|
|
Learning to Improvise…
|
|---|
JD and Nathan had opted to give Josiah some time to think and cool down. As the only two peacekeepers in town, both men felt it would be better for them to carry out their routine as normally as possible. No one else knew about what happened in the livery. And no one else needed to.It wasn’t unusual for Vin and Ezra to ride out of town together. They came and went all the time. So, their ride out hadn’t generated undo interest or concern. If anyone asked, JD figured they could simply say Vin and Ezra had gone to the village.
Nor was it odd that Josiah might disappear for hours on end. He didn’t do it as often as Vin or Ezra, but he did it frequently enough that no one was likely to comment on his absence. JD knew he was still in town because his horse was still in the livery. The sheriff had taken the time to unsaddle the animal and put him away after Vin and Ezra had ridden out.
So Nathan straightened up his clinic and JD returned to the jail. They’d agreed to keep an eye on the saloons, wanting to make sure Josiah didn’t end up in an alcohol-induced rampage whenever he reappeared. JD reflected that he almost preferred Chris’ form of anger. The gunslinger was more the type to sit in a corner drinking silently and brooding. He rarely lashed out unless someone was foolish enough to confront him. Josiah on the other hand seemed to enjoy brawling when he was drunk, reveling in the destruction.
Rounds were made and people greeted as if it were any other day. If people noticed JD was a bit less talkative, or his eyes harder, they didn’t comment on it. The plan didn’t alter much with Buck and Chris’ return to town. No one questioned their early return, in part because few people in town actually knew when they were due back.
Buck had pulled up outside the jail and told him Vin and Ezra had been by, so they knew the score. JD had nodded, silently accepting that bit of information. He’d already figured that was the reason for their early return.
Buck took over watching the saloon and Chris took night watch, Ezra’s usual shift, giving JD and Nathan a chance to relax for a bit. JD managed not to puff up with pride when Chris gruffly told him he’d done the right thing. The town was their responsibility no matter what other problems or issues they might have to deal with at the same time.
JD figured morning might be the best time to catch the big man and talk. Assuming of course he’s not holed up somewhere nursing one hell of a hang over.// He wouldn’t be surprised if Josiah had a stash of liquor somewhere. Most of the others had a bottle or two they kept handy.
JD thought it would be best if he talked to Josiah first and not one of the others. Buck couldn’t or wouldn’t understand the preacher’s animosity. Buck’s just a big sucker for romance. And I don’t think he understands why not everyone shares his view. Course in some ways I don’t get it either. But I can’t see him making an argument that Josiah’s gonna be willing to listen to.
Chris was simply to spare with his words. And this is one situation where just glaring and pointing a gun won’t cut it. That is more of a last ditch option, I think, than a first choice. In some ways, Josiah’s a lot like Ezra. They both need words, some sort of verbal connection.
Nathan was Josiah’s oldest friend, and while he might be the one with the best shot at getting through to Josiah, JD didn’t think it was fair to put him in the middle. Would be like askin’ me to talk ta Buck or Buck to talk ta me. Just wouldn’t be right.
JD started his search in the church. It seemed an obvious place to start, but he didn’t honestly expect to find the preacher there. He sighed when his expectations were met.
JD stood on the steps of the church and gazed out over the town. He pursed his lips thinking about what he knew of Josiah. Can’t be too damn far because his horse is still in town. So where would he go?
JD grinned when he realized he knew exactly where the preacher was. The cemetery was just outside of town. Encircled within the fence the town folk had constructed to protect the site was a grove of juniper trees. Josiah had erected a small stone bench among the trees. When asked why he’d bothered, the former preacher said that a quiet, comfortable place of contemplation was often needed by those in mourning.
Don’t know if he’s mourning or not, but I got a feeling he was looking for a quiet place to think. Can’t really think of a better place to do that. He’s not gonna be interrupted or bothered there like he would be in the church. Doubt he’s been there all night, but I’m pretty sure he’s there now.
