotions that were causing his body's lack of control. The alcohol had let his walls down and his emotions to escape.

Ezra leaned back against the door and closed his eyes. His hand gripped the bottle of whiskey at his side until his knuckles turned white. He lifted the bottle and stared at the liquid within. His father had been drunk the night he . . . Ezra threw the bottle across the room where it shattered after hitting the wall. Ezra watched the whiskey run down the wall and gather into a puddle at the bottom on the floor. That was something that he was going to have to explain to Inez in the morning.

Ezra sat on the porch of the saloon, the sunlight was creeping over the buildings and main street towards him. He watched as it forced the darkness to retreat. He knew that the light would eventually reach him but it wouldn't be able to warm him. His flesh was cold and goose bumps lined his skin under his clothing. He'd felt that way all night and he was now hoping that the early sun would warm him.

Two horses were approaching him and he could see that it was Vin and Nathan. They had spent the last week at the Seminole Village. Nathan had gone to help the sick and Vin was there to hunt for fresh meat. He watched as they pulled their mounts to a stop in front of him, neither man dismounting from his horse.

'Hey Ezra, what are you doing up so early?' Vin asked him.

'Couldn't sleep.' It was the truth but they didn't need to know why he couldn't sleep.

'Why not?' asked Nathan.

Nathan was the town's healer and if anyone even mentioned that they weren't feeling well or if you looked poorly he would be on your back constantly until you allowed him to check you over.

Ezra shrugged and turned his head to the right to look down the main street. Townsfolk were beginning to rise and greet the new day. It wouldn't be long until the remaining peacekeepers joined them.

'You drink too much last night?' Nathan got off his horse and stepped up onto the boardwalk so he could get a better look at Ezra.

'Something like that.'

'Something like that!' The healer mimicked. 'Suppose you stayed up till now playing a game huh?'

'Actually no, I retired quite early last night.'

'Then what's wrong with you?' Nathan reached forward and placed his right hand against Ezra's forehead. 'You don't have a fever. What about a headache?'

'No.'

'Feelin' sick?'

'No.'

'Just tired then?'

'Yes. I went to bed too early and it threw me off,' said Ezra.

'That's it?'

'That is it Mr. Jackson.' Ezra smiled up at him.

'You sure?'

'I'm sure.'

'Okay then, as long as you're sure but if you do start feeling sick you better come and see me!' Nathan stood over the seated man and glared down at him. 'You got that!'

'Got it.' Ezra tipped his hat and turned his head again and stared out into the distance.

'What're you lookin' for?' Vin had his forearms resting on the pommel of his saddle and had been watching Ezra during the conversation. Ezra didn't answer him. 'Ezra!'

'Umm, what?'

'What are you looking for?' Vin asked again.

'Looking for?' My father, well the man my mother claims is my father. 'Nothing. Why?'

Vin shrugged. 'You seemed to be looking for something.'

'No.'

'Okay, we're going to take care of the horses then we'll come back and join you for breakfast.'

Ezra nodded and looked away for a third time.

Vin and Nathan glanced at each other then headed towards the stables.

'Saw Ezra this morning when me and Vin rode in.' Nathan mentioned to Josiah as they worked in the church. The healer knew that if anyone had known what was wrong with Ezra it would be Josiah. The man hung on to Ezra's every thought and every move. 'He seemed a bit off the weather.'

'He got a letter from Maude yesterday.'

'And?' Nathan prodded him.

'He started reading it, dropped his glass then went into the saloon for some privacy.' Josiah shrugged as though it was something that happened every day.

'You went in after him no doubt.' It wasn't a question, Nathan knew he would have.

'Yeah.'

'Tell me Josiah.'

'I called him son.' Josiah stopped what he was doing and sat down heavily on one of the pews. 'He wasn't too happy about it.'

'He normally isn't.'

'Even more so than usual Nathan. I think he was angry before I even got to him. Must have been the letter. You know what Maude does to that boy.'

'Yeah, he gets pretty moody doesn't he.' Nathan nodded then added. 'He didn't have much to eat or say at breakfast.'

'He didn't?' Josiah frowned.

'No, we tried to get him to talk but his mind just seemed to be somewhere else.'

'I'm starting to think that something's wrong.'

'Maybe but if you're going to get involved don't push him.'

'I know.' Josiah stood up and headed for the church's open doors.

'Where're you goin'?

'I want to see how Ezra's doing.' Josiah said without looking back.

'Josiah!' Nathan called after him but when he saw that Josiah wasn't going to stop and listen he decided to go after him. He didn't know who was going to need protection, Ezra or Josiah. If Ezra were moody then he would lash out at Josiah using words that would hurt the older man and if Josiah was pushed to far he was capable of using violence to get Ezra to listen and obey.

Nathan ran after him and caught up with him on the steps of the saloon. He tried to stop Josiah by taking his arm and using force to stop him before he entered the building. 'Not now Josiah.'

'Why not now? It's as good a time as any. If there is something wrong then he needs to talk about it!'

'It'll end up in a fight you know that don't you.' Nathan warned him.

'It seems that almost every conversation I have with that boy ends in an argument.' Josiah pulled his arm out of Nathan's grip.

'That's your first mistake Josiah. Ezra's not a boy so stop treating him like one.'

Josiah stared down at Nathan for a few seconds before pushing the batwing doors open. He glanced around the room and saw Ezra sitting at a table in the corner. Vin and JD were with him, both were watching the gambler carefully and Ezra seemed to be unaware of the scrutiny. He walked to the table and took a seat. He scowled at Nathan when the healer sat down next to him.

'Heard you didn't sleep too well last night Ezra.' Josiah tried to ease Ezra into the conversation without directly asking him what the problem was.

'You heard correctly Mr. Sanchez.' Ezra took a sip from his glass. He'd already drunk half a bottle of whiskey and lunchtime was still an hour away.

'You feelin' alright?'

'You've been talking to Nathan haven't you?' Ezra acknowledged Nathan with his glass and a smile then turned his attention back to the game of solitaire he'd been playing for almost two hours. He'd been too busy thinking about the arrival of his father to concentrate on the game. Vin and JD had offered to play poker with him but his heart wasn't in it.

'You didn't answer my question.'

'I don't have to.'

Nathan looked at Vin, both men knew there was something going on and each noticed that JD could see it too. All three men were thinking the same thing. Had Josiah done something to make Ezra angry?

'How much of that has he drunk?' Josiah nodded to the bottle that sat on Ezra's right; Josiah was sitting on his left.

'About half.' JD answered.

'JD,' Ezra growled, 'it's none of his business and neither is it yours.'

'You're drinking that much before lunch?' Nathan spoke up.

'No, I'm drinking the whole bottle before lunch.' Ezra took the bottle and refilled his glass.

'Why?' Josiah asked him.

'Because I want to.'

'Ezra-' Josiah began but was stopped when Chris and Buck arrived at the table.

'Something going on Chris?' Vin asked as he watched the two sit down.

'No, why? Should there be?'

'No.' Vin nodded towards Josiah knowing that Chris would know what he was trying to say.

Ezra had also seen the look and stood up. He took the bottle and cards and moved away to another table where he could think in peace.

'There's something wrong.' Josiah was watching Ezra.

'Nathan just said there is Josiah.' Buck nudged him.

'No, I mean something is wrong and I know it has to do with that letter he got from Maude yesterday.'

'I told you to leave him alone Josiah.' Chris turned his anger on the ex-preacher. 'You know what he's like with Maude and the last thing he needs is you on his back acting like a father that he doesn't want or need.'

'It's not like that Chris.'

'It looks like it is to me! Why don't you leave him alone to live his own life, he doesn't need you.'

'I'm trying to help him, if you can't see that then you're blind to what's going on.' Josiah stood up and pushed his chair away and stormed out of the saloon. He glared at Ezra on his way past but the Southerner acted as though he didn't see him.

'Nathan, is what you said true?'

'I'm not sure Chris. He said he didn't sleep well last night.'

'He was sort of not there when we talked to him this morning.' Vin added.

'What do you mean?'

'His mind was on something else.' Nathan finished.

'He's not acting like himself Chris,' said JD.

Chris glanced at JD and nodded. 'Buck, Nathan, JD you go to Eagle Bend, lend them a hand and get back here as soon as you can. If Ezra is in some sort of trouble he might need our help and if he does I want all of us here.'

Ezra watched as Josiah left the saloon but the ex-preacher wouldn't be aware of the scrutiny he was under. Ezra took note of the angry features and it took all of his will not to return the stare. A few minutes later Nathan, Buck and JD also left, each of them saying their good byes. To Ezra it was a welcomed relief. That was three men that won't be finding out about his father. If he handled things right his father would be leaving shortly after arriving.

But what if his father refused to leave? He would then have to use force. Ezra lowered his head and laughed softly. What kind of man or son would he be if he forced a man in his fifties out of Four Corners with the use of violence? He wouldn't be a man. He would be a son who was angry and bitter at a father that had run out on his family twenty years earlier. As a son Ezra had every right to treat his father with hostility and contempt. The man that was his father deserved everything he was going to receive when he meets his son face to face the following day.

His anger was growing by the minute. The memory of what happened the night his father had left kept going through his mind and now he wanted to seek retribution for a child that had been unable to protect himself. Ezra knew exactly what he was going to do the minute his father stepped off the stage.

Ezra refused to acknowledge the men who were moving from one end of the saloon to the other so they could sit with him. He didn't mind their company, he just didn't feel like talking and they seemed to understand that. Once they were all seated a companionable silence settled around the table. They knew that Ezra didn't want to be drawn into a conversation.

Thirty minutes later Chris turned to Ezra and said. 'Is Josiah bothering you Ezra? Because if he is I'll send him on a job for a while.'

'Nothing I can't handle Chris but thank you for the offer. I may take you up on it at another time.' Ezra smiled in amusement.

'Sure, no problem.'

Silence returned to the table allowing Ezra to finally finish his game of solitaire. He reached for the bottle of whiskey to refill his glass but found it empty. He glanced around the table to find the others looking at anything but him. He groaned out loud. He must be out of it not to notice that they had drunk the rest of his alcohol. Ezra had wanted to finish it on his own but it seemed that the others had their plan to empty the bottle of its contents.

'Are you sick or is it something else?' Chris continued the questions. He didn't usually like invading another man's privacy because he had always hated it when he was on the receiving end of someone prying into his personal life. It had taken him a year before he gave in to Buck's persistence that he talk about the death of his wife and son.

'A bit of both.' Ezra realised that he was starting to feel a bit nauseas but he put that down to nerves; his father was arriving tomorrow, how could he not be scared about that.

'Let us know if you feel worse and we're here for the other thing if you need us.'

'Thanks . . . I think.' He didn't mind at first that Chris had been understandable but this was becoming too much. The man usually took no for an answer then left it at that but he was pushing the subject, not with anger but understanding. 'Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning Chris.'

Chris glared at Vin when the sharp shooter burst out with laughter. 'What is that supposed to mean Ezra?'

'Nothing, it didn't mean anything.'

'Tell him Ezra.' Vin nudged the Southerner's side.

'It didn't mean anything Vin now drop it!'

'Don't take it out on us if you have a problem Ezra.' Chris warned him.

'You're right, I'm sorry Vin.'

'That's okay Ezra.' Vin frowned at Chris who shrugged in return.

'I need some fresh air.' Ezra forced a small smile to his lips so Chris and Vin would know that he wasn't angry with them but Chris was right. He was taking his anger out on them and the others, an anger that should be aimed at the person who was more deserving of it. 'I'm going to go for a walk.'

Ezra stepped out onto the boardwalk and stood for a moment. He wasn't sure which way he was going to go. He decided to cross the street and walk to the jail. The building was empty of prisoners and it was a place where he could sit and continue to think. He knew that this problem would be over by this time the next day and he wouldn't need to dwell on it any longer than he had to. Let his father go back to his mother and they could live happily ever after. He didn't want any part of that. His parents didn't know how to be a family; if they had they would never have separated the way they did.

Instead of sitting in the chair behind the desk Ezra walked into one of the cells and lay down on the cot. It wasn't his intention to fall asleep but he did ten minutes later and slept until night fell over the town.

Chris had finally found Ezra after looking for almost an hour. He'd never expected to find him asleep on one of the jail's cots. He stood next to the bed and watched the sleeping gambler for a few minutes. Chris was able to tell immediately that Ezra was in the midst of a nightmare. What Ezra could be dreaming about Chris had no idea but from his own experience he knew he was going to wake the younger man before it became any worse. He reached down to touch Ezra's shoulder but as soon as he made contact Ezra woke.

He saw the confusion in Ezra's eyes but they soon cleared when he realised where he was. Green eyes met each other; one pair filled with understanding and the other pair was full of confusion and embarrassment.

'Damn, was I asleep?' Ezra asked Chris while he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.

'Yeah you were.' Chris sat on the edge of the cot. 'You been here long?'

'Been where?' It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the darkness and he became aware of his location. 'I fell asleep here?'

'Yeah. What are you doing here Ezra?'

'I needed somewhere quiet, guess it was too quiet,' answered Ezra.

'Come on, you look like you could do with something to eat.' Chris pulled Ezra to his feet and shoved him towards the cell door.

'Actually I do feel slightly hungry.'

'Inez is cooking us up some steak and potatoes and don't you dare say that you're going to drink your dinner.'

'Didn't I just say that I was feeling hungry.' Ezra walked by Chris's side as they made their way to the saloon.

'Yeah but you Ezra Standish are a very good liar.'

'I get that ugly trait from my father.' Ezra grimaced in disgust.

The two men walked into the saloon to find Josiah and Vin sitting at a table that held four plates of food. Chris allowed Ezra to sit next to Vin and he sat next to Ezra. That left the gambler facing the ex-priest. Chris really didn't like that position but it was better than having them sit next to each other. At least this way he would be able to control the conversation.

'Were did you find him' Vin asked through a mouthful of steak.

'Jail.'

'What was he doing there?'

'I was sleeping.' Ezra answered before Chris could. 'I'm here you know Vin, you can ask me.'

'What were you doing there Ezra?' Vin asked again.

'Sleeping.'

'Well, now you're eating so start.' Chris used his fork to point to Ezra's plate.

Ezra lifted his eyes from his plate to look at Josiah and found the man staring at him. Ezra held the stare until Josiah lowered his eyes. He couldn't believe the man. Even in silence Josiah was still questioning him. More than anything he wanted to tell Josiah to go to hell. But he kept his mouth shut and began his meal. He could feel Josiah's eyes back on him watching his every move, making sure that he ate his meal like a father would watch over a son.

Ezra decided to say something but was interrupted by a shout of 'cheater' from the gambling table that was three steps higher than the rest of the room. All four men stood abruptly and headed towards the table to put a stop to any trouble that might want to start.

