Chris Larabee rushed into the saloon, filling the room with his power. His steel green eyes scanned the room and rested upon the six men sitting around one of the tables. He walked to the table, his spurs clinking. The six men looked up and stopped what they were doing. They could tell from their leader's expression that something was wrong.
"Judge Travis sent a wire. Seems there's trouble up near Stony Creek," Chris stated.
The men didn't question him, they just stood up and followed him out of the saloon. They mounted their horses and headed out of town.
Only when they were out of town did they begin talking. It was JD Dunne who spoke first.
"Where is Stony Creek?"
Buck Wilmington shook his head and chuckled. "JD, don't you know anything? It's up in Colorado Territory."
"Colorado?!" JD exclaimed. "Ain't it gonna take us a while to get there?"
"We should get there by tomorrow evening," Vin Tanner said, never taking his eyes off of the trail in front of him.
"Did the judge say what kind of trouble?" Nathan Jackson asked.
Chris shook his head. "Nope. He just said to be sure we had plenty of ammunition."
They rode on in silence, each one lost in his own thoughts. Suddenly a strange sound came from a bush on the side of the road. Vin brought his horse to a halt and held up his hand, indicating for everyone to stop. They sat there silently, waiting for the sound again. Then they heard it, something like crying. Chris pointed to one of the bushes and they saw the branches shake. He got off his horse and approached the shrub. He walked around it and saw a small girl sitting on the ground. Chris guessed she was six or seven years old. She had long dark brown hair, almost black, tied up in pigtails. Her light blue dress was covered with dirt.
She looked up and sniffed back some tears. "Who are you?" she asked in a small voice.
Chris smiled and crouched down. "I'm Chris. What's your name?"
The little girl sniffed again. "Amanda."
"Why are you crying, Amanda?" Chris asked.
"Some mean men…came to my house…took me from my mommy. You're not going to take me back to those mean men, are you?"
"No, we're not. We want to take you back to your mommy. Where is she?"
Amanda wiped a tear from her cheek and answered, "We live in Conner City."
Chris nodded, muttering under his breath, "Near Stony Creek." He reached out his hand to Amanda and said, "Come on, we'll take you back to Conner City."
Amanda put her tiny hand in Chris'. They walked back to the trail and Chris said to her, "These are my friends." He then turned to the men and said, "This is Amanda. We're taking her to Conner City."
The men greeted her while Chris helped Amanda into his saddle and climbed up behind her. They continued on their journey, again in silence. No one was sure if Amanda and Judge Travis' wire were connected, but they would find out soon enough.
+ + + + + + +
A fire crackled on the ground and the men sat around it. They ate cooked rabbit and enjoyed the quiet evening. Chris sat with Amanda on his left and Vin on his other side. Vin talked with Nathan about Indian medicine versus white medicine, and Buck and JD argued about a woman's best trait. Josiah Sanchez, sitting next to Amanda, told her a story from the Old Testament, and Ezra Standish sat silent, listening to the conversations and shuffling a deck of cards.
After Josiah finished his story, Amanda noticed the man sitting by himself. She stood up and walked over to him. "Hello," she said.
Ezra looked up and smiled. "Hello…Amanda, was it? You…like cards?"
Amanda sat down in front of Ezra and answered, "My mommy taught me how to shuffle."
Ezra raised his eyebrows. "Did she? Would you like to demonstrate what she taught you?" He held out the deck to Amanda and she eagerly took the cards from his hand.
Ezra was shocked as he watched the girl shuffle the cards like a professional. She looked up at Ezra and smiled.
"Your mother is an apt teacher," Ezra said, taking the cards from Amanda.
"I miss her," Amanda said, tears welling up in her innocent hazel eyes.
Ezra reached out and wiped a tear from her cheek. "We'll return you to her. Don't worry."
Amanda crawled closer to Ezra and buried her face in his coat. She shook with sobs, and Ezra put his arms around her. She fell asleep shortly thereafter, nestled in the warmth of Ezra's coat. The men turned in a few minutes later, resting up for the hard ride they would face the next day.