JD strolled to the cemetery, considering his arguments as he walked. He forced himself to breathe slowly and deeply. He wanted to be in control when he spoke. He certainly didn’t want to fumble around, struggling to think of what to say or how to say it. Josiah wouldn’t take him seriously if he sounded like a child throwing a tantrum.
The sheriff opened the gate and closed it behind him. He detoured around the graves, not wanting to show disrespect to the dead by walking among them, or over them. There was a time when just the thought of being in a graveyard would have made him nervous, but since moving west he’d taken a more pragmatic approach. The dead were not a threat, it was the living you had to worry about.
He picked one of the trees to the right of the bench and leaned against it, taking a moment to silently observe the big man as he sat staring at the rising sun. Looks like he didn’t get any sleep last night. Good. Makes two of us then.
"You sober?" JD asked casually, dark eyes harsh in their appraisal of the other man. "I’m not talking to you if you’re drunk or hung over."
Josiah’s eyes narrowed, resentment and a touch of shame shading his expression. JD didn’t give a damn. Man is judged by his actions. Any other time he got upset or out o’ sorts he’s been drunk or hung over for days. If it bothers him that other people expect him to act that way, and have the balls to call him on it, then he should quit doing it.
After a moment, the former preacher answered his question. "I haven’t been drinking."
"Good." JD nodded. His voice hardened, taking on a tone Chris would have recognized as his own. "Yesterday, you could have killed Vin. That’s not stepping over the line, Josiah, that’s taking a running jump."
Josiah surged to his feet, taking a step toward JD. "I know that! Do you think I don’t know that!!??"
JD was not the least perturbed by the big man’s outburst. He wasn’t sure why, but he was confident Josiah wouldn’t hurt him. Besides, he had learned a while ago that showing fear got him nowhere. So, JD didn’t move other than to cross his arms over his chest.
"That mean you’re sorry?" He kept his voice level and even.
Josiah’s jaw tightened, and he looked away. "Not for trying to help Ezra when I thought he needed it, no." The former preacher sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. "For hurting Vin…yes, I am very sorry about that."
"Well that’s a start." When Josiah’s blue eyes rose to meet his dark counterparts in askance, JD continued. "Wanna tell me why it was you were so brutal in the first place?"
He held up a hand when Josiah would have answered immediately. "It wasn’t just because you thought Ezra in danger. He’s been beat up, shot at and damn near blown up. Never got that reaction out of you before. So, I think it’s safe to say there is more to why you did what you did than just you thinking Vin was hurting him."
Josiah shook his head, eyes down cast focusing on his hands. "I can’t…I’m not…I really don’t know."
JD raised both eyebrows. He wasn’t sure he believed that statement or not, but he suspected he wasn’t likely to get an honest answer at this point. JD opted to let it go for the moment. He wasn’t dropping it entirely, but he figured they had time to get back to it. And I’ll be going back to it. Not gonna be put off that easy for long that’s for sure.
"You know they are thinking of leaving." He threw out, knowing he’d scored a hit when Josiah’s head snapped up, blue eyes wide with surprise.
"Leaving?"
"Yep."
The older man looked toward town and he stepped away from JD clearly intent on heading back. JD’s next statement stopped him cold. "They aren’t there."
Josiah’s head snapped around. "They’ve left already? When?"
"Yesterday."
Josiah stared at him. "You said they were thinking –"
"Just gone for a couple days." JD clarified, interrupting smoothly. "May not come back though." JD decided to blunt was the best way to go with this. Some how he just didn’t think Josiah would understand any other way.
Actions have consequences. Ezra has told me that more than once. Buck too, in his own way. Always want me to see that what I do could get me killed or get someone else killed. Think before I act. And this may not be the same thing as somebody dying, but if Vin and Ezra leave, then that destiny Josiah’s always said brought us together is sure gonna be belly up. JD had already made up his mind on what he’d be doing in if Vin and Ezra decided not to return.
"You may just get a chance to set things right." He cocked his head to one side. "Unless of course you think how things stood yesterday when you stormed out of the stable is setting things right." JD’s lips twisted in a bitter smile. "In which case, we don’t really have anything else to talk about. Do we?"