There were three men at the table. Two older men who were regulars in the town and a younger man who they knew was a stranger. It was the younger man that was accusing one of the others of cheating. He had drawn a gun and held it in front of him.

'Put the gun down!' Chris ordered him.

'He cheated me out of my money!' The young man yelled.

'These two men are incapable of cheating on their wives let alone a card game.' Ezra had been standing at the top of the three steps and slightly to Chris's left.

'What would you know?'

'They won and you lost.' The gambler took a step closer and heard Chris whisper his name as a warning.

'They cheated!'

'They won. That makes you a very bad poker player.' Ezra's words were followed by another step closer to the table.

'Who the hell are you to call me a bad player.' The man who couldn't have been any older than JD turned the gun on Ezra but before he could fire Ezra grabbed his gun arm and pushed it out of harms way and followed the movement with a right hook that sent the man to the floor.

'Nice work Ezra, even if you did take a risk you shouldn't have.' Chris slapped Ezra on the back and knelt down next to the young man. 'It's time you left town.'

'You can't force me to leave.'

'I'm the law here. I can make you do what ever I want you to do. Leave now and I won't hurt you.'

'They cheated me out of my money.'

'I'd go now if I were you.' Ezra warned him. 'Mr. Larabee here doesn't have a lot of patience.

The young gambler stared angrily at Ezra before he walked away from them.

'You can get back to your card game now fellas.' Chris told them.

'Thank you Mr. Standish,' the one accused of cheating grabbed Ezra's hand and shook it, 'I thought for sure he was going to shoot me.'

'You remember that next time I play with you.' Ezra tipped his hat and walked away from the table with Vin following him. Ezra stopped before they returned to their table. 'Chris, I think I'm going to retire for the night so if you'll excuse me.'

'What about your dinner Ezra, you've only eaten half of it.'

'I'll take it with me.' Ezra moved to the table and took the plate in his hands and made his way to the stairs. He wasn't hungry anymore but he took it to appease Chris.

When he reached his room he put the plate down on the top of the chest of drawers and began to remove his clothing and guns. He knew he wasn't going to sleep again tonight so he settled down in the chair with a blanket wrapped around his shoulders like he had done the night before.

In the early hours of the morning Josiah Sanchez entered Ezra's room. The ex-preacher had found Ezra asleep in the rocking chair and not in the large bed. He stood watching the younger man for a short period of time then left, quietly closing the door behind him.

Ezra knew his associates were scrutinizing him as he descended the stairs in an agitated manner. He was feeling a mixture of both fear and anger. He was not sure of what he was going to do when he saw his father. Ezra saw and ignored the frowns of confusion as he walked passed. They were no doubt wondering why he had risen so early. The simple white shirt and tanned work coat he was wearing wouldn't have helped eased their confused minds.

He walked out into the early morning sunshine and the sound of his boots echoed loudly in the silence of a new day. The gambler sat in one of the few chairs that lined the sidewalk in front of the saloon. He was going to wait on the boardwalk for the stage to arrive so he could watch the distant memory become flesh and bone. Ezra turned his head to the area where the stagecoach would first appear before moving on to the Guardian where it would stop to allow the passengers to disembark.

Ezra lowered his head and groaned out loud when he heard the jangle of Chris's spurs. He didn't think anyone would follow him out onto the boardwalk and sit with him. Chris wasn't acting his normal self though. Perhaps he should arrange for Nathan to give him a going over and see if he was suffering from a medical condition currently known as 'being nice'.

'Going somewhere Ezra?' Chris asked as he looked toward the direction Ezra was staring in. There was nothing to look at as far as he was concerned; maybe he was waiting for something. The stage was due to arrive in ten minutes

'No.' Ezra replied without looking at him.

'Waiting for someone?' Chris tried again and knew he was correct when he didn't receive an answer. 'Anyone we know?'

'No.'

Ezra knew Chris wouldn't leave if he asked him to. He would just have to wait until the coach arrived and deal with his father before Chris decided that he wanted an introduction. Ezra raised his eyes and watched as Josiah passed by him and sat in one of the empty chairs. This was all he needed. He didn't mind Chris being there but Josiah was something else.

'You want something Josiah?' Ezra asked him.

'No, just enjoying the fresh air,' said Josiah.

'More like spying on me.' Ezra muttered under his breath. 'You wouldn't want to enjoy it somewhere else would you?'

'No, here is just fine.'

Ezra coughed and sunk down further into the chair. These two men together were going to make it very hard for him. Chris had offered to help by sending Josiah on a job but it was too late to ask for that now. It was only a matter of minutes before the stagecoach that carried his father arrived. First he looked to his left at Chris who had lit a cigar and was now smoking it, and then he turned to his right to catch Josiah quickly looking away from him. Ezra growled at him in annoyance and stood up, pushing the chair away from him. He took a few steps then leaned his forearms on the railing. At least this way Josiah wasn't able to watch his face; he would have to make do with watching his back.

Ezra jerked when he heard the sound of the stagecoach approaching, it was early. He leaned back and gripped his hands on the railing while he waited for it to come into his view. It did a few seconds later. His gaze followed as the coach came to a stop. Ezra walked slowly down the steps and stopped when he was a short distance from the coach. He couldn't and wouldn't go any closer.

The gambler watched as the only passenger exited the stagecoach. A black hat much like his own caused shadows to fall across the man's physical image hiding his father's face from him. It had to be his father. The terrified Southerner held his breath as the simply dressed man turned to face him. He'd hoped that seeing the features that had been hidden from his mind for so many years would retrieve the faded image from his memory. But the older man's countenance did nothing to bring the distorted image into focus.

The man smiled at him and stepped closer to him, he had easily recognised Ezra but Ezra didn't recognise him. There were no dimples that matched his own, his eyes were not the same colour. His were green and the eyes he was looking into were blue. There was no resemblance.

'Ezra.' Clayton Standish knew the man that was standing before him was his son. Maude had described him perfectly.

There were no emotions in the blue eyes that Ezra stared into. He reached into himself and gathered all his strength and threw a right hook that lifted the man off his feet and slammed him into the ground.

'And that was for?' his father stared back up at him and rubbed his chin.

'You damn well know what that was for!' Ezra spoke harshly.

'I expect you to be angry and hurt.' he looked over Ezra's shoulder at the two men who were approaching them. 'But I didn't expect this from my own son.'

Ezra noticed his father looking past him so he turned to see Chris and Josiah walking towards them.

'Ezra.' Josiah spoke to him as he stopped to stand beside him. 'Want to introduce us to your friend.'

'He's no friend of mine Mr. Sanchez.' Ezra continued to look down at the man who was his father.

Clayton Standish lifted himself to his feet and reached out to shake Josiah's hand. 'Clayton-'

'Saunders.' Ezra finished for him.

'Clayton Saunders.' Clayton Standish repeated and lowered his hand when Josiah refused to shake his in return. Clayton raised an eyebrow at Ezra who continued to glare at him.

'And you're here because?' Chris asked. If this man wasn't a friend to Ezra then he didn't like him either.

'And the two of you are being unfriendly because?' Clayton smiled coldly at the dark clad gunslinger.

Ezra couldn't help but smile; his father had just made an enemy of Chris Larabee.

Clayton Standish wasn't going to allow them to interrogate him. He wasn't here for that, he was here for other things. He took a step closer to Ezra and saw him step back away from him. Standish could see the hesitation and fear in the greens eyes that Ezra had gotten from his grandfather.

'I'm not going to hurt you Ezra.'

'Depends on what you mean by hurt.' Ezra growled back.

'What the hell is going on here?' Chris demanded.

Ezra and Clayton both refused to answer the question.

'We need to talk Ezra.'

'There won't be any of that. You're going to get back on that stage and leave. I don't want you here.'

'I can't.'

'I'll force you if I have to.' Ezra threatened.

'I'm meeting Maude, she'll be here in a few days.' Clayton watched as Ezra's eyes widened in shock.

'What?'

'Maude is coming. We thought we would celebrate your birthday with-'

'All right! Stop right there!' Ezra yelled. He raised his hand to his eyes to shut out the men standing around him. His mother was coming for his birthday. His mother never visited him on his birthday. Damn! Why was all this happening at once? 'Chris, Josiah, could give me a minute please.'

'Ezra I don't think we should leave you alone with this man.' Josiah moved to Ezra's side in case he needed some protection.

'It isn't a fucking choice Josiah! Get the hell away from me!'

'Lets go Josiah. This is none of our business. If Ezra needs us he knows where we are.' Chris took Josiah's arm and forced him to move away. The gunslinger looked over his shoulder and smiled at Ezra who managed to smile back.

'You're angry,' said Clayton.

'We can't do this in the middle of Main Street.' Ezra noticed that people were beginning to stare. 'We have to find somewhere private.'

Ezra started to walk away not waiting to see if his father was going to follow him. He tried to think of somewhere quiet where they could talk without being interrupted and the only place he could think of was his room.

He made his way directly to his room ignoring all those who acknowledged him. He didn't watch for his father because he expected him to be following him. When Ezra reached his room he walked straight in to it allowing Clayton to close the door. Ezra then spun around to face the man that was his father.

'I don't look anything like you.' It was a statement of denial.

'That's because you look like your grandfather.' Clayton nodded to the large bed.

Ezra took the hint. 'Have a seat but don't get comfortable you won't be staying long.'

'I know it's a shock to you Ezra,' said Clayton.

'A shock! I get a letter from my mother saying that the man she told me had died twenty-eight years ago was going to arrive in Four Corners in two days. I think shocked is a very weak description of how I feel right now.'

'All I ask is that you give me a chance to explain what happened on that night and why I left you and your mother.' Clayton pleaded with his son.

'I don't need an explanation. I know what happened.' Ezra paced the floor in front of his father.

'You know what your mother told you. There's always two sides to a story Ezra.'

'Why is my mother coming?'

'We want to celebrate your birthday as a family.'

'My mother has never celebrated my birthday. Most of the time she wasn't even there. She left me with relatives while she went and lived her life. The only times she did take me with her was so she could use me in a con.'

Clayton's face creased into a frown. 'I'm sorry Ezra, I didn't know that.'

'There's a lot you don't know about my relationship with my mother.' Ezra felt as though all the energy had been sucked from his body and he sat down heavily on the bed next to his father. 'Explain it to me. I want to know everything. I want proof that you're who you say you are.'

'You're not willing to take your mother's word that I'm your father?'

'You don't know my mother very well do you?' Ezra's tone was sarcastic.

'I knew her for eight years,' said Clayton.

'Then you ran out on us.'

'I didn't have a choice Ezra. Either I left or we all died.' Clayton was watching Ezra and when he didn't get a response from his son he continued. 'Your mother was the poker player, always was but I enjoyed the game and I played occasionally. Most times I lost but every now and then I won. I was drawn into a game one night and I was winning but then I suddenly began to lose. I ended up owing more money than I had. I explained the situation to Maude but she wouldn't pay the debt. Something about how I got myself into it so I had to get myself out of it. I played other games to try and raise the money but I kept losing. I couldn't win anything.' Clayton glanced sideways at Ezra and saw that he was still listening. 'I had a week to pay up but I couldn't. I had no money. My only options were to either rob the bank or disappear. I could do neither. I couldn't leave my family.'

Ezra interrupted. 'But you did, didn't you.'

'When the week came to an end I was given another three days and they told me if I didn't pay my wife and child would die.'

'They threatened your family?' Ezra asked.

'They threatened you and your mother.'

'Why didn't you take us with you?'

'What if they followed me Ezra? What if they found me? They would have killed you and your mother.'

'Did you stop to think that they might have killed us anyway?'

'I had to believe they wouldn't. If I didn't I would never have left.' He paused not knowing how Ezra was taking it.

'Keep going.' Ezra told him. 'What about that night?'

'Do you remember it?'

'Every detail.' Ezra nodded.

'I couldn't leave when I was sober. I tried to leave but I couldn't do it,' said Clayton.

'So you got drunk.'

'I've been told that I'm not very nice when I'm drunk but I knew that it would be easier for me leave.'

'Then why did you do it?'

'I told you why Ezra.' Clayton started to rub his hands together. 'I ended up having an argument with Maude and I decided that I didn't want to leave you with her. I went into your room but I refused to see the fear in your eyes. I tried to force you to go with me but you didn't want to go. You fought me and you fought hard. It hurt me that you didn't want to come with me.'

'So you broke my arm-'

'No! I didn't do it on purpose Ezra. You were fighting so hard and I just . . . let go and you fell back against the wall and screamed. Your mother came in and told me to leave. I did and that was the last I saw of either of you.'

'Why didn't you come back?'

'I did about three weeks later when I heard that the man I owed money too had taken his men and left town. You and your mother were gone. I was told that you left the day after I did so Maude had a three-week head start. I couldn't find you.'

'Maude has relatives.'

'They refused to tell me anything, they never did like me for some reason.'

'How did you find her?'

'Mere coincidence. She got on the same stage as me in New Orleans. Can you believe it? After twenty-eight years she gets on the stage that I'm traveling in.'

'She didn't get off when she knew it was you?'

'I was asleep; my hat was over my face. When I woke up we were in the middle of nowhere and neither of us could get off. We ended up talking, mostly about you. I then spent two months trying to convince her to let me see you.'

'Now tell me why I should believe anything that you've told me?'

'Because it's the truth Ezra.'

'How do I know that?' Ezra stood up and faced Clayton Standish.

'Truth or lies Ezra, it's up to you to decide what you want to believe.'

'You can leave now, I need to think it over.' He turned his back to his father, an indication that he didn't want to talk anymore.

'I'll be staying at the hotel Ezra.' Clayton's hand was now on the doorknob. 'Perhaps you would join me for dinner, say about seven.'

Ezra refused to acknowledge that his father was still in the room with him.

Clayton lowered his head in understanding and left.

What was he supposed to do? He couldn't accept his father's reason for leaving so easily. He would be giving in if he did. But then to not accept his explanation would be to call his father a liar. Was he a liar? Or was he telling the truth? Ezra shook his head and returned to his bed. He sat down and found something interesting on the floor to stare at.

And what if he did accept it? What would happen then? Would his father stay in Four Corners or leave? Would he expect Ezra to go with him if he did leave? Ezra closed his eyes at that thought. He wasn't ready to join a family that had never existed. No. He was happy here, happier than he'd been in a long time. He even thought that one day he could call his associates friends. It had been a life rule not to become friends with anyone. He sometimes had to leave town quickly and that was a harder thing to do if he had to leave friends behind.

Now he was living a life that he didn't want to leave. His mother was arriving in a few days and together she and his father would probably try and talk him into leaving his life. What if he spent time with his father and found out that he liked him, that he may want to leave so he could spend more time with him. There were too many questions. Firstly he had to decide if he was going to accept his father into his life. Ezra decided that he didn't really have a choice.