+ + + + + + +
The ride to Conner City was virtually trouble-free, with the exception of a rattlesnake frightening the horses and JD. They arrived in the town in the early evening, just as Vin had predicted.
Chris took Amanda to her house, but there was no answer when they knocked on the door. The sheriff's office was locked up and not a soul was found who could help them. The men decided to rest up in the hotel and find Amanda's mother in the morning. Amanda insisted she be able to stay with Ezra for the night. For some reason unknown to all the men, she had become attached to the gambler. No one argued with the little girl and they parted into their separate rooms.
The next morning, the men met in the hotel's lobby and walked out into the bright morning together. It was a different scenario than the one they had found the evening before. People walked up and down the street, greeting each other warmly and enjoying the pleasant weather.
"This can't be where the trouble is," Buck said to Chris, who just shook his head in confusion. The judge's wire had sounded urgent. Chris concluded that the judge was probably in another town.
The men walked over to the sheriff's office and saw the door was open. They heard voices from inside, and could tell from the tone of the conversation that two people, a man and a woman, were having an argument.
"We're doing all we can!" the man said.
"It's not enough! If you don't find my daughter today, I will wire the federal government and ask for a competent sheriff!" the woman yelled.
The sheriff came out of the office and took his hat off, running a hand through his black hair. He put his hat back on and kicked at something on the boardwalk.
The woman came out of the office, anger burning in her eyes. She was obviously Amanda's mother; the woman and Amanda had the same hazel eyes and the same straight nose. The woman had light brown hair, which flowed freely down her back. Her full lips were pursed together with anger. She wore a light peach dress and her skin had a golden tint.
"Don't you walk away from me, Brent! It's been two whole days since they took Amanda and everyday it's the same thing; you never find her. Dammit, Brent, where's my little girl?"
Amanda ran from Ezra's side across the street to her mother. "Mommy!" she yelled.
Amanda's mother looked to the street and her eyes brightened when she saw her daughter. "Amanda!" She ran into the street and picked Amanda off the ground, holding her tightly.
The two hugged for quite some time, tears falling from their eyes. Amanda's mother set her on the ground and looked into her eyes. "Honey, what happened? Did they hurt you?"
"No, Mommy. They took me down the creek a bit and set up camp for the night. I snuck away and hid in some bushes. Mommy, I was so scared, but these men found me and brought me back," Amanda said, pointing to the seven men.
Amanda's mother straightened up and saw the seven men for the first time. They had just crossed the street and were standing a few feet away from the reunion. "Gentlemen, I am in debt to you. Thank you so much for helping my daughter."
"It was the least we could do," Vin said.
"Your actions must be rewarded," the woman said. "Goodness knows not everyone can do what you did," she said, looking over at the sheriff, who was studying the boardwalk intently. "I shall give you the reward money and…"
"We couldn't take your money, ma'am," Chris said. "We only did what anybody would do."
"Not everybody," she muttered, glaring at the
"Gentlemen," Ezra said, stepping forward. "The lady is kind enough to proffer a recompense for our services. To refuse her offer would be an insult to her good intentions."
Amanda's mother smiled. "Thank you, sir. Please accept the money and dinner at my home tonight."
Josiah spoke up. "We would be honored, ma'am."
"Good. I shall see you at my home at six o'clock sharp." Turning to Amanda, she said, "Come on, honey, let's get you cleaned up. Oh, I'm so happy to have you back." She held out her hand for Amanda to take, and they walked down the street toward their wagon.
After they had drove away toward their house, Buck said, "Who knew we'd find such a jewel here?" The other men laughed. They had been waiting for Buck to say something like that.
>Chris approached the sheriff, who had stopped inspecting the boardwalk and was now looking down the street. He turned his head at the sound of Chris' boots.
"Have you seen a Judge Travis pass through town?" Chris asked.
The sheriff nodded. "He's staying at the hotel. He went up toward Mount Evans with a search party earlier this morning. He should be back later tonight." He paused, then said, "You the ones he wired a couple days ago?"
Chris nodded. "He said it was urgent that we get here. Looks to me like everything's under control."