Josiah gave him a hard, assessing stare. JD wasn’t sure what the other man was looking for but he stood up straight, and waited. "You’d take their side?"
"I already have." JD answered flatly. He’d never really considered the issue to have sides. "They are my friends."
"And me?"
JD shrugged. "We were friends." He emphasized the past tense of that statement. "We can still be. But not if you meant that crap you were spouting yesterday."
Josiah stiffened. "Quoting passage from the Good Book is not spouting crap."
JD regarded the other man calmly. "So you agree with that bit Ezra quoted then? That one about owning slaves?"
"No!"
"Didn’t think so." JD smirked slightly. "Otherwise you and Nathan would never have been friends." He cocked is head to one side. "So you telling me that you are picking and choosing which parts you want to believe in? Cause if that’s the case, it should be just as easy to ignore the bit you were reciting yesterday."
Josiah sighed heavily and looked away. When his spoke again his voice was just barely above a whisper. "I never should have said that to them."
"No. You shouldn’t have." JD agreed not willing to back down or ease up just yet. There was too much at stake. "The question isn’t about what you said, but whether you believe it or not. Do you really think they are going to burn in hell for loving one another?"
JD didn’t give him a chance to answer. "Don’t remember ever seeing that in the ten commandments. Seems to me things like murder, adultery, theft and a bunch of others all rank right up there in God’s list of things you aren’t supposed to do."
"Sodom and Gomorrah—"
"Sure aren’t Four Corners." JD stated unequivocally. "I’m thinking if God had a problem with Vin and Ezra he’d have spoke up and done something about it before now." He knew he was probably being what others might consider sacrilegious, but he figured the God his mother had taught him to believe in would understand he meant no disrespect. He had no trouble believing in or being afraid of divine retribution. If God wants to smack someone around, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t need human help to do it. Don’t imagine any of us would be considered good enough to do the job anyway.
"And since when did you decide it was your job to start doling out divine wrath?" He asked quietly, lip curling sardonically. "There’s a whole lot of sin in this town you’ve seen fit not to notice or condemn."
Josiah flinched, and then glared. "I’m not condemning them."
"Then what are you doing?"
The big man all but growled in frustration. "I was angry yesterday. I spoke out of turn. I don’t believe…." He took a breath. "I don’t believe they are an abomination." He waved his hands clearly venting a bit more of his irritation. "I shouldn’t even be arguing with you now but here I am doing it."
Josiah walked away a few steps and turned. He walked back, stopping to face JD when he was arms-length away. "I only mentioned Sodom and Gomorrah to prove a point. The point being," he pointed a finger at JD’s chest, "not every thing God finds offensive is in the Ten Commandments."
He squared his shoulders, towering over JD. "And I don’t agree with everything in the Good Book. I certainly don’t hold with slavery." He sighed, blue eyes troubled, almost deflating before JD’s eyes. "An eye for an eye just leaves everyone blind."
"Okay." JD nodded slowly. "So you lost your head and said things you didn’t mean. That the about the size of it?"
Josiah reluctantly nodded. "More or less."
Still haven’t gotten to the reason why yet. JD opened his mouth to ask that question for a second time, but Josiah started speaking.
"I sounded like my father yesterday." Josiah took a deep breath. JD raised both eyebrows surprised to see the big man looked ashamed. He would have thought being like one’s father was a good thing. Or maybe not, if Josiah’s expression is anything to go by.
The big man turned and sat down on the stone bench. He leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees, eyes focused on the ground between his feet. "I used to listen to him stand at the pulpit and shout out his rigid dogma, raining fire and brimstone on his audience. Did the same thing with his family. On one hand I can almost understand how that uncompromising view was attractive. It was a black and white world that left no room for doubt or interpretation. I suppose it could even be comforting to some."
Josiah looked up, his eyes meeting JD’s. "And on the other hand it was so depressing, so stifling and hurtful. It left no room for discovery, or appreciation. It left no room for forgiveness or compassion. No room to err."