Ezra entered the dining area of the restaurant and searched the room for his father. He found him sitting at one of the tables near the back wall. He walked towards him then stood by the empty chair. He saw the relief in his father's eyes. Obviously his father hadn't expected to him to come.

'Ezra!' Clayton stood up and raised his arm to shake his son's hand. Ezra took it and shook the hand firmly. 'Sit down, have dinner with me.'

'Thank you.' Ezra removed his hat and sat down. He coughed into his hand because he didn't know how to start. 'I don't know whether I should believe you or not.'

'That's okay Ezra. You're here now and that's a start.'

'A start to what though?'

'I don't want to push you into doing something you don't want to do Ezra. We'll take this at your pace, do it the way you want to do it.' Clayton told him.

Ezra nodded in acceptance. 'We won't be able to do it that way when mother arrives.'

'She never celebrated your birthday?'

'Nor Christmas. Holidays was a time for conning people out of the money they had saved for the occasion.' Ezra shrugged. 'Sometimes one of the relatives I stayed with celebrated it but most of them didn't involve me. For some reason they didn't like Maude either but they took me in because I was blood or she left me on their doorstep. I think there were even times when she paid for my upkeep just so they would take me.'

'She never told me any of this during the last two months.'

'And she would deny it now if you brought the subject up.' Ezra smiled when his father laughed.

'Your mother had a way of denying everything.' Clayton looked away from Ezra when the waitress arrived and he ordered for the two of them with Ezra's permission. When the older woman moved to another table he turned back to his son. 'Tell me about yourself.'

Josiah stood on the boardwalk opposite the hotel. He could see Ezra in there sitting with the man that had arrived that morning. The ex-preacher knew something was wrong and he was going to do what he had to do to protect Ezra. The others didn't seem to care. They wanted to leave Ezra to his business, wait until he came to them for help. But it wasn't going to be that way with him. He was going to give Ezra the help he needed before he had to ask for it.

Darkness began to descend over the town and the townsfolk began to find their way indoors out of the chill that had settled in the night air. Josiah was one of a few who were left on the boardwalks. Nobody thought Josiah's vigil of the hotel was suspicious. He was one of the town's lawmen so it was never questioned by anyone except Ezra Standish and his father who had seen the ex-preacher watching them.

'Your mother told me a bit about your friends,' said Clayton after he pushed his empty plate away. He felt a tinge of worry when he realised that Ezra wasn't going to eat anymore than he had which was only half of what was on the plate.

'The two you met this morning were Chris Larabee and Josiah Sanchez.' Ezra nodded towards the man on the boardwalk across the street.

'There's Vin Tanner-'

'He's the one with a bounty on his head?'

'He's innocent of his crime.' Ezra growled at his father.

'Okay, what about the rest?' Clayton motioned for the waitress to bring them some coffee.

'Buck Wilmington, JD Dunne and Nathan Jackson who is the town healer.'

'It's good to see someone of a different colour doing well for themselves.'

'He doesn't make a lot of money, he mostly barters for his work,' said Ezra.

'Still it's good to see. Folk would look up to him, it's a change that's coming to this country.'

Ezra frowned. He wasn't sure if his father was being serious or joking.

'What's Sanchez's story?'

'He wants to be my father.' Ezra smiled at the expression on his father's face.

'Then he's not going to like me much is he?' Clayton pulled at his necktie.

'That'll be his problem not yours.'

'Has he always felt that way and why would he want to be your father?' He saw the smile falter on Ezra's face. 'No, I don't mean it like that, anyone would be proud to be your father. I just meant . . . doesn't he have his own family, his own kids.'

'I don't know. It seems that we all have a way of keeping our pasts to ourselves.'

'How do you feel about it?' Clayton accepted the coffee with a thank you and a smile.

'About Josiah wanting to be my father?'

Clayton nodded.

'I don't like the idea. It only started a couple of months ago. He started off by calling me son. That I don't like. But then it became more suffocating. He tries to protect me, look after me if I'm not feeling well. The man knows I can take care of myself, I have for most of my life but he keeps insisting in his own way.'

'Have you told him how you feel?'

'In more ways than one.'

'And he doesn't listen?'

'No.'

'What about Larabee?'

'Chris didn't like you because I didn't like you. It's a simple as that. He protects his own.'

'How is that different to Sanchez?'

'Chris has his own past. He understands that a man needs to take care of himself. He waits to be asked but he's ready to step in before it's too late. Chris is a good man, I respect him.' Ezra stared down into his coffee for a few silent seconds then said to his father. 'Now it's your turn.'

'Yeah it is.' Clayton took a deep breath and started. 'I moved around a lot. Couldn't stay in one place. I had to keep moving because I was searching for you and your mother. I couldn't gamble. I'd lost my family from gambling. I did different work in different towns.'

'Did you ever believe you wouldn't find us?' Ezra asked him.

'Sometimes. It was usually at night when I lay in bed alone. My life isn't very exciting Ezra. I never settled down. I couldn't even consider re-marrying, not when my wife and son were out there somewhere.'

'Do you still love Maude?'

'I don't really know. Part of me wants to blame her for taking you away but the rest of me knows it was no one's fault but mine.'

'If mother had paid your debt you wouldn't have been forced to leave.' Ezra reminded him.

'Yes but it was me that created the debt. Your mother was partly right in doing what she did. It was a lesson. A very hard lesson that cost me my family. I never gambled since. I haven't touched any alcohol since that night either. I've never forgiven myself for what happened Ezra and I don't expect your forgiveness either.'

'It's in the past, there's nothing we can do about it now.'

'You did something about it this morning.' Clayton smiled and rubbed his chin. 'You pack a pretty good punch there son.'

Ezra's head darted up and he saw the shocked expression on Clayton's face.

'I'm sorry Ezra, I didn't mean to, it just came out.'

'That's okay. I suppose it's something that I'm going to have to get use to . . . father.'

Both men laughed then an awkward silence filled the table.

'If you don't mind, I'm going to retire for the evening. It was a long trip and I'm feeling quite tired,' said Clayton.

Ezra stood up. 'That's okay.' He hesitated a moment then asked. 'Breakfast tomorrow.'

'Ten. I'm not much of an earlier riser.'

'Neither am I.' Ezra's smile filled his face showing his dimples.

'You haven't changed at all Ezra. Your features have matured but that's all.'

'I'm sorry but I don't remember your face. I've tried to since I read that letter.'

'You were five, you wouldn't have kept my face in your memory even if you wanted to.' Clayton pushed his chair in then bid his son good night.

'I wanted to,' said Ezra after his father left.

Ezra sat back down and before he knew it he had company. Why now? He was feeling pretty good about everything. He lifted his eyes to take in the worried frown but there was also anger in those features.

'What do you want Josiah?'

'Who is he Ezra?' Josiah sat down even though he hadn't been invited too.

'That is none of your business.'

'You're my friend Ezra, that makes it my business.'

'You think that because you want to be my father it gives you the right to invade my privacy. It doesn't!'

'I want to help Ezra.'

'I don't need any help. There isn't a problem. As you saw from where you were watching us that we had an enjoyable dinner and conversation.' Ezra saw Josiah's features change. 'You're not jealous are you Mr. Sanchez?'

'I just want to help Ezra.' Josiah stood up and stormed out of the restaurant. He didn't see Clayton Standish watching from the shadows on the stairwell.

He waited and watched while the man who had stopped him in the saloon left the hotel. He wanted revenge and he was going to get it. He'd never been humiliated like that before and it wasn't going to happen again. The man was going to pay for making him look stupid. When he saw that he was in the luck, the gambler was coming his way, he took a step back in the alley. He needed to face the gambler on his own terms, one on one. But he was going to make sure that he won. The dark clothing he wore to hide his form mixed with the shadows and the oncoming darkness. The gambler wouldn't see him until it was too late.

The young man watched the face of the man he was about to seek revenge on. The face held a tone of arrogance. He grimaced and his anger grew. The man was going to pay with his life.

Ezra thought about the others as he walked along the boardwalk and wondered if he should tell them about his father. He was pretty sure Josiah didn't need to know. But before he could decide someone jumped him from behind. Pain exploded in his skull when it was hit with something solid. He became dazed and his movements were uncoordinated. He was unable to order his hands to remove a gun from it's holster or extract the derringer from it's hiding place. Ezra was unable to defend himself. He felt himself being thrown against a wall. His pain filled body was allowed to fall to the dirt floor without any interruptions. The heavy boot that continued to collide with his unprotected ribs bruised his sides. Ezra tried to curl himself into a ball but his body continued to refuse his orders. He could hear the laughter reverberate within his skull and recognised it immediately but it quickly ended as something collided with his skull sending him into oblivion.

The fact that Vin Tanner was doing the night patrol saved Ezra's life. Vin didn't know what made him look but he was grateful for small mercies. Whatever it was saved the gambler's life. He could see Ezra walking past the alley near the hotel. His light blue eyes saw movement in the darkening alley as Ezra walked passed it. Before he could call out a warning to his friend, a figure in dark clothing grabbed Ezra from behind and dragged the gambler into the darkness. Vin ran and pulled his mare leg from the sheath as he ran. His heart froze when he saw the gun that was now pointed at Ezra's skull. Vin didn't shout a warning; he knew there wouldn't be enough time. The man with the gun would only fire. The mare's leg jerked in his hands as he pulled the trigger. The man that had intended to kill the gambler was now dead.

Vin continued to run. The other lawmen would hear the shot and come to investigate. He fell to his knees next to the slumped form and reached out his trembling fingers to find a pulse. What he found was a strong regular beat.

'Move!' the order was short and held a tone that said 'NOW'.

Vin was pushed away by Nathan so he stood up and stepped aside to allow Nathan to do his job. The others were there, each man's face held a questioning look.

'He was about to shoot Ezra. Had to stop him.' Vin shrugged. It was never easy to kill a man but the fact that Ezra's life had depended on him made it easier for him to feel no remorse.

'It's the guy from the saloon, the one that accused those two men of cheating.' Chris informed him. 'He left town, I checked. He must have come back.'

'We need to get him to the clinic. He's going to need some stitches in that thick skin of his.' Nathan stood up and nodded to Josiah.

Josiah needed more prompting. His gray blue eyes were filled with sadness. If only Ezra had allowed him to help, this wouldn't have happened. Someone nudged his side and he looked into Nathan's concerned eyes. He understood the message and bent down to pick up his wayward son. But he no longer felt like a father figure. Ezra had pushed him away once again. He didn't think he could forgive him for it this time. He carried the unconscious form silently. His eyes continued to glance down at the slack face. The flesh had become pale from either shock or loss of blood, maybe it was both, he didn't know, he wasn't a doctor or healer like Nathan.

'Hurry Josiah, he hasn't got all night!' Chris growled at him. Chris watched as the larger man quickened his pace. Now wasn't the time for questions. He looked down at the dead body. The man couldn't have been more then twenty-five, what a waste. His cold eyes lifted to take in Buck and JD. 'Take care of him then meet us at Nathan's.'

Three gunmen stood by and watched as Nathan took care of the gambler's injuries. The healer had cleaned the head wound and was now carefully installing the stitches that were required to help it heal. Ezra hadn't moved during the ordeal, which Nathan was grateful for. He wasn't in the mood for an argument. Even though Ezra was smaller than him and injured he would be able to put up enough of a fight for the healer to get help to hold him down or shut him up. Nathan smiled. He loved his work.

'Josiah, you wanna help hold his head up so I can bandage it.' Nathan didn't look up, he expected Josiah to be there in a second but he wasn't. What was it with that man? Didn't he know the meaning of the word 'forgiveness'? Obviously Ezra was going through some problems and again the ex-preacher was putting his own first. He was able to understand and forgive everyone else for their flaws but not Ezra. 'Chris.'

Chris was willing to help. He barely glanced at Josiah on his way to Ezra's side. He placed his arm under Ezra's shoulders and lifted the inert form upwards. He used his free arm to place the smaller man's head into a more comfortable position so Nathan could put a bandage around the skull.

A damp cloth wiped at his face and chest and he didn't know why. Maybe it had something to do with the headache he was suffering from. The coolness against his forehead helped to ease the pain slightly so he moved towards it. The touch was gentle and he assumed it was Josiah but something deep inside hoped it was the father he'd finally met after so many years.

'Father.' Ezra squeezed his eyelids tightly.

'No, it's Nathan Ezra.' The healer continued to wipe the Southerner's forehead.

'Where's my father?'

'Ezra you got a couple of nasty bumps on the head, that's why you're confused.'

'I'm confused?' Ezra opened his eyes and scanned the room through his blurry vision. His father wasn't there. Of course he wouldn't be. They didn't know he was his father so they wouldn't have told him that he'd been hurt. 'From what?'

'A beating.' It was Chris' voice this time.

'It was the guy from the saloon. Guess it was payback.' Vin told him.

'Oh,' said Ezra.

'I had to shoot him, he was going to kill you.' Vin continued to explain what had happened.

'And?' Vin's silence gave Ezra his answer. 'Oh.'

'It wasn't your fault Ezra. It was something that just happened.'

'I know. It's just that . . .'

'He was too young.' Chris finished for him.

'Yeah.'

'Drink this Ezra.' Nathan lifted his head and waited until Ezra drank the entire cup.

'Is that stuff going to make me sleep?'

'No, it's for the pain.' Nathan explained.

Ezra nodded and grimaced, as the pounding in his head grew worse for a few seconds. When it eased he said. 'Could one of you gentlemen do me a favour as I seem to be unable to do much right now?'

'What do you need Ezra?'

'Clayton Saunders is at the hotel. I would like him to know that I'm here and that I may not be able to meet him for breakfast tomorrow.'

'I'll go.' Vin tipped his hat to Ezra and left the clinic.

'Who the hell is that guy Ezra?' Chris asked.

'Vin Tanner.'

'At least your smart-assed mouth still works.' Chris couldn't help but smile. 'I'm mean Clayton Saunders.'

'He's a friend of mothers, and he's quickly becoming a friend of mine.'

'Didn't seem that way this morning.'

'Things were different this morning.'

'He's not causing you any trouble is he?' Josiah stepped out of the darkened corner of the room.

'No, and I have Mr. Larabee's assurance that if I need help he will give it me. All I have to do is ask.' Ezra narrowed his eyes and ignored the extra pain it caused. 'Did you hear that Mr. Sanchez. All I have to do is ask so there is no need for you to hover around me!'

'Leave him be Josiah.' Chris ordered again.

Josiah looked at Ezra then turned and left the room.

'I don't know what's gotten into the man.' Nathan shook his head.