"Maybe for now. Trouble's on its way and we'll need all the guns we can get."
+ + + + + + +
The men arrived at Amanda's house a few minutes before six. It was a large house with acres of land around it. A fence surrounded the property and a tall oak tree grew in the front lawn.
Amanda's mother, who they learned was named Jessica Burton, set the men up in a large parlor. She had changed into an off-white dress with small blue flowers embroidered on it. Her hair was now tied up in a twist. She looked very elegant and the men were certain her smile lit up the room.
The men were amazed when they saw Amanda. She had cleaned the dirt off of her face and tied up her hair in a style similar to her mother's. She was wearing a light pink dress and a gold locket hung around her neck. As soon as she entered the parlor, she went directly to Ezra and put her small hand in his. The men chuckled, but Ezra paid them no attention. He smiled at the little girl and squeezed her hand. He looked up at Jessica and could see where Amanda got her looks. Jessica was certainly one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. Not only that, but she was obviously very wealthy. Those were the two most important characteristics a woman could have, in Ezra's opinion.
"My cook will have dinner ready in a few minutes," Jessica said. "Until then, make yourselves at home."
The men sat down in the chairs with the exception of Ezra. He stood near the fireplace talking with Amanda.
Jessica approached Ezra and her daughter. "It seems as though my daughter as taken a liking to you, Mr. Standish," she said.
Ezra smiled, flashing his gold tooth. "She is a very intelligent girl. She will grow up to be a fine lady, I'm sure."
Jessica smiled. Then she looked at her daughter and said, "Amanda honey, could you run upstairs and get my lace handkerchief? It's lying on my dresser."
"Yes, Mommy," Amanda answered, running out of the room.
When she was out of the parlor, Jessica turned back to Ezra. "I suspect Amanda is so fond of you because you remind her of her father."
"Where is Mr. Burton?" Ezra asked.
Jessica was silent for a moment. "Mr. Burton is…well, I don't know exactly. He left us when Amanda was only four years old. He could be dead for all I know. Or care."
"My condolences," Ezra said, concern filling his green eyes.
"No need to dwell on it," Jessica said, her eyes brightening again.
"You seem to handle yourself well, Mrs. Burton, despite your hardship. Um…if you don't mind my asking, I'm just curious…why do I remind you of your husband?"
Jessica shrugged. "Your manner, the way you dress, is very similar to Andrew's. He was a gambler. That's how we met, actually."
"You're a…player of cards?"
"Former gambler, yes. I gave it up when I became with child."
"That explains why Amanda shuffles cards so amply. She demonstrated your tutelage for me."
Jessica laughed. "Oh, did she? She begs me to teach her how to play poker, but I refuse to do that. I don't want her living the same life I led."
"Mrs. Burton…" Ezra began to say, but he was distracted by Amanda's appearance at the door.
"Here's your handkerchief, Mommy," she said, handing the cloth to Jessica.
"Thank you, dear." Turning back to Ezra, Jessica said, "Mr. Standish, please feel free to call me Jessie. All my friends do."
"I refuse to do that," Ezra said. Jessica frowned until he added, "unless you call me Ezra."
A gray-haired woman entered the room and announced, "Dinner is served."
"I am famished!" Jessica exclaimed.
The group moved into the dining room, a room that was a little larger than the parlor. Candles burned on the walls and on the long table that sat in the middle of the room. A large chandelier hung from the ceiling as well, illuminating the table's contents. A veritable smorgasbord filled the table. Ham, turkey, fruits, and pies filled the length of the table.
Jessica sat at the head of the table, with Amanda on her right side. Ezra sat next to Amanda, and Josiah sat on Ezra's other side, with Nathan next to him. On Jessica's other side sat Chris, Vin, Buck, and JD.
"You must entertain often," Josiah said.
Jessica laughed. "Actually, Mr. Sanchez, I never have company. But when the rare occasion arises, I pull out all the stops and go all out to please my guests."
The cook and another maid served everyone their food. The table was filled with pleasant conversation. The men were surprised to learn that Jessica was a gambler "in a former life."