The former preacher sighed heavily. He raised a hand to rub tiredly at his eyes. "I thought I’d out grown his views. That I’d managed to encompass a more open understanding. A relationship with God that did not require such a harsh, unbending view." He took a deep breath. "But I think I may have failed."
JD pursed his lips considering what Josiah had said. "Don’t think you failed. Not really. If you had, then what happened yesterday wouldn’t bother you." And it’s pretty obvious it does bother you. "Think maybe you slipped is all." JD offered quietly.
Josiah smiled wanly at that. "Slipped?"
"Lost your way, if you prefer." JD shrugged, knowing Josiah had used that expression before. "You made a mistake." A damn big one, but still just a mistake. "We all have made those from time to time. It’s what you do now that matters."
Josiah nodded. "Do you think….do you think they will forgive me?"
Good question. Don’t really know the answer…and I’m not going to lie. JD forced himself to take a moment and put his words in order. "Only way to know if they are willing to forgive you is to apologize. And you have to mean it. It’s up to them from that point."
He pushed back his hat. "But, I think that Vin and Ezra are willing to listen. Neither of them want to leave here. And none of us honestly want them to go. But they are going to want to know why before they forgive you. If for no other reason than to be sure it doesn’t happen again."
Josiah’s brow furrowed. "What do you mean why?"
Dark eyes met blue. "Your father is only part of it, isn’t he?"
Josiah’s eyes narrowed. "How do you know that?"
"Contrary to what everyone around here thinks…I’m not that naïve." JD smiled. "I know you. And I know there is more to what caused you to loose your temper than how you were raised." He studied the big man. "You don’t have to tell me, but you are going to have to tell them."
Josiah sighed, and dropped his eyes again. He rubbed his hands together. "I had a son. Aaron." He spoke so quietly JD had to lean forward to listen to him. "I was….away, when men came looking for me." The big man’s head hung further. "I found out later that they killed him because he wouldn’t tell them where I was."
JD winced. He was fairly certain the loss of a child was one that a person never fully got over. At least not based on the examples he’d seen. The sheriff honestly hoped he never knew that sort of loss, much less the corresponding guilt.
Josiah lifted his head enough for JD to see him smile sadly. "In a lot of ways Ezra reminds me of him. The more time I spent with him the more those similarities stood out. I know it was…foolish, but I found myself feeling paternal toward Ezra. I caught myself thinking of him the way I thought about Aaron. Forgot that Ezra’s a grown man. He didn’t want or need a father."
Josiah sighed. "But I…I wanted to rekindle that closeness with him that I had with my own son. Get a second chance." He licked his lips. "And I forgot it wasn’t just about what I wanted. I pushed too hard. Assumed things. Demanded when I should have asked."
JD frowned, thinking. "When Vin got shot…something happened between you and Ezra then. Didn’t it?"
"Yes."
Thought so. Was some weird tension there, but I figured if it was any of my business they’d tell me. Thought it had worked out. Seemed to anyway since Ezra and Josiah have been getting along well since then. Until yesterday anyway.
"You got to thinking of him like he was your son." JD said carefully, working his way through it as he spoke. "So when you see Vin kissing Ezra….you think what? That you have to defend his honor the way you would have defended Aaron had it been him Vin was kissing? Forgot that Ezra’s not a kid but a grown man?"
"Something like that." Josiah took a deep breath. "And I was jealous. Vin is so close to Ezra. So much closer than I will ever be and I thought he was abusing that friendship. That he had this…priceless gift and he was throwing it away to satisfy some baser instinct. That he had tricked Ezra to get him to lower his defenses enough to take advantage of him."
Josiah held up a hand when JD would have spoken. "I know it is stupid. I know. Vin’s not the sort to do that. And Ezra’s no fool and a fine judge of character. He wouldn’t bestow his trust in someone he didn’t think worthy. Not to mention he’s conned people for a living so it’s hardly rational to think he wouldn’t see a con be carried out."