'I think he may be jealous,' said Ezra.

'What makes you think that?' Chris glanced over his shoulder at the door then back at Ezra.

'I don't believe he liked the fact that I spent this evening dinning with Mr. Saunders.'

'Either that or he's feeling more protective because of Saunders.' Chris suggested.

Ezra shrugged and closed his eyes. He was getting tired and he knew it was because of the head injury.

'Tired Ezra?' Nathan asked.

Ezra yawned and nodded.

'Get some sleep but I'm gonna have to wake you every couple of hours to check for a concussion.'

'Great.' Ezra muttered.

Nathan took one last look at Ezra to find him sleeping. He was satisfied enough with the gambler's condition to get some rest himself. He was going to need it if he was going to be waking Ezra up through the night.

Clayton Standish had been sitting on his bed since he entered his room. He'd been going over the day's events and was very pleased with the way things were going. Ezra had accepted him a lot easier than he or Maude thought he would. They both knew there would be a lot of anger and resentment but Maude insisted that her son was an understanding and forgiving young man. A man that his father would be proud of.

He had been surprised when Ezra informed him of his upbringing. There could have been many reasons why Maude kept herself distanced from her son and he would find out the reason when she arrived in Four Corners.

So involved in his thoughts, Clayton didn't hear the knock at his door. It took almost two minutes of knocking before the sound broke through his thoughts. He stood up and stared at the door. The only person who would be knocking at his door would be Ezra. Maude wasn't here yet. Unless Mr. Sanchez had finally gathered the courage to have a confrontation.

What he didn't expect when he opened the door was to find Vin Tanner staring back at him. 'Mr. Tanner, what can I do for you?'

'You know me?' Suspicion immediately filled Vin's mind.

'Yes, I know all of you. Ezra told me a bit about all of his friends.'

Vin decided to keep his guard up even after the admission. Did Ezra tell Saunders that he had a bounty on his head? If he did he would have also told him that he was innocent of the crime he had been accused of. The question was; would Saunders believe Ezra. Vin knew nothing about this man and he wasn't going to trust him even if Ezra seemed to.

'Ezra sent me.'

Sorrow filled Clayton's features. 'He's changed his mind hasn't he?'

'I don't know what you're talking about. Ezra just wanted me to let you know that he might not be able to make it for breakfast tomorrow. He's been hurt and Nathan's going to keep him in the clinic over night.'

'He's been hurt? How?'

'Someone attacked him, knocked him out-' Vin started to explain.

'Can you show me where this clinic is.' Clayton returned to his room to grab his coat.

'There's no need to go, he'll be sleeping.'

'I would still like to see him.'

'You sure?' Vin didn't know if it was the right thing to do.

'Yes I'm sure, he's my . . . he's my friend and I would like to see for myself that he's alright.'

'Okay, I'll take you to see him but I don't think Nathan will allow you to stay for very long.'

'I don't need to stay long.' Clayton was losing his patience. He needed to see his son and this man was making up reasons for him not to go.

'Let's go then.' Vin walked away hoping that what he was doing wasn't going to cause trouble.

Clayton stepped into the clinic and saw his son lying on the bed. Ezra's head was bandaged telling him that it was a serious open wound. Ezra's pale features tugged at his heart. He moved quickly to the bed and sat down in the vacant chair. His hand reached forward to touch Ezra's face but he pulled back when he saw how much his hand was shaking.

'Is he okay?' Clayton turned to face Nathan.

'He's fine. The injury needed some stitches and he hasn't got a concussion. I just want to keep him here so I can watch him.'

Clayton nodded in understanding. 'Is it okay if I stay with him for a while?'

Nathan glanced over at Chris who was standing in a corner watching what was going on in front of him. When Chris nodded Nathan told him that it was okay.

'Thank you.'

'I don't suppose you want to let us know who you are?' Chris tried but didn't expect to get a truthful answer.

'A friend. If Ezra wants to tell you more he will.'

Chris became silent again after accepting the answer. He trusted Ezra and knew that if he needed to know then Ezra would tell him. He wasn't going to push the gambler for an answer.

'You don't mind then if we stay with you.' Vin told Clayton before finding himself a comfortable position in the clinic.

Clayton knew how to read people; he'd learnt to do it at a young age just like Ezra would have. He could see the distrust in Tanner's eyes. This man could be trouble for him and Ezra.

Ezra knew what Nathan was trying to do and refused to cooperate with him. He had no intention of waking up in the middle of the night just so Nathan could look at his eyes. That was something he could easily do while he was sleeping. All Nathan had to do was lift his eyelids. The man was supposed to be a healer and yet there were many times when Ezra found him to be a pain in the ass.

'Ezra, it's Clayton. Are you awake in there?'

Ezra frowned then recognised the voice. His eyes sprung open and he stared at his father's smiling face. 'What are you doing here?'

'Mr. Tanner gave me your message. I wanted to see that you were okay and Mr. Jackson kindly allowed me to stay.'

'Mr. Jackson is very good at allowing people to stay, even if he doesn't have their permission.'

'I guess I should go now.' Clayton began to stand up but a hand gripped his arm.

'Stay, for a while longer anyway.' Ezra wanted his father to stay and take care of him like a father should but he didn't want to admit it out loud, not yet.

'Mr. Jackson?' Clayton asked Nathan again if it was all right to stay and again Nathan nodded.

'Perhaps Nathan could catch up on some sleep.' Ezra suggested.

'That's okay Ezra, I'll stay.' Nathan was tired but he didn't want to leave this man alone with Ezra. Clayton Saunders was a stranger to Nathan even if he wasn't to Ezra.

'I'll be fine Nathan. I trust Clayton with my life.'

'I'm not sure-'

'Nathan! I'll be fine, honest.'

Nathan trusted Ezra and that was the only reason he left the two men alone. But he would wait out on the balcony just in case.

When Nathan left Clayton reached out and placed his hand against Ezra's face. 'Does it hurt?'

'Not so much any more.'

Clayton nodded and removed his hand. 'Mr. Jackson said you'd be fine. These men care about you a lot don't they?'

'It depends on the situation.' Ezra smiled so his father wouldn't see that he was serious.

'Go back to sleep Ezra. I'll stay here with you.'

Ezra watched his father for a moment then closed his eyes. He felt his father's fingers brushing against his forehead. Sleep didn't come straight away for Ezra. The comforting touch had a brought back a memory from his first five years of life.

Ezra was lying in his bed, his feet barely reaching the end of the mattress. Mother had always told him that he was small for his age but given a few more years he would be just as tall if not taller than the other children he played with. He groaned again when the slight pain tore through his stomach. The children had lost all their candy to him in a game. It wasn't often that his mother allowed him to have candy so he ate them all before she could take them away.

The painful sound brought his father into the room. Ezra pushed himself closer to the wall when he saw that his father was going to get into the bed with him. When his father was settled Ezra found himself being pulled towards the large chest so he could lay his head on his father's chest.

His father then began to rub Ezra's forehead with his fingers until his son fell asleep.

It was something that his father did often and he had always enjoyed it. 'You use to do this all the time, especially when I wasn't feeling well.'

It's good to have a child. Clayton watched as Ezra drifted off to sleep.

Ezra slapped his father's hand away when he tried to help him up onto the boardwalk. Clayton ignored him though and grabbed his elbow. He also refused to let go once they were on the boardwalk.

'Maybe you would like to hold my hand!'

'No need to be like that son, I'm only trying to help. I don't want you falling over and hitting your head again.' Clayton stopped when he realised Ezra was no longer moving. 'What's wrong?'

'Nothing . . . it . . . it feels good that's all.'

'What feels good?'

'You, having a father again.'

Clayton smiled. 'Does that mean things are okay between us?'

'I think things are going to be okay. We still have a lot of work to do.'

He didn't know what to say so he took Ezra's arm again and led him into the saloon where they were going to have a light breakfast. Clayton saw a few of Ezra's friends sitting at a table where they were already indulging themselves in a hearty meal. He began to lead Ezra away from them when Ezra shook his head.

'Why don't we join my associates.'

'They're going to ask questions.' Clayton warned him.

'Then we'll answer them.' Ezra smiled at his father's reaction. 'It won't be that bad, at least they won't kill you while I'm around.'

'Do you think they would do that?'

'No.'

'So you just thought you would have a bit of fun with me. Make me lose my appetite is that it. Don't think you're going to get out of paying for this meal young man. I intend to eat a horse and you're going to pay for it.'

'When did I offer to pay for breakfast?'

'Just then and I accept.' Clayton walked away before Ezra could say anything. He reached the table and smiled at Ezra's friends. 'Gentlemen, may we join you for breakfast?' When they glanced to Ezra then back again he added. 'Ezra's paying.'

'I know I didn't say that!' Ezra joined his father at the table and sat down.

'Yes you did.' Clayton assured him.

'When did I say that?'

'While you were sleeping. You talk in your sleep or didn't anyone ever tell you that.'

Chris, Vin and Nathan were watching and listening to the exchange with interest. It seemed as though Ezra and Clayton Saunders had known each other for a long time.

'Have a seat Mr. Saunders.' Chris nodded to the empty chair next to Ezra.

'It's Standish Chris, Clayton Standish.'

Clayton held his breath. This was a surprise that he didn't want just yet. He didn't know how Ezra's friends would react to him. Maude had told him that there was a possibility that they would inflict physical bodily harm to his person.

'Chris, Vin, Nathan, this is my father, Clayton Standish.'

'And you hit your father yesterday because?' Chris's first reaction was why would a son hit his father.

'That's our business Chris.'

'Mr. Larabee, if you intend to hurt me I would appreciate it if you did it now rather than later.'

'It's Chris, and I'm not going to hurt you. Why would you think that?'

Clayton was about to answer when everyone at the table came to the same conclusion.

'Maude.' They all said together.

The next two days passed quickly for Ezra and his father. They spent all their time together getting to know each other better. Father and son took turns recounting stories from their lives, some resulting in laughter, and a few leaving them in tears. Clayton had been both shocked and angered with some of the things Ezra had told him. No childhood should have been like he had. Maude should have kept her son with her while he grew up.

Clayton had decided that considering Ezra's upbringing he had grown into a good man, a man that cared for and protected others. It was in his soul to do it. He had lived Maude's life until he arrived in Four Corners where he began to change and become the man he was born to be. But Clayton was also able to see that beneath the confident exterior there was a lack of confidence. What he saw on the outside was a well-played roll that fooled a lot of people, including the men he worked with.

Ezra was learning a lot of things about his father. He enjoyed his sense of humour and ability to hold a good conversation. The son was beginning to love the father he lost at the age of five and found again a few days before his thirty-third birthday. He finally had a family that he could be proud of. Ezra was beginning to believe that he would leave Four Corners if his father asked him to.

Josiah stood just outside the saloon doors. The noise from within the crowded room flowed around him out into the street to interrupt the silence of the night. The large amount of alcohol in his blood caused his large frame to sway side to side as though a strong wind was trying to knock over a solid object. His gaze drifted towards the hotel doors. The man who was taking Ezra away from him was in there having dinner with the gambler and Chris. The other five lawmen seemed to know who the man was but no one, including Ezra, were confiding in him. He didn't like it.

He had been able to keep his anger under control during the past few days but now his drunken state had decided to change that. It made a new decision for him, he was hardly aware of what he was about to do. Josiah watched as the three men left the hotel. Chris shook the older man's hand and tipped his hat to him. Ezra and Saunders moved away from Chris and began to head towards the saloon. He stepped off the boardwalk and began to make his towards them. There was no one to stop him. His large steps mirrored the determination and anger he was feeling. He was going to find out who Clayton Saunders was and what the man wanted with Ezra.

Ezra had invited Chris to dine with him and his father for one reason; he wanted Chris to like his father. If Chris did enjoy his father's company and saw what sort of man he was then it would be easier for Ezra to gain Chris's permission to retire from his employment and leave Four Corners with his father. Ezra had no intention of losing his father again and if that meant leaving town to go wherever his father went then he would.

Ezra looked up when he heard heavy footsteps and silently groaned at the sight before him. Josiah had been staying out of his way but now Ezra and his father were about to face the devil. Ezra quickly turned his head to see if Chris was still within sight, he wasn't. They were on their own unless someone else intervened and he didn't think that was going to happen.

'Let me handle this please.' Ezra placed a placating hand against his father's chest.

'I'm right with you son.' Clayton told him.

Ezra waited until Josiah reached them to stand in front of his father. This sudden urge to protect him was strong, stronger than he thought was possible.

'Something I can do for Josiah?' Ezra asked calmly.

'Want to know who's he?' the words were slurred.

'You've been drinking.'

'Yeah, what of it.'

'I won't talk to you while you're like this.' Ezra growled at him. The time for being calm was over. Josiah was angry and it seemed he had every intention of taking his anger out on either him or his father.

'You won't talk to me sober either, so what's the difference.'

'I wonder why that is?' Ezra sneered at him.

'Who's he?'

'Go and sober up Mr. Sanchez.' Ezra started to walk past him but Josiah grabbed his arm.

'I want to know who he is!' His grip was tight and he ignored the grimace that crossed Ezra's features.

'I'm not telling you while you're in this state or sober!' Ezra tried to pull his arm away but the restraint was too strong for him to break.

'Why you good for nothin' bastard!' Josiah threw the punch while Ezra was still trying to get over the angry words that were thrown from Josiah's mouth. 'After all the things I've done for you, you treat me like this!'

Ezra knew they were in trouble. Josiah was too big, too drunk and too angry for him to defeat. He lay where he fell and looked up at the older man who stood angrily over him.

His father knelt by his side and Ezra nodded that he was okay. Then his father surprised him. He went after Josiah Sanchez. Clayton must have been at least ten years older than the ex-preacher, twenty pounds lighter and three inches shorter but he began to fight him as though they were equals.

Clayton was angry. How dare this man hit his son. He stood quickly and brought his fist up with him. He hit Josiah with all the strength he could muster but it wasn't enough to send the larger man to the ground. Clayton then followed the uppercut with a powerful blow to the abdomen. There wasn't much of a response. Josiah was too drunk to feel anything. Ezra's father ducked under the first two punches then landed one of his own but his luck didn't hold. A third punch from Josiah knocked him off his feet and he landed next to his son.

'You've got a good right there.' Ezra admired.

'Not good enough I'm afraid, he's still standing.' Clayton smiled and they began to laugh.

Josiah stared down at them and the laughter caused his anger to explode. He lifted Ezra at least two inches off his feet and brought his face close to his. 'Tell me!'

'No.' Ezra replied simply.

Clayton did his best to help Ezra free himself but he couldn't manage it and before he could react he saw his son flying through the air as Josiah threw him against the wall of the Clarion. The grunt of pain caused his own anger to boil and he attacked Josiah a second time.

It took Ezra a few moments to get himself together before he could stand up. He could see Josiah taking his anger out on his father. Blood had already begun to appear on his father's face.

'Josiah! Leave him alone!' Ezra yelled at him but the man ignored his request. 'Josiah!'

Ezra ran to aid his father but he wasn't prepared to use his fists. The derringer appeared out of nowhere and was pressed against Josiah's forehead in a matter of seconds.

'Leave him alone.' Ezra's voice held an angry threat.

Josiah dropped the man he was beating and turned to face Ezra. 'You haven't got the guts. Coward, that's what you are Ezra Standish. You've always been a coward! If it wasn't for us you'd still be a piece of scum that people wipe off their boots.' Josiah saw the shocked expression and took the opportunity to tear the gun from the gambler's hand. His bloodied fist clenched itself before it struck Ezra's face. He followed Ezra to the ground and struck him again and again.

Josiah didn't hear the gunshot but he felt the bullet when it struck his arm, the force of the bullet pushing him off Ezra. He looked up in surprise to find Clayton Saunders glaring down at him, the derringer in his hand. 'No man hurts my son and gets away with it!'

'Son?' Josiah whispered in shock.

'Ezra's my son and if you ever lay a hand on him or talk to him like that again, I'll kill you!' Clayton growled at him.

Clayton released the derringer and allowed it to fall to the floor. He knelt down next to Ezra who was trying to sit up.

'Does my face look as bad as yours?' Ezra asked his father.

'Considering that I'm better looking than you, your face looks worse than mine.' Clayton pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and began to dab at the blood coming from Ezra's split lip.

The ex-preacher pushed himself back against the building and watch as Saunders took care of his son. 'You're Ezra's father? Ezra, why didn't you tell me?'

'Because it's none of your damn business preacher!' Ezra told him.

'Think you can get up?'

'No, I think I might sit here for a while longer if you don't mind father.'

Clayton smiled. Ezra didn't even realise he had used the term father. 'Mind if I sit with you son?'

'Of course not.' Ezra lay back down on the boardwalk. His head hurt and the world seemed to be spinning around him for some reason. 'You're not going to tell Nathan about this are you?'

'Don't think were going to have a choice Ezra?'

Ezra followed his father's gaze and saw Chris and Nathan running towards them. 'Aw hell.'

'What happened?' Nathan went straight to Ezra and his father while Chris stayed close to Josiah. The gunslinger knew what happened but Nathan found it hard to believe that Josiah may have been responsible for this.

'An argument with Mr. Sanchez that resulted in the use of fists.' Ezra explained.

Both Chris and Nathan looked at Clayton for confirmation. 'Ezra's telling you truth!'

'Who fired the gun?' Chris asked them.

'That was me,' Clayton shrugged, 'and I'm afraid that I told him I would kill him if he hurt Ezra again.'

'You threatened him?' Chris couldn't help but smile.

'He hurt my son, I'm sure you would have done the same if you were in my position.'

'No hesitation at all.' Chris nodded knowing that he wouldn't have threatened; he would have killed any man that hurt his son. Josiah was a lucky man.

Both men sat on the cot in Nathan's clinic. One man allowed the healer to administer to his superficial wounds while the other argued that he was fine and didn't need any medical attention. Chris couldn't help but think the two men were so different both in physical appearances and personality.

'Ezra, I want you going to straight to bed and staying there for a couple of days.' Nathan ordered him. 'Mr. Standish, you'll be fine, just don't do anything that's going to open up that cut.

'Thank you Mr. Jackson, you truly are a remarkable healer.' Clayton assured him seriously.

'I welcome an obeying patient, it makes a nice change.' Nathan smiled then scowled down at Ezra who it seemed was trying to think up an excuse not to stay in bed.

'Why are you telling me that I have to rest in bed for a couple of days and yet he can walk around town like nothing happened.'

'Because, you I don't like and you still haven't recovered fully from that head wound.' Nathan had his back to Ezra so he could hide his smile from the gambler.

Ezra tried another tactic. 'I can't stay in bed Nathan, Mother is arriving tomorrow and she won't appreciate it if I'm unwell.'

'I'll explain it to her Ezra.' Clayton tried to smile at his son but the words Ezra had just spoken were troubling him.

'You won't have to father, I will be there to explain it myself.'

'No you won't Ezra!' Nathan growled at him.

Clayton gripped Ezra's chin and turned his son's head so he was facing him. 'You're going to do what the doctor ordered Ezra.'

Clayton's voice was calm and pleasing but Ezra heard the threat behind the words. He couldn't help but smile back at him. 'Is this what father's do? Threaten their children?'

'They also protect them and threaten those who cause them any harm.' Chris added for Clayton.

'Feels good doesn't it Ezra.' Nathan also had the opportunity to find his father again if only for a short period of time. He knew what Ezra was going through, what he was feeling. He knew that there would also be a lot of conflict in Ezra's mind as to what to do. Would the gambler leave with his father or would he stay and continue his life in Four Corners?

'Yes it does Nathan.' Ezra hung his head so the others wouldn't see his emotions but Nathan caught a quick glimpse of them before his features disappeared.

'Okay, that's enough. This patient needs his rest. Perhaps his father can take him to his room and tuck him into bed.' Nathan smiled at Ezra's embarrassment.

The next day Nathan walked through the open doors into the church. He could hear the sound of retching coming from the back room. Nathan didn't want to go there so he used his voice instead.

'Josiah! We need to talk and I'm not taking no for an answer!'

Something fell to the floor and shattered, resulting in a loud curse from the ex-preacher. The curtain to the hidden room was pushed aside and Josiah came forward.

'There isn't anything to talk about Nathan.' Josiah was drying his hands with his shirttails.

'Why did you do it?' Nathan didn't care if Josiah didn't want to talk. 'There was no reason to attack either of them. Especially Ezra. He still has stitches in the back of his head. You could have torn them open!'

'I was drunk. I didn't know what I was doing.'

'That's a cowards excuse Josiah.' Nathan growled at him.

'Is he alright?' Josiah was refusing to look into Nathan's eyes.

'What do you care. You were the one who beat him up remember!'

'Clayton Saunders is his father?'

'Clayton Standish and yes he's Ezra's father.' Nathan stormed towards Josiah and pulled him around to face him. 'Don't you dare do anything to ruin this for Ezra. I've never seen him so content with himself or those around him. You need to apologise and explain your reasons for what you did before he leaves town.'

'Ezra's leaving town?'

'He hasn't said as much but what would you expect him to do. His father has shown up after twenty-eight years and it's like they were never separated. When Clayton leaves town I wouldn't be surprised if Ezra went with him and if he did go he would have my approval. The man deserves this Josiah.'

'He can't go.'

'Why not?'

'Because . . .'

'Because you want him for yourself! Is that it?' Both men turned to find Clayton Standish standing in the doorway. 'He is my son Mr. Sanchez, not yours.'

'Ezra belongs with us.'

Nathan could hear the anger in Josiah's voice.

'Were you to drunk to remember what you said to him last night?' Clayton refused to remove his had as he moved deeper into the church. He refused to believe that Josiah Sanchez was a man of God or this building his church. 'If it wasn't for us you'd still be a piece of scum that people wipe off their boots. Those were the exact words you said to him and I saw the expression on his face. You hurt him Sanchez and I will not allow you to do that again.'

'You said that to Ezra!' Nathan believed what Clayton had said; the man had no reason to lie.

'I say a lot of things when I'm drunk, it doesn't mean that what I say is true.'

'I've come to warn you again Mr. Sanchez. Stay away from my son. I will not have you damaging our growing relationship. Do you understand me?'

Josiah nodded.

'I also wish for you to keep your distance from Maude. Is that also clear?'

Josiah nodded again. It was all he could do. He had to keep quite. If he didn't there would be an argument that could lead to more violence.

Clayton turned away then said. 'By the way Mr. Sanchez, Ezra belongs where he wants to be. To leave with me or stay here will be Ezra's decision, no one else's.' Once he made himself clear Ezra's father left the church.

'You heard him Josiah and he has our support. Leave them alone.'

After the two men had left, Josiah returned to the back room and lay down on the bed. They didn't understand. He was only trying to look after Ezra. How did they know this man was Ezra's father? He shows up after twenty-eight years and everyone believes he's who he says he is. The man who claimed to be Clayton Standish could be a killer. If that were true who was going to protect Ezra.

Josiah had heard the warning but he was going to ignore it. Someone had to protect Ezra and it seemed that he was the only one willing to do it. The only one that thought something was wrong with the entire situation. He closed his eyes and drifted into a restless sleep where he dreamt of Ezra being gunned down in cold blood in the middle of Main Street.

For a second time Ezra Standish waited for the stage to arrive. This time his father stood by his side. Maude would be arriving shortly. It was something Ezra was looking forward to. His family would be whole again.

Something caused Ezra to look over his shoulder. Josiah Sanchez stood on the boardwalk behind them, his eyes watching Ezra's every move.

Clayton noticed that Ezra was watching something behind him. He turned to see what it was and found himself staring into the ex-preacher's eyes that were full of anger. Clayton realised at once that Sanchez had ignored his warnings.

'Don't worry about him Ezra.'

Ezra continued to watch Josiah who was staring back at him. The gambler was untroubled by the anger Josiah was feeling. Even though he knew he had five friends and a father to back him up, Ezra was going to deal with this problem on his own.

'I'll be back in a moment father.' Ezra made his way to Josiah and instead of standing in front of him he stood behind him and leaned against the wall. 'Is there something that you want from me?'

Josiah saw the livid bruises on Ezra's face when the younger man stepped past him. He closed his eyes against the image and tried to tell himself that he'd been drunk when he'd done that to his young friend.

'Are you sure that man is your father?' He turned and did his best not to see the bruises.

'Why would he and my mother lie about something like that?' Was this man going to try and destroy the best thing that had happened to him in his life? Ezra made sure he kept his emotions under control. He couldn't lose control now, not now.

'Even you should know what your mother is capable of Ezra.'

Ezra took offence at the slanderous remark against his mother. 'My mother, Mr. Sanchez, may not be like other mothers but she does love me in her own way. She may do certain things but she feels that what she does is in my best interests. I love my mother and there is nothing she or anyone can do to change that!'

'That doesn't answer my question.'

'Yes I'm sure he's my father.'

'You'd stake your life on that?' Josiah had crossed his arms and was waiting for Ezra's answer.

'Why would you think my life is at stake?'

'Do you believe what he's telling you?'

Ezra was becoming frustrated that Josiah wasn't answering his questions. 'Yes I do. Something happened the night he left and the only people who know what that is are my parents and myself.'

'And that is?'

'Josiah!' The conversation was no longer under his control. 'Why are you watching me all the time?'

'It's called watching your back Ezra. Someone has to do it.'

'No. It's called interfering in affairs that are not yours. Leave it alone Josiah.'

'No.'

Ezra took a step closer. 'If you do anything to hurt my parents or me, you will regret it for the rest of your life!'

'Are you threatening me Ezra?' Josiah stood straighter and stared down at Ezra.

'It's what scum does Mr. Sanchez!' Ezra walked away before Josiah had a chance to respond.

'Everything okay son?' Clayton asked when Ezra returned to his side.

'It will be.' Ezra smiled at his father then looked to his right when he heard the stagecoach.

Clayton looked over his shoulder and expected to find Sanchez gone. He was wrong. The ex-preacher was still standing on the boardwalk watching Ezra. He turned away when he heard Ezra call him.

The stage was pulling to a stop and both men stepped forward to greet Maude. She was immediately stepping off the stagecoach as soon as it was standing still. Ezra moved ahead of his father and took his mother's hand and helped her down.

'Ezra darlin', how- what happened to your face?'

'I was involved in a fight mother.'

'A fight Ezra! You should know better. Something like this,' she touched one of the bruises on her son's face then removed it quickly when Ezra grimaced in pain, 'could damage your face and you know looks are everything.'

'He didn't have a choice Maude.' Clayton told her.

'Clayton! You didn't . . . Ezra you . . . you didn't do this to each other did you?'

'Of course not mother.'

'Then who did?'

Clayton wanted to tell Maude the truth but knew it would only cause more problems for Ezra.

'It doesn't matter now mother. The problem has been dealt with. Now, shall we help you carry your bags to your room.'

Maude allowed the two men to collect her bags then walked between them to the hotel. Once they were in the room Clayton had arranged for her she sat on the bed and spoke to Clayton.

'Would you please allow my son and I to have a private conversation.'

'Of course Maude and perhaps afterwards you and I can talk.' Maude didn't answer him. 'I'll take that as a yes. 'Clayton opened the door but stopped to say one more thing. 'As you can see son, your mother is still angry with me.'

Ezra smiled and rubbed his lower lip with his thumb.

'Well?' Maude had no intention of working her way into the subject of Ezra and his father slowly. She jumped straight into the middle of it.

'Well what?' Ezra quickly amended what he said when his mother looked like she was going to hit him. 'Things have been going fine. A lot better than I'm sure either of us would have expected.'

Maude pulled Ezra down onto the bed next to her. 'You understand his reason for leaving when you were so young?'

'I accept his reason but I don't understand why he didn't take us with him.'

'At the time he thought it was the best thing to do.' Maude lifted her arm and placed the palm of her hand against Ezra's cheek. 'Does this have anything to do with your father?'

'He didn't-'

'Did Josiah do it?'

'What makes you-'

'I know how he feels about you. I've seen the way he looks at you. He thinks of you as a son.'

Ezra pulled his mother's hand away. 'It's in the past mother, there is no need to dwell on it.'

Maude stared into Ezra's eyes. She had been able to read every emotion in those green eyes since he was a child. Most of them she ignored for his own good but not this one.

'He's causing trouble for the two of you isn't he?'

'Mother-'

'Don't mother me child! That man has no right to treat you this way. He's not blood and he never will be.'

'Why are you here?'

Maude was surprised by the change of subject but the emotion didn't show on her features.

'As I told you in my letter-'

'I didn't read your letter. I got as far as the first page then tore it up and I know you're not here for my birthday. Why change the habit of a life time.'

'The letter explained a lot of things Ezra. You should have read it in it's entirety.'

'I want to hear you say it.'

'We're a family now Ezra, that's all that matters.'

'The two of us were a family.'

'Clayton insisted that we all be here together for your birthday.' Maude straightened her skirt with the palms of her hands. 'As you know I am not comfortable with birthdays and such. It was not my idea to be here for your birthday. I had a lucrative job lined up.'

'Then why are you here?'

'I wanted to make sure that this situation didn't get out of hand for either of you. It must have been hard for you when you read that he was coming to town. I couldn't get here at the same time but Clayton promised he wouldn't push you into anything you didn't want to do.'