Well, you wouldn’t be the only one who worried about Vin playing with Ezra’s feelings. Had my own concerns there. But I think I handled it better. Course I didn’t walk in on them kissing, but then even if I had, I’d like to think I wouldn’t automatically think the worst.
JD decided to point out the same argument Ezra had so eloquently made the other day. "Ezra’s damn good with his gun. Can’t see him letting anyone take something from him by force and not fighting back."
Josiah just dipped his head in acknowledgement. "I just…I was so angry and I wasn’t thinking."
Got that part. "So you over this bout of being stupid then?" The question was blunt but so far blunt had worked pretty well.
Josiah grimaced. "Yes."
"You got a problem with them as a couple?" JD wanted to be certain. If Josiah’s hostility was solely related to him being caught off guard, shocked, then he shouldn’t have a problem with it now that he had time to adjust. But I won’t know that until he tells me so.
"Who else knows?" Josiah asked abruptly, ignoring JD’s question, standing once more.
JD frowned. He didn’t know if Josiah was simply trying to avoid answering his question or if he was going somewhere with the one he’d asked. He decided to answer Josiah’s and see where it led. He didn’t see any reason not to.
"Besides me and Nathan…" JD shrugged one shoulder, "Chris, Buck, and Nettie know."
"Why didn’t they tell me?" Josiah’s voice contained a note of hurt at being excluded. Blue eyes demanded an honest answer.
The young sheriff snorted. Would think your reaction yesterday might explain that clear enough. Probably wouldn’t be smart to say that. Not when I want to smooth things over, not make them worse.
"It wasn’t like they just up and told any of us."
Josiah suddenly looked horrified. "Oh tell me they weren’t that stupid."
Know what he’s thinking. The big dumb ox is sure we all walked in Ezra and Vin in a moment of ‘indiscretion’. No wonder Ezra says assumptions are dangerous.
JD stepped forward and slapped Josiah’s arm with his hat, making a disgusted noise as he did it. "Wish I were taller, I’d a whapped ya one across the back of the head like Buck does to me."
JD knew he had to be wearing the same expression he’d seen the others give him whenever they thought he’d said or done something particularly unintelligent. "First of all, they weren’t as stupid as the assumption you are making. It’s not like the tack room is out there, in front of God and everyone, on the street in broad daylight. Nobody is usually around the livery that time o’ day and they wouldn’t be the first couple to sneak a kiss in."
JD wanted to cement the idea that despite both parties being male Vin and Ezra were not really that much different from any other couple. It was how he saw their relationship and how he thought Josiah should see it as well. "If it had been Buck with one of his ladies, Nate with Rain, or me with Casey, you wouldn’t have even raised an eyebrow over it. You sure as hell wouldn’t have read the situation as wrong as what you did yesterday. Can’t see you slamming one of us up against the wall for it."
He kept talking not letting Josiah contradict his assessment or argue against it. "Secondly, the only reason any of us know is cause we up and asked. We all noticed something was going on between them and were smart enough to ask them about it."
"And just what was it you noticed?" Josiah asked with an odd mix of reluctance and eager curiosity.
"You can’t tell me you never realized Ezra shares his scotch with Vin, lends him books to read, takes care of Peso for him. Or that Vin has been watching Ezra’s back in the saloon when he plays poker and makes sure the restaurant has pie for him." JD shook his head slightly. "I know you were there when Vin got shot in the leg and Ezra got stabbed in the saloon. You saw how little it took for them to convince each other to let Nathan take care of them. You saw how much they care about each other."
"I guess I thought they were just good friends."
"They are good friends." JD rolled his eyes. "They just also happen to be more than that."
He sighed. "Look…when I went to talk to Vin about what I’d noticed, he took me to talk to Ezra. Said the two of them had talked about it. They decided it was better not to tell people, but waited to see if anyone noticed. And if anyone asked, they agreed to face whoever it was together and answer the questions openly, honestly."
"Why?"
JD frowned. "Because they weren’t going to lie. It’s not like they got anything to be ashamed of."
Josiah waved a hand. "No, not that. Why wait until they were asked?"
"Because they are both entitled to their privacy. They don’t have to tell anyone about who they are in love with any more than Chris has to talk about his wife and son, or you have to talk about your father." JD pointed out reasonably.
"Besides, they aren’t stupid. They both know their relationship doesn’t exactly fit in with what other people think of as normal. There are people in this town that would run them out on a rail. Tar and feather them. Hang them from—"
"I get it." Josiah snapped.
"Do you?" JD’s eyes narrowed. He still hadn’t gotten an answer to his earlier question. "I’m not as good a judge of character as Ezra, but until the other day, I wouldn’t have put you in the group of people they needed to watch out for."
"I wouldn’t do that to them." Josiah stated firmly.
Ya did yesterday. JD pursed his lips, but held wisely his peace about that. Instead he asked again, "So then you don’t have a problem with them being together?"
The former preacher took a deep breath. He closed his eyes for a moment before opening them to meet JD’s squarely. "It may take some time for me to wrap my mind around the idea…to really come to terms with it…but as long as Vin doesn’t hurt Ezra and it’s what Ezra really wants, then," Josiah sighed, "I’m okay with them being a couple."
JD breathed easily for the first time all morning, finally feeling his shoulders relax for the first time since yesterday. "Okay then." He nodded. "You’ve got some time to think yet."
At Josiah’s questioning look, JD added. "Vin and Ezra agreed to be at Chris’ ranch tomorrow. We’re supposed to meet them there."
He smirked, dark eyes bright with good humor again. "Gives you enough time to practice your apology. ‘Cause, I’m pretty sure they are gonna want it to be a damn good one. All that time you’ve spent on your knees just might pay off."
Josiah’s expression turned rueful. "You may well be right."
"I know I’m right, Preacher." JD patted him on the arm. Ezra’s not going to easily forgive Josiah strangling Vin. He’ll make him work for it, but I’m pretty sure in the end he’ll let it go. Figure Vin will be just as pissed about the whole thing…maybe more. Hard to say. In the end though, I know Vin likes it here. He wants to stay. I think he’ll be willing to forgive Josiah’s moment of stupidity. So long as it doesn’t happen again.
"I’m gonna go get some breakfast." JD stretched. "I’ll leave you to your ‘contemplation’." He patted Josiah’s arm again as he walked by. "Take your time. The rest of us will keep an eye on things until you’re done."
He was several steps away when Josiah called out to him. "JD?"
JD half turned, looking over his shoulder. "Yeah?"
"Thanks."
He raised two fingers to the brim of his hat. "You’re welcome." He smiled slightly. "Everyone deserves a second chance. Make sure you don’t waste yours. I doubt you’ll get another." With that he turned and headed back to town.
+ + + + + + +
Buck shifted in his chair in front of the jail, propping his legs up on the railing, letting the late afternoon sun warm him. After lunch, he’d convinced JD to lay down and grab a nap by telling him he should rest up for the late night shift. He didn’t honestly expect Chris to assign Ezra’s usual shift to JD. But he knew the young sheriff hadn’t gotten much rest last night. The dark circles under his eyes and general lack of animation were dead giveaways.
Kid just takes so much ta heart. Buck smiled fondly glancing over his shoulder glance through the open door catching a glimpse of JD sleeping in the closest cell. Course it might be what made it so easy for him to talk to Josiah.
Buck’s smile grew into a grin as he thought about Chris and Josiah meeting on the boardwalk earlier in the day. Chris hadn’t said a word. He’d just looked at the big man, his expression speaking volumes.
Josiah had held up a hand. "Save it. JD has already said all there is to say. I don’t reckon there is much more for you to add."
Buck had quirked an eyebrow, but hadn’t commented. Since Chris rarely said much, it wasn’t hard to imagine JD being far more adept with words than the dark clad gunslinger. Chris just turned his head slightly to spit. "And?"
"He talked. I listened." Josiah squared his shoulders. "That kid has turned into a mighty fine young man. He can be rather eloquent when he wants to be."