'Chris and the others like him.' Ezra said more to himself than to his mother.

'Do you like him?'

'He doesn't look like me?'

'You mean you don't look like him.' Maude smiled. 'You got your handsome face from your beautiful mother although a few, including your father, would say that you received your looks from your grandfather. But I'm the one responsible for this,' she patted his cheek, 'and don't you forget that.'

'Yes . . . I do like him.'

Maude could see that Ezra was struggling to say something else.

'Just say it Ezra.'

'Why didn't you make it easier for him to find us?'

She shrugged and said. 'I thought he was dead.'

'He also said that you could have paid the debt.'

'I didn't have the money Ezra.' Maude lied.

Ezra could tell she was lying. He could also see something else in her eyes but couldn't work out what it was but he knew it would come to him later.

'I should go and let you and father talk.'

'Dinner tonight Ezra, in the restaurant downstairs at seven. Just the three of us.'

'Of course. Until then mother.' Ezra tipped his hat and left the room to find Clayton standing in the hallway. 'She's all yours.'

'Is that a good thing or a bad thing?'

Ezra could only laugh as he walked away. He bounded down the stairs and out through the front door and the first thing he saw was Josiah standing across the street. Ezra groaned and sat down in one of the chairs on the boardwalk and waited but for what he didn't know.

Ezra didn't know how to deal with the man across the street. The only option that he had wouldn't work. Shooting the preacher was something that not only wouldn't he get away with but it would cause Chris to cause him physical harm as punishment.

The gambler's eye caught the abovementioned man heading towards him. Ezra was about to greet him when the gunslinger turned just as he reached Ezra and strode across the street.

'How rude.' Ezra muttered.

He then realised that Chris was headed straight towards Josiah. Ezra smiled when it took only a few whispered words in the preacher's ear to cause Josiah to walk away. Chris waited a few seconds then crossed the street again.

'Can't get it through that man's head to leave you alone.' Chris pulled a chair closer to Ezra and sat down.

'Tried it myself but he just won't listen.' Ezra nodded.

'He's going to try and stop you.'

'Stop me from what?' Ezra turned his face to look at Chris.

'Leaving.'

'You think I'm going to leave?'

'Aren't you?' Chris returned Ezra's stare only to have the gambler look away.

'I haven't really thought about it.'

Chris knew he was lying. 'We'd understand if you did.'

Ezra started playing with the corner of his red jacket and tried to think of something else to say.

'At a loss for words Ezra.' Chris chuckled at Ezra's silence.

Ezra smiled and nodded.

'If you do decide to go with him, we'll have to do something about Josiah because he won't let you go without a fight.'

'Then he shall have one.' Ezra growled.

'Let's hope it doesn't come to that.'

'Chris,'

'Yeah.'

'I'm having dinner with Clayton and Maude tonight. I don't suppose you and the others could have dinner at the restaurant, at my expense of course, in case I need to be rescued.'

'Why do you think you're going to need rescuing?'

'My parents don't seem to be getting along.'

'What makes you think that?' Chris asked him.

As if on cue, Clayton Standish stormed out of the Hotel with his hands waving in the air. 'Damn-good-for-nothing-Southern-floozy.'

'I see what you mean.' Chris smiled.

Clayton heard Larabee's voice and spun around to see the two men watching him. Chris was smiling but Ezra had a strange expression upon his face.

'I'm sorry Ezra but that woman drives me crazy. It's the reason why I married her in the first place. Must have been crazy myself.' He adjusted his jacket and his composure and was relieved to see Ezra's expression change for the better. 'Would you gentlemen care for a drink?'

'I would,' Ezra stood up and searched his immediate area, 'but I don't know what other gentlemen it is that you are referring to.'

'That would be me Ezra!' Chris stayed where he was and glared daggers at the younger man.

'But you Chris Larabee, are not a gentlemen. You are uncouth, ill mannered, offensive and, quite frankly, you smell.'

Clayton was watching both men carefully. He hadn't heard Ezra speak to Chris that way before and he wasn't sure how Chris was going to act.

'And what about you Ezra Standish, the way you dress and stay clean, a person would think that you like men.'

'What's wrong with the way I dress?'

'Quite frankly, it's girlish.'

Chris stood up and began walking towards the saloon. 'Always wondered why it was so easy to get you into that dress.' He stopped when he noticed that he wasn't being followed. 'You comin' or what!'

Ezra reluctantly began to follow, his mutterings unrecognizable.

'Quite frankly, I think you two deserve each other.' Clayton hid his smile when Ezra and Chris stopped, turned and narrowed their eyes at him. He wasn't going to be threatened. 'You act like a married couple you know that don't you. From the way you're talking, I take it that Ezra wears the dress in the family home.' He waited for a response but their mouths had fallen open. 'Now, let's go and have that drink or would the two of you prefer to be alone.' Clayton walked past them and smiled when Ezra and Chris began arguing with each other, loudly.

Maude began laughing, she couldn't help it. When Clayton told her what happened that afternoon she had to know what Chris Larabee meant when he said something about it being easy to get her son in a dress and insisted that Ezra tell her the story. He did. The redness on her son's cheeks made her laugh even harder.

Ezra glanced from his mother to his father. Both were laughing, laughing at him because he wore a dress to save someone's life. If it was a con or something similar then there wouldn't be a problem but at the time the situation had been serious and life threatening.

These two didn't seem to care. Ezra had to wait for nearly five minutes before they began to get themselves under control.

'I don't believe the situation was as funny as you seem to think it was.'

'Oh come on Ezra,' Clayton slapped him on the shoulder, 'you in a purple dress, all that make up and singing.'

'It wasn't funny!'

'Of course it wasn't,' Maude smiled at Clayton.

'I did it to save someone's life, two lives actually.'

'Of course you did Ezra.' Clayton tried to agree with a straight face.

'Can we talk about something else . . . please?' Ezra was nearly begging for a change of subject.

'What do you want to talk about Ezra?' Clayton asked him.

'How about the two of you for a start.'

'What do you mean the two of us?' Maude had to force her gaze to stay on Ezra.

'What are you going to do now that you've found each other again?'

'We haven't really talked about it, son.' Clayton told him.

'You've had two months and you haven't talked about it.'

'No,' said Maude.

'Are you going to re-establish the marriage or stay separated?'

'This is something that Clayton and I need to talk about Ezra.' Maude was becoming angry. 'It really isn't any of your business anyway.'

Ezra raised his eyebrows at his mother then looked at Clayton who quickly lowered his head to hide his features. Ezra frowned at them both, there was something going on between the two of them and it didn't look like it was pleasant.

'Why isn't it my business mother? You are my parents and I would like to know what you are planning in regards to your future.'

'Our future is our private business and I will not discuss it with you!'

'You don't have anything to say about it father?' Ezra had noticed that Clayton wasn't saying anything on the subject.

'Not at the moment Ezra, your mother and I haven't discussed it yet.'

'Okay,' Ezra wasn't happy with the answer but decided to leave it for now. 'Let's talk about me then.'

'What about you Ezra?' Maude was getting her things together, she was ready to leave the table and go somewhere else.

'You know what I'm talking about Mother!' Ezra lowered his voice so the other diners couldn't hear him. 'I didn't have a father most of my life because you refused to pay his debt. So what now? Is he going to stay here for a while or is he intending to leave after you celebrate my birthday without me. Is he going to invite me to go with him or will I never see him again?'

'Why don't you ask me Ezra, I'm right here.' Clayton could understand what Ezra was feeling but he didn't really have the answers for him right now.

'I wasn't sure if I should because Mother seems to be speaking for you tonight.'

'That's enough Ezra! You do not talk to your father that way!' she stood up and glared at her son. 'Clayton, we're going back to the saloon.'

'I'm going to stay and talk to Ezra for a few minutes.'

'Now Clayton.'

The two of them were trying to over power each other and Maude won. Clayton stood up, nodded to his son then followed Maude out of the restaurant.

Ezra watched them leave and allowed his gaze to hover over the table where Chris and Vin were eating. He was about to leave himself when he noticed that he had been left with the bill again.

It took Clayton nearly an hour to find Ezra. His son was spending time with his horse. He watched for a few minutes as Ezra brushed down the horse then fed him an apple. The horse was enjoying the attention, giving his owner a shove whenever he could. A smile broke his worried expression when Ezra chuckled and pushed the horse back. The last thing he wanted to do was put an end to his son's enjoyment but they needed to talk, to clear up the conversation they had last night. The lack of conversation any way.

'Ezra.'

He felt disappointed when Ezra's shoulders sagged and his head fell toward his chest.

'Is there something I can do for you?' Ezra turned around to face his father.

'We need to talk Ezra, about last night.'

'You had plenty of opportunity to talk last night but you didn't take it.'

'If I told you that I wanted Maude and I to continue where we left off she would disappear and I would never see her again.'

'She's done that before.'

'Are you okay with it? That I didn't say anything last night.'

'That wasn't my problem.' Ezra walked out of the stall and sat down on a bale of hay. 'You wouldn't discuss me. You didn't answer my question about what's going to happen between you and me?'

'What do you want to happen?'

'I would like to spend time with my father whether it be here or somewhere else.'

Clayton couldn't see his son's face; Ezra was refusing to look at him.

'That's what I want too.'

'You want to spend time with your father?'

'It seems you got your grandfather's sense of humour as well.'

'I met him once.' Ezra informed his father.

'Your grandfather?'

Ezra could sense the shock coming from the man next to him.

'Yes, I don't remember much about the visit, only that it was a big house and that he had a loud voice.' Ezra shrugged his shoulders. 'I've met a lot of relatives and the ones I liked I never saw again.'

'I don't like the way Maude raised you, she shouldn't have left you with other people, not like that, she was wrong to do that to you.'

'My father was no longer there and my mother had to do what she thought was right, what she believed was right. I don't agree with what she did but I was fed, clothed and educated.'

'You're right of course.'

'I have a mother. Vin lost his mother when he was five, never knew his father. Buck's mother entertained men for a living but she kept him with her and he had a happy fulfilled childhood, JD lost his mother last year, I don't think he took it very well. My mother may not be the best mother, she may have not been loving towards me but she's my mother and she's the only one I have.'

Where did things go wrong, Clayton thought to himself, everything was fine before Maude showed up. He decided to test his theory and asked, 'Are you always different when your mother is in town?'

'What do you mean?' Ezra stood up and moved back to the stall that held his horse. He leaned on the door and rubbed the horse's nose and upper lip.

'You're not as lively as you were, less talkative and more distant. Does she always do this to you?'

'Why weren't you there for me? I needed you and you weren't there.'

Clayton was no longer sure if Ezra was talking to him or a lost father. He stood up and moved to his son's side and placed an arm across his shoulder. 'Ezra, if I could I would go back to that day and never leave. I made a mistake and I'm not the only one who has suffered because of it. You suffered the most and I will always regret that. I wish I could change it all for you but I can't, it's in the past now and that's where it needs to stay.'

'I know.' Ezra turned around and found himself held in a strong embrace. He didn't pull away but returned it with as much vigor as he could. 'I hated you for a lot of years but I also missed you every day.'

'I missed you too Ezra and I thanked God the day I found you again.'

Ezra decided that it was best if he rose early on his thirty-third birthday and find a place to hide where no one will able to find him. The last thing he wanted to do was to spend his birthday with a mother who had never cared about his birthday before, an over exuberant father and six men who had learned that it was his birthday a week ago. The thought of what they had planned was enough to send him running.

The sun hadn't even risen into the sky and he was already dressed and ready to leave his room. After checking to make sure he had everything he opened the door and found Vin Tanner on the other side.

'Going somewhere Ezra?'

'No, I was checking to make sure my door was working correctly.' Ezra turned the doorknob a few times, closed it, opened it and closed it again. His second plan was to jump through the window to the street below and run as though hell was after him.

The window opened and he leaned out.

'Window's working fine Buck!' he called out to the man below. 'Thought it had a problem but it's fine, nothing wrong with it, we won't need Nathan. Now that I know it's okay I'll go back to bed.'

The window slammed shut and the gambler returned to his bed. Damn them! Damn them and their need to make other people miserable.

Maybe he could just stay in his room, go back to bed for the rest of the day and refuse to answer the door when someone knocked on it.

Just as he was about to lie down someone did knock on the door and he refused to answer it like he decided to. But the person on the other side didn't care; they opened the door anyway and entered his room.

'Happy Birthday son.'

Why did it have to be his father? He could ignore everyone else but he wasn't going to be able to ignore his father.

'I'm not sure it is.' Ezra moaned and looked lovingly at the bed. It had been a very bad idea to get up so early. 'There are too many people who know about it, they're going to go out of their way to be nice and I'm not sure I'm going to like that.'

'You'll be fine Ezra.' Clayton came forward and slapped his son's shoulder.

'Maybe we could go somewhere, just the two of us and then come out of hiding this evening and have dinner with the others.'

'You really don't want to do this do you?'

'After spending so many years not celebrating my birthday it's going to be slightly difficult to handle all the attention.'

'Your friends are counting on you to spend the day with them.'

'My friends.' They weren't his friends they were his associates. Associates that had never once inquired as to what day his birthday fell on. He knew of the others because they had celebrated them through the last year. But surely they would have known his birthday had also passed during that year.

'Let's go Ezra, you don't want to let them down.'

'No I wouldn't want to do that.'

Clayton led his son out of the room and down the stairs to the saloon that held the six other lawmen. Smiles lit their faces, they had something planned and Ezra knew he wasn't going to like it whatever it was.

Then it happened, they began to express their birthday wishes. Ezra forced the smile to his lips and thanked them as he shook each hand. He then sat down to a steaming cup of coffee. What he wanted was a bottle of scotch and a glass. But what good was that going to do him. The day would only be worse he went through it in a drunken state. No, he was going to have to suffer the torture of the next twelve hours or more and suffer it without complaint.

'What have you got planned for the day Ezra?'

Ezra raised his eyebrows at JD's enthusiasm. How on Earth could he have so much energy at this time of the day, or should he say night because it was still dark out.

'What I would like to know is, how did you know that I would try and sneak away so late in the night?'

Vin was about to make a sarcastic remark about it being early in the morning but Josiah spoke first.

'Because you're known to run out on us when you think of yourself and not others.' Josiah answered knowing it was the wrong thing to say but Ezra had hurt him and was continuing to do so, so he decided that he would give the gambler a taste of his own medicine.

'One more word Josiah and you'll find yourself in Nathan's clinic recovering from a serious injury!' Chris warned him.

Ezra noticed that Josiah refused to acknowledge Chris's warning; instead his stare was boring into Ezra's soul.

'I also warned you Mr. Sanchez so if you would like to step outside so I can deal with you and your insults!'