Chris nodded slowly, accepting that statement as proof that the former preacher was going to make peace with Vin and Ezra. Buck felt a flush of pride in his young friend. He might not know exactly what JD had said, but he had no doubt the kid could rise to the occasion and be as convincing as Ezra if need be. And keeping his family together sure fit the bill.
When Josiah moved to pass Chris, heading for the church, the gunslinger moved to stand in front of him stopping him cold. Dark blue eyes met Josiah’s lighter counter parts, the gaze unwavering. His voice was quiet, but clear. "Don’t let it happen again."
The threat of violence was left unspoken but was unmistakable. Josiah’s jaw tightened. He nodded accepting Chris’ position. It was well known that Chris protected who and what he called his own. Buck wondered if Josiah realized how lucky he was that Chris hadn’t been in town yesterday, or that JD had made a point of being the first to speak to him today. Things coulda got ugly. Real ugly.
Josiah cast a questioning look toward Buck. The ladies man just shook his head. He was too disappointed in Josiah’s behavior and reaction to finding out about Vin and Ezra to articulate what he was thinking. He didn’t want to risk ruining what JD had probably worked hard to fix. The way the older man’s eyes shifted, Buck knew his disappointment had been easy to read.
Buck sighed and settled deeper into his chair. He hadn’t slept well last night either. He’d kept one eye out for Josiah and the other on Chris. He knew his old friend well enough to know that it wouldn’t take much for the anger simmering below the surface to reach the boiling over point. He was honestly surprised that Chris hadn’t pushed it with Josiah when they met earlier in the day. Course, if JD hadn’t gotten through to him, pretty sure things would have been different. Still, I guess we’ve all got reason to be grateful Josiah wasn’t quite as hard headed about this as I was afraid he would be.
Buck yawned. He would be glad when all this was settled and things got back to what passed for normal for them. Buck resolutely pushed the faint fear that things might not be that simple. He’d find a way to deal with it if the situation arose, but until then he doggedly looked for the silver lining, not the cloud.
He caught a glimpse of Nathan heading into the church. He nodded to himself. Buck wasn’t surprised that Nathan would eventually make his way there. Hunh. Didn’t reckon he’d be able to wait as long as he has. Kinda glad Ez isn’t around. Would a lost that bet for sure.
Josiah had not joined them at lunch and the healer had fidgeted throughout the meal, anxious to talk to his friend. JD’s calm assurance that Josiah just needed more time to think and come to terms with things hadn’t really assuaged Nathan’s concern. Buck chuckled remembering the look on Nathan’s face. Don’t think he really believed JD was able to handle Josiah so easily.
Buck figured that Nathan might be the best one to help Josiah ‘come to terms’. Had to do it himself. Not for the same reasons, but it wasn’t like Nate accepted Vin and Ezra at first either. Course neither did Chris, but knowing him like I do, he’s forgotten that he ever had to adjust.
Chris was like that. Once he made up his mind the man had a tendency to forget there was ever an issue to be decided on. Buck had grown accustomed to that quirk and knew it had merit in a leader. It was far better to have decisive action, even if it was wrong, than to have a commander who constantly second-guessed himself or waffled back and forth. While it was good in battle, it was not a trait that always made simple, everyday aspects of life easy to address.
Buck was heartily relieved, on more than one occasion, by the differences in the personalities that made up their group. Sometimes it caused clashes among them, but more often than not, it made it possible for the seven of them to work together. And he wanted them to continue to do so for as long as possible.
Buck yawned again. There wasn’t much going on in town at the moment. The ladies man knew Chris was riding patrol. The gunslinger would never admit it, but Buck suspected he was looking for signs of Vin and Ezra. Know he trusts them to show up like they said they would, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be keeping an eye out just the same. Swear that man has some serious mother hen inclinations. Needs to make sure his chicks are all right.
Buck tipped his hat to shade his eyes, chuckling to himself over the image he had of Chris as a chicken riding herd on a small flock of chicks. Tomorrow they’d get this taken care of. Then he could go back to spending time with the ladies, and stop losing sleep fretting over his friends.
Comments: dragon00@chilitech.net