'Don't father.' Ezra grabbed his father's arm and pulled him back down into the seat. 'He was only telling the truth, there is nothing you can do to stop a man from telling the truth.'

'It may be Ezra,' Vin was staring at Josiah, 'but the man doesn't need to throw it in your face because he's jealous of your relationship with your father.'

Ezra had to smile; these men were standing by him and supporting him. 'Gentlemen, I appreciate what you are trying to do but there is no need.'

'Ezra, this is your birthday, Mr. Sanchez has no right to ruin it for you.' Clayton squeezed Ezra's forearm.

'If he does then it will be no different from any other birthday.'

'Not every birthday Ezra.' JD suggested.

Ezra kept quiet. The last thing he wanted was the pity of these men.

'Ezra, we're going to take a walk.' Clayton stood up and pulled Ezra to his feet. 'Excuse us gentlemen, Mr. Sanchez. We will make it back for that breakfast you promised us.'

'Clayton,' Chris's voice stopped the man in his tracks, 'whatever you do, don't let him get away from you. He's like a rabbit in a hole, if he finds somewhere to hide it could take us a week to find him again then another week to get him to show himself.'

'I'm sure you are exaggerating Chris.' Ezra smiled at the man in black.

'I think your father is more than likely to believe me over you.' Chris smiled back.

'I agree with Chris.' Clayton ignored Ezra's astonished expression, wrapped an arm around his son and forced him away from the table and out of the saloon.

'You do know that you're supposed to agree with your one and only child don't you father?'

'It's been a long time Ezra, you can't expect me to remember everything at once.'

'You had five years.' Ezra argued.

'That doesn't count.'

'Why not?'

'Because.' Clayton answered.

'That's not an answer.'

'That's all you're going to get Ezra.'

'Would it have been this way if you had stayed?'

'Probably.' Clayton didn't take the question as a threat, not yet anyway.

'Umm, interesting.' Ezra moved slightly closer to his father as they walked along the boardwalk. 'We could have had some very stimulating discussions.'

'Don't you mean arguments?' Clayton laughed.

'Those too.'

'We can still have them.'

'A discussion or an argument?' Ezra had no idea where they were going. The sun was only starting to make it's way into the sky.

'How about a discussion.'

'About what?'

'What did Mr. Sanchez mean when he said you're known to run out on them when you think of yourself and not others?'

'Something that I'm not very proud of.'

'Do you want to tell me about it or is it none of my business?'

Ezra didn't say anything until he sat down in the first seat they found. He removed his hat and laid it down on the floor beside him. 'Chris was hired to protect a village a days ride from here, he gathered three men and he tried to hire me but I told him no. I didn't want to ride with a black man, not because he was black, but because of what he might of thought of me because I'm Southern. You hear the Southern accent and everyone suddenly thinks that you owned slaves before the war. I changed my mind after learning that there was a gold mine near the village, I told Chris that it was because he was famous, in Four Corners anyway,' he stopped and took a deep breath and leaned forward on his knees, 'it was my turn to take watch but I left them and went to the mine but it was empty. That's when the cannon fire started and I knew the others were in trouble. I didn't go back, I got on my horse and rode away. They could have been dying and I was riding in the other direction.'

'You must have changed your mind because you wouldn't be here if you hadn't,' Clayton said when Ezra stopped talking.

'I still can't say why I went back, I don't think I even made the decision to return, it just happened. I stopped and then turned the horse around . . . people died because I left my post.'

'You don't know that Ezra, they could have still died if you stayed.'

'I don't believe that, I won't believe that.'

'It's a what if, Ezra. You can't live with that for the rest of your life. You went back, that's the important thing. If you hadn't more people could have died, including your friends.'

'But-'

'No buts Ezra, you made a mistake but you came through in the end, a lot of men wouldn't have gone back.' Clayton wasn't sure what to do when he watched Ezra wiped a tear from his face. 'You haven't talked to anyone about what happened have you?'

Ezra shook his head.

'I want you to know that you can talk to me about anything and everything.'

'Chris gave me a second chance, told me not to run out on him again. Since then I've earned their trust,' Ezra laughed, he couldn't help it, 'unless it's money, they won't trust me with money. Don't leave money in the hands of a thief.'

'Are you a thief?'

'I was once; I thought I changed but they expected me to take the money so I did what they expected of me. I took the money.'

'What happened?'

'The money saved my life. Someone was trying to kill Mrs. Travis. I got in the way and stopped the bullet.'

'So instead of stealing the money, you saved a life.'

'If I didn't see the man we were looking for I would have left town with ten thousand dollars.'

'Do you really believe that Ezra?'

'I don't know. I don't know who I am anymore. I always knew what I was capable of. I knew what I would do in any situation, now I don't.'

'Yes you do.' Clayton also leaned forward so he could be closer to his son. 'You went back; you saved Mrs. Travis's life. You protect the people of this town. I'm proud of what you've done with your life, I couldn't ask anymore of you. You're an honest man who is willing to give his own life to save another.'

'You think that of me after only knowing me for a week?' Ezra couldn't hide his surprise.

'Yes I do. I can see it in you and I can see it in your friends. They feel the same way. Josiah only said what he did because of the situation around him. He doesn't like what's happening between you and me and he doesn't want to lose you. If these men didn't care they wouldn't be bothered if you stayed or left.'

'Chris told me that he and the others wouldn't stop me if I wanted to leave with you.'

'That's because they understand what you're going through. We've found each other and they're happy for you, they want you to have a father again even if it means leaving town.'

Ezra stood up and turned to face his father. 'I would go.'

'With me?'

'Yes,' Ezra nodded, 'if you leave town I'll go with you.'

Ezra sat at the head of the table and looked at the people who sat before him. The day had turned out to be a lot worse than he had expected. The entire day was spent in the company of his fellow lawmen, (including Josiah) and his parents. Thankfully his father and associates were able to keep Josiah and his mouth under control. Unfortunately no one had been able to control his mother. Maude had gone out of her way to act like a loving mother who had spent every birthday with her son.

Ezra knew the behavior was wrong; his mother had never acted like this on any given day of his life. He had played along because he didn't want his associates to know the truth about his relationship with his mother. They knew it was a strained relationship, that he often became depressed when she was in town but what they didn't know was that he loved his mother in his own way just as she loved him in her own way. He saw it in the little things she did, things that only he saw because he knew his mother well. He wasn't able to read her all the time but he could when it mattered and it mattered today.

When his gaze reached his mother's he could see the love in her eyes but it quickly disappeared when she realised he was looking at her. He smiled and turned his eyes to his father. There was an expression of pride on his face and with sudden reality he knew he still loved his father.

His associates, (except for Josiah) were also wearing expressions that he didn't appreciate. It was a mix of humour, (that would because of the stories his mother was telling them, all lies of course) pity, (for what he was going through) and embarrassment, (there was no reason for them to be embarrassed, they weren't the ones suffering, he was, and he was suffering.

Ezra didn't hide the degradation he felt when his mother burst into another false tale about his childhood.

'Ezra darlin', do you remember how your father use to enjoy fishing, well until the day he took you with him that is.'

'No mother, I don't remember.'

'Well, I'm not surprised, it was a terrible experience for both of you.'

'Then why remind me of it?' Ezra raised an eyebrow at her, his expression telling her that he knew the story she was about to tell was not a memory but a lie.

'Clayton went fishing at least twice a week, especially if the weather was damp, he always said that it was better to fish in the rain . . .'

'You're right there Clayton.' Vin smiled at the older man.

'Always am Vin, always am.' Clayton replied.

'He decided to take little Ezra with him . . .'

'How old was little Ezra?' JD always enjoyed Mrs. Standish's stories about Ezra and he believed every word.

'Four and a half. He was the cutest thing, short for his age, very short, so short that his trousers dragged along the ground behind him.'

'Will you look at the time,' Ezra had retrieved his watch from his waist coat and was now rising from his chair like a bird eager to leave the nest for the first time, 'mother, you should be in bed. It's not good for someone of your age to be up so late.'

'Now, now Ezra, that's no way to talk to your mother.' Buck warned him.

'You would be saying the same thing if your dear departed mother was here telling stories about your overly large trousers that would be not only embarrassing but humiliating.'

'My trousers had to be big, Ezra . . . you know, to hide my package. I mean, it wasn't a pleasant sight when all those ladies were blushing and fainting over a six year old.'

'Please Buck, not in front of my mother.' Ezra rolled his eyes at the ladies man.

'True story Ezra.'

'As true as my mother's stories I'm sure.' Ezra muttered.

'Did you say something Ezra?'

'No mother, not a word.'

'Then perhaps I can continue with my story. I'm sure your friends would like to hear it?'

Ezra looked at the other men but they were looking somewhere else, (even his father) they were refusing to look at him.

Maude smiled then continued. 'Clayton told Ezra to wear old clothes but Ezra insisted on wearing his usual attire.'

The men around the table smiled, they knew what that usual attire would be.

'Frilly shirt.' Vin nodded.

'I do not wear frilly shirts.' The words shot out of Ezra's mouth.

'Neck tie.' Nathan nudged Josiah then frowned in anger when the larger man didn't respond to him.

'Waist coat.' JD jumped in before anyone else could.

'And a pink jacket.' Chris finished.

Ezra didn't say a word.

'You didn't. Did you?' Chris refused to believe Ezra would ever wear pink.

'Of course not!'

'His best Sunday suit.' Clayton Standish was now laughing so hard because of the expression on his son's face that tears began to fall from his eyes.

'I refused to allow him to wear his new boots, thank goodness. He was a sight walking next to his father. Clayton had his hands full so Ezra held onto his father's trouser leg.' Maude reached across the table and squeezed her husband's hand then returned it her own side of the table. 'Ezra didn't catch any fish, he never could, he didn't have the heart to put the worm on the hook. Always said it was a waste of life and he left his father know about it. He wouldn't stop letting his father know about it. Kept scaring the fish away with his complaining. Clayton didn't catch anything that day either. Ezra had fallen into the creek a few times that day, said it was an accident. Clayton insisted that Ezra fell in just as he was pulling in a fish and he just happened to fall where the fish was. The next thing Clayton knew the fish was gone.'

'You jumped into the creek and rescued the fish?' JD asked.

Ezra could only shrug because he had no memory of it.

'As far as we could understand, yes he was rescuing the fish.' Maude continued. 'He came home three steps behind his father. The look on his face was priceless. Of course Clayton never allowed him to go fishing with him again.'

Clayton took over the narration of the story, 'Each time I would go fishing he would stand in the open doorway, place his hands on his hips and say, "You do realise father that you are committing a mortal sin by murdering innocent fish that no doubt have families that they have to feed and raise until they reach adult hood, at which time they then have to take care of their grandchildren while their parents go out looking for food and if your hook is there with that dirty worm on it they are going to think they won't have to eat for a week but instead someone is going to eat them. Do you want to deprive those small fish of a parent."'

'He said that?' Buck looked from Clayton to Ezra then back again. 'At the age of four.'

'Four and a half.' JD reminded him.

'You said all of that at the age of four and a half?' Buck repeated.

'Apparently.' Ezra was watching his father carefully.

'How did you remember his little speech?' Chris asked Clayton.

'He said it that often that I couldn't help but remember.'

'If you would all excuse me, I'm going to retire for the evening.' Ezra stood up and raised a hand when his father looked as though he was going to leave with him. 'No father, you stay and listen to mother's stories. I've had a long day and all I would like to do now is to retire. Thank you all for the gifts and an enjoyable day.' He turned away and left the table to walk through the empty restaurant. All he wanted was for the day to be finally over and it was late enough for him to make an excuse and leave.

When he stepped outside into the fresh air he took a deep breath and held it for a few seconds before releasing it. He had to get away from everyone and think. His room, it was the only place of solitude that he could go to. The door could be locked so no one could enter, if they forced their entry then they would be invading his privacy. They wouldn't do that to him. They would have to be aware that the day had been difficult for him and they weren't willing to make it worse.

Once he was inside his room he removed his jacket and threw it across the bed. He was angry and the anger was building. How could his mother do this to him? He knew why she was doing it but how could she do it to her own child.

What he had hoped wouldn't happen, happened. Someone was knocking on the door. He lowered his head and closed his eyes. Please don't let it be him.

'Ezra son? Will you talk to me please?'

'Son.' Ezra shook his head.

'Ezra! Let me in.'

He didn't want to but what choice did he have. The confrontation could either happen now or in the morning. It would be better if it happened now. He moved to the door and opened it and turned away again without looking at the man who entered the room behind him.

'Are you okay Ezra?' Clayton had been worried about his son since the moment he left the table - there had been a disturbing look in Ezra's eyes.

Do it now.

'Ezra?'

Say it!

'Who are you?' There he said it, now all he had to do was hope that he got a truthful answer this time.

'Why would you ask me that? You know who I am.'

'I know who you're not! Now tell me the truth. Who are you?'

Clayton raised his hands to try and sooth Ezra's temper. 'I'm your father.'

Ezra pulled his Remington from its holster and aimed at the area between Clayton's eyes. 'Tell me now or I'll shoot you where you stand!'

'Ezra.'

'Does my mother know? Or did she master mind the entire con?' Ezra saw the flicker of truth in the blue eyes.

'You just gave yourself away.' Ezra smiled. 'Who are you?'

'Ezra, you can't really believe that we would lie to you about something like this, we-'

'Mother must have told you enough about me for you to know that I carry out my threats.' It was a wicked smile that Ezra was wearing. 'If you don't tell me, I will shoot you!'

'Eugene . . . Eugene Langdon.'

'How much is she paying you to do this?'

'She's not.'

'How much is she paying you?'

'Ezra she isn't paying me. I'm doing this for other reasons.'

'Get out!'

'Let me explain, please.'

'I want you on the next stage out of here.'

'Ezra . . .'

'Get out!' Ezra had all intentions of shooting Langdon if he didn't leave before he counted to three but there must have been something in his eyes because Langdon didn't hesitate in leaving. No doubt he was going to run to Maude and tell her that her precious baby had found out the truth. There was no father. It was only a ruse to get him to leave Four Corners.

Josiah had been correct with his thoughts on the parentage of Ezra Standish.

Josiah was having trouble finding sleep. His mind was too busy thinking about what had transpired during the day. He had kept his mouth shut out of respect, (the others thought they were the reason for him staying quiet) for Ezra because it was his birthday even though he knew in his heart that Clayton Standish was not Ezra's father. All he had to do was find a way to prove it to Ezra. If the man who claimed to be Ezra's father were playing a role then he would not reveal his true self. Not when there was money involved.

Maude.

He knew Maude would know the truth. She would have set it up, as another way to get Ezra to leave town and the plan seemed to be working. Ezra was going to leave and he had to do something to stop him. If he became desperate he could kidnap him, take him somewhere and force the truth into the young man's heart.

A noise from within the church caused him to rise from his bed. He took his gun from the holster that was hanging over the back of a chair and quietly made his way into the church. He wasn't prepared for what he saw.

'Drinking in a church of God, Ezra!'

'Yes I am Mr. Sanchez and I will stay here and continue to drink until I am dead drunk.' Ezra was sitting on the back pew with a bottle of whiskey in his hand. His jacket and hat were nowhere to be seen. The white shirt beneath the colourful waistcoat was damp in patches and clinging to Ezra's skin.

'You will not drink alcohol in my church!' Josiah moved quickly with long strides but before he reached Ezra, the young man's voice stopped him in his tracks.

'Why does she do it Josiah? Why does she keep doing it to me? Does she hate me? Is that it?'

'It's your birthday Ezra, she was-'

'I'm not talking about that!' Ezra waved his hand in the air. 'I'm talking about him.'

'Him?' Josiah knew it was Clayton that Ezra was talking about. He sat down on the pew opposite Ezra.

'You know very well who 'him' is.' Ezra sighed and rubbed his eyes with his free hand. 'You were right Josiah, you were right all along.'

'About Clayton?'

'He's not my father.'

'I'm sorry Ezra.' Josiah looked down at his hands.

'Sorry! You're not sorry. It's what you wanted. You didn't want me to have a father and now I don't have one. Again. Twice now I've lost my father. Why would she do that to me?'

'Maude did it to get you to leave town.'

'I know that.' Ezra allowed the bottle to fall from his grasp. It fell on to its side when it hit the floor but didn't break and there wasn't enough liquid in it to cause it to overflow. His head followed suit and landed on his knees. He then clasped his hands over his head.

'She did it for the right reasons you know that don't you Ezra.' Josiah saw Ezra nod his head. 'She thinks your life is more at risk here as a lawman than when you were traveling from town to town cheating folks out of their money.'

'I don't cheat.'

'But your mother thinks you do.'

Ezra had to laugh at that. 'She doesn't even cheat.'

Josiah stood up and walked over to Ezra and sat down beside him. He used his weight to push the smaller man further along the seat then said, 'She loves you Ezra and she thinks she's doing the right thing for you.'

'I know, I just wish she had a better way of showing it.'

'Does this guy know that you know he's not your father?'

'Eugene Langdon. Yes he does.'

'What are you going to do now?'

'I told him to take the first stage out of town. As to me? Apart from getting drunk I don't know what I'm going to do.' Without lifting his head, Ezra reached down and picked up the bottle but Josiah immediately took it from him.

'Being drunk isn't going to do anything for you except give you a nasty hangover.' Josiah warned him.

'Why didn't I listen to you?'

'You had your reasons Ezra and at the time they were good reasons.'

'Will you forgive me?'

'I think that should be the other way around. I hit you, more than once, and the things I said to you are unforgivable.'

'You had good reasons to at the time Josiah.'

'No reason was good enough to beat you up.'

'Why don't we call it even.'

'Sure, why not.' But Josiah knew it would never be even. What he had done to Ezra was unforgivable. It didn't matter if Ezra forgave him because he would never forgive himself.

'May I have my bottle back now?'

'I think you've had enough to drink Ezra. It's time you tried to sleep it off.'

'I'll stay right here thank you. This seat will be enough for me.' Ezra started to keel over but Josiah grabbed his arm and pulled him back up.

'You're not sleeping here Ezra. You can sleep in my bed.'

'That would be unwise Josiah, that is your bed and I will not take it from you.' This time Ezra tried to stand up but only managed to fall back down onto the seat.

Josiah pulled him to his feet and began to lead him to the back room. He had to take most of Ezra's weight because the smaller man was either incapable of walking on his own or he was refusing to help.

'He was just like the father I've always wanted Josiah.' Ezra looked up at his friend. 'You're a good friend Josiah. To have put up with all of my crap the way you do. You're a good friend.'

Josiah was about to reply to the kind words but Ezra hadn't finished.

'He listened to me, I told him things that I've never told anyone before. I cried and I laughed. I enjoyed his company. I liked him. I was happy to have a father again . . . he was the father I wanted. But it was all a lie, all of it. Said he was proud of me, proud of the man I grew up to be.'

'I'm sorry Ezra.' Josiah dropped, more than lowered Ezra onto the bed. After removing the gambler's weapons he laid him down and covered him with a blanket. 'I really am sorry Ezra.'

'So am I Josiah, so am I.'

Without opening his eyes he knew where he was. After the confrontation with the man who had claimed to be his father he had gone downstairs and removed a bottle of whiskey from behind the bar. He wanted to get drunk but he didn't want to go back to his room. He wouldn't have been able to cope if his mother had showed up to talk to him. So he had taken to the streets of Four Corners and for some unknown reason he had ended in the church.

He rolled over onto his side so he was facing the wall. It was the only thing he wanted to face today. His plan was to stay where he was until someone informed him that his mother and Eugene Langdon had left town.

'You should talk to your mother before she leaves.'

Ezra refused to listen to Josiah's voice.

'You can't hide in here all day Ezra.'

'Then I shall find somewhere else to hide.' He threw the blanket off his body and rolled over and sat up at the same time. He was now sitting on the edge of the bed. His head stayed down because he couldn't look Josiah in the eye.

'We forgave each other yesterday. Remember. You can look at me.'

'That's not it.'

'Then what's wrong?'

'I feel like a complete fool for falling for such an obvious lie. I'm my mother's son, I should have known.'

'Ezra, it's not your fault.'

'Then whose fault is it?' Ezra lifted his head and stared into Josiah's blue-gray eyes.

'I don't think it's anyone's fault. You know why Maude did it and she's always trying to get you away from Four Corners. What she's done only tells me that she's become desperate; she'll do anything to get you to leave. You on the other hand haven't had a father for . . .'

'Twenty-eight years.' Ezra answered for him.

'I'm sure during that time you've wanted to see him, to find out why he left. You wanted him to tell you that it was nothing you did that made him leave. You needed to know that he still loves you.'

Ezra was nodding in agreement.

'A week ago he came to Four Corners. Of course you were angry and hurt but the need to know why took over. You accepted his reason with good faith.' Ezra was still nodding but his shoulders sagged so much that Josiah couldn't see his face. 'It's not your fault Ezra.'

'He said that he wasn't doing it for the money.'

'Then you need to find out why he did it.'

'What if he did it for the wrong reasons?'

'It doesn't matter Ezra. You're going to have to find out either way. You need to know.'

Ezra nodded. Josiah was saying all the right things but it didn't make it any easier for him. The last thing he wanted to do was face the man who had pretended to be his father.

Ezra Standish had no control of what was about to happen. He was going to face Eugene Langdon whether he wanted to or not.

No one was aware of the four men who were inside the bank withdrawing money with the use of violence until a gun was fired. In a matter of minutes the front and back of the bank was covered by seven lawmen. Vin, as usual, sat up high on a roof close to the blank - he would be able to see anyone coming out of the front door. Chris and Buck stood on the boardwalk across the street with cover on either side of them. Nathan and Josiah had made their way around to the back while JD and Ezra, (still without his jacket) flanked the bank on the right and left.

Without warning the four men ran from the bank firing their guns, then just as quickly finding something to hide behind. Everyone ducked for cover, everyone but Ezra. To him a fatal gunshot wound would be a lot easier to deal with than facing Langdon.

Eugene Langdon was watching the gunfight from a short distance away. He was the only one to see that Ezra was keeping himself out in the open. He didn't like what he saw. Had he done this to Ezra? Hurt him enough to cause the young man to want to die? No. Ezra wasn't the type to take his own like. Take risks? Yes, he was capable of taking risks to save another.

Maude had told him that Ezra was an excellent shot and had been since the age of twelve. She had often used her son's skill in a con. He wondered if Ezra himself still used that skill which was one of a dozen. His eyes narrowed when he saw that there was no reason for Ezra being more in the open than under cover. The other lawmen were well protected and the townspeople were nowhere to be seen. Ezra wasn't taking a risk; he was being childish because the truth had become painful. Eugene was going to put a stop to that.

Eugene made his way to Ezra via the back alley using the buildings as cover. He could hear the gunfire as the fight continued. A flash of white brought his immediate attention to Ezra. He moved towards the gambler and when he was within hearing distance he yelled at the top of his lungs for Ezra to get to safety.

'Ezra! Get your ass back here now!'

Ezra heard him and glanced over his shoulder to look at him. The grimace that appeared tore at his heart. He had never meant to hurt Ezra - he hadn't done it to hurt him.

While Ezra's eyes were on him a bullet found it's way through Ezra's upper arm spinning him to the ground and leaving him in the open.

Eugene hesitated not knowing what to do but when he saw a second bullet kick up dirt close to Ezra's skull he went into action running to Ezra's side. He reached down with both arms to grab Ezra who was trying to regain his feet so he could return to the fight but Eugene wasn't going to allow that. He began to pull Ezra to the side of the building and he to verbally swear at the smaller man for making it more difficult for him.

A sudden pain in his chest caused him to drop Ezra where he was. He looked down at himself thinking that something was wrong with his heart. The blood he saw in the middle of his chest told him otherwise. He had wanted to keep Ezra from danger and put himself in the middle of it. But that wasn't his real problem. The real problem was that they were still in the open.

He felt detached from his body as his mind drifted away. Ezra was below him, still forcing himself to his knees, a look of fear and sadness on his features.

He watched as the last gunmen fell to the ground. Knowing that Ezra was now safe he allowed his body to fall to the ground. There was a sudden rush of air as he felt himself return to the pain and knowledge that death was coming for him.

Hands moved quickly over his body. His watering eyes turned to the source. Ezra was kneeling over him. One of his son's hands was trying to keep the blood in his body and the other was gripping his hand.

Ezra didn't know what had happened until he turned and saw Eugene Langdon lying on the ground with blood flowing from a bullet wound in his chest. Why had he been there? He then remembered someone yelling at him and then pulling at him. Had that been Eugene? It could only have been Eugene; there was no one else around. Eugene had tried to save his life. But it was he who had put Eugene's life in danger by doing something as stupid as standing out in the open during a gun fight.

He placed his hand against the wound and was pressing down as hard as he dared, he didn't want to cause Eugene any more pain but the blooding was finding it's way around his fingers. He could feel Eugene's hand gripping his. The pressure was weakening; this man didn't have much longer to live.

'Ezra,' Clayton's eyes moved around until they focused on the gambler. 'Ezra, . . . I need . . . to explain.'

'Don't, you need to keep your strength.'

'Ezra, we both know . . . I can't survive this.'

'You're going to be fine, Nathan will take care of you.' Ezra lied.

'It wasn't the money Ezra . . . I didn't do it for the money.' Clayton had to stop and catch his breath. After a few seconds he continued. 'I swear to you, it wasn't for the money.'

'Why did you do it then?'

'You.'

It was a simple word that shocked Ezra.

'Me?'

'You were the . . . reason I did it.'

'Why?'

'I first met you when you were . . . six months old. Your father . . . was proud of you . . . Ezra. He talked about you to . . . anyone who would listen.'

'You knew my father?'

'For four and a half . . . years. We quickly became friends . . . and he finally introduced me to . . . his son and wife. I spent a lot of . . . time with you.' Clayton saw that Ezra was trying hard to remember that time of his life. 'You were a happy child.' He began to cough and a small amount of blood trickled from his mouth.

'What was he like?' Time froze for Ezra. Eugene was no longer dying but instead giving him the answers to questions that he had lived with for twenty-eight years. There was no one else in the world, only the two of them. He didn't notice the group of men standing around them, or see the confused expressions they wore. He didn't hear his mother's gasp of surprise or see the tears that began to flow down her cheeks. He didn't see or hear anyone except Eugene Langdon.

'He was a good man Ezra . . . much like you. If you want to know . . . your father Ezra . . . look in a . . . mirror. You look exactly like him . . . maybe that's why . . . she wants you to leave, she doesn't want you to . . . you're just like him.'

'When I look in the mirror all I see is what I am. A con man, a cheat and a coward.'

'You are none of those things Ezra. In the . . . last week all I . . . have seen . . . is a man who is honest . . . trustworthy, loyal. A man . . . who is a good friend.' Clayton coughed again and cringed in pain when Ezra removed his hand from his chest and lifted him up to hold him against his chest. 'You are your father's son Ezra . . . remember that.'

'I don't remember my father.'

'He . . . was a good man . . . that would do anything for a friend. That's all you . . . have to remember.'

'What happened to him?'

'He died the same night he left.' Clayton's heart broke when he saw the emotions that were threatening to tear Ezra apart. 'What I told . . . you was true.'

'Mother told me he died in an accident.'

'She thought the truth would hurt you more than his death.'

Ezra nodded. 'She does some strange things but I know . . . she loves me.'

'I only wanted to be a father Ezra, and I felt . . . like a second father when you were younger . . . I wanted to be a father again . . . it would have stayed that . . . way if you did leave . . . with me.'

Ezra gasped in pain when Clayton's grip became painful when he began to cough. A spray of blood created edges around the already growing bloodstain.

'Why didn't you just tell me the truth?'

'Would you have . . . allowed me to be a father if I did?'

Ezra stared into Eugene's eyes. 'You were a good father Eugene and I enjoyed the time we had together.'

'I'm sorry I hurt you Ezra . . . it wasn't my intention . . . '

'It doesn't matter now,' Ezra was staring into the now unseeing eyes of Eugene Langdon. He knew he was dead but he couldn't stop the words flooding from his mouth. 'We can still get to know each other more. I can teach you to play cards better, even cheat, although we Standish's don't cheat. Maybe we can go fishing again and this time I won't free the fish . . .'

'Ezra.'

Ezra ignored Nathan and continued to speak to a dead man.

'I'm sorry I didn't remember you. You were there for four and half years and I don't even remember you. Why?

'Ezra.'

This time it was his mother's voice. He pulled his eyes away from Eugene and looked up at her. There were tear tracks in her eyes. She was crying for the man she wanted to be his father.

Ezra let go and laid Eugene down on the ground. If he had his jacket he would have laid it over him. After standing up he unconsciously wiped his bloodied hand on his trousers. The pain in his arm hadn't registered as yet. All he wanted to do now was go to his room. His shoulders hitched when the first tears escaped. Ezra expected Josiah to surround him and comfort him so he was surprised when his mother took him in her arms and held him. He felt his mother's lips on his cheek and smelt her sweet perfume. He knew this woman loved him and nothing she did would stop him from loving her in return.

The End

There will be a sequel that will explain why Ezra knew Eugene Langdon wasn't his father. It will also go into detail regarding Josiah's reaction to the entire situation.