Ezra frowned. "Wait. Jessie Burton…Jessie…you wouldn't be Jessie Cutler, the lady gambler who cleaned out an entire town in less than an hour?"
"I've been discovered," Jessie said jokingly. "Unfortunately, that is…was me. I didn't realize I had gained such fame."
"You're an inspiration in the gambling community. Everyone tries to reiterate your record, but everyone fails."
"I hate to say I'm glad," Jessie said. "No town should have to suffer what I put that town through."
The conversation turned from Jessie's past to more current matters, such as the gold rush, arrival of the railroad, and, ultimately, the reason for Amanda's abduction.
"Do you know anyone who would want to take Amanda?" Chris asked.
Jessie set down her fork and knife and thought for a moment. "I don't know anyone who would have a grudge against me. Possibly some strangers who saw my home, concluded I was well off, and took Amanda to get some money. That's the only explanation I can think of. Amanda said she didn't recognize the men."
"Are you sure it couldn't be someone you beat in a poker game?" JD asked.
"I hope no one would carry a grudge for that long," Jessie answered.
"Mommy," Amanda said meekly. "I heard one of the men say he'd pay you back for what you did to him."
A confused look washed over Jessie's face. "Who the hell…?"
+ + + + + + +
"I'm glad you boys could make it," Judge Oren Travis said. After dinner at Jessie's house, the seven men went to the hotel and found the judge sitting in the lobby. They were all now seated throughout the large room, a few lanterns their only source of light.
"What is all this about, Judge?" Chris asked. "The only trouble we see is Amanda's kidnapping."
"That is the trouble I need you for. The sheriff has a pretty good idea of who took Amanda, but he doesn't want to alarm Mrs. Burton. These men, if they are indeed the kidnappers, are pretty dangerous. They don't spare anyone and…the sheriff thinks they would have killed Amanda if she hadn't gotten away."
"Who are these men exactly?" Vin asked.
"Ever heard of Samuel Dennison?"
"Sam Dennison?! Sam Dennison is involved with this?" Buck asked, his eyes showing a mixture of confusion and surprise.
"Sheriff Kerns thinks so. From Amanda's description, it seems likely that it is Dennison, and he has two other men with him."
"He could've fought three men himself," Chris said.
"True. The three men involved in the kidnapping, but not the twenty Dennison has hiding out in town."
+ + + + + + +
"Samuel Dennison?" Jessie asked, confused. Chris sat with her in her parlor. He hadn't been able to sleep much the night before and had come straight to Jessie's house at first light. Luckily, she was already awake. They each had a cup of coffee.
"Name sound familiar?" Chris asked.
"Slightly," Jessie replied. "But I don't remember ever having contact with a man by that name. Are you sure that's who's suspected?"
"Sheriff Kerns thinks so."
Jessie snorted. "Brent still thinks the world is flat. I wouldn't trust anything he said."
Chris smiled slightly. "If you don't mind my asking, why don't you like Sheriff Kerns?"
Jessie put down her coffee cup. "He's only sheriff because he bribed the town to vote for him. He was the most unqualified candidate, and he wanted the job just for the notoriety. Hell, he isn't qualified enough to sweep the boardwalk."
Chris laughed.
"Sam Dennison," Jessie said, nodding. "Lawman turned outlaw. I remember now."
Chris leaned forward in his chair, interested in her story.
"He used to be a respected deputy back in Placerville. When he turned to the other side of the law, he played a poker game against my husband and I. We cleaned him out completely. That's the only time I've seen him. I suppose that's why he's after me. But that game was played nine years ago. Could anyone want revenge that many years later?"
"You'd be surprised," Chris answered.
+ + + + + + +
JD ran up the path to Jessie's door and knocked frantically. When the maid opened the door, he rushed in and went directly to the parlor. Jessie and Chris turned to look at him with questioning looks on their faces.
"There's trouble in town, Chris," JD said breathlessly.
Chris jumped out of his chair and checked his gun to make sure it was loaded. "JD, you stay here and make sure no one gets near Jessie or Amanda."
JD nodded as Chris rushed out of the house. He ran down the street toward the sheriff's office. Just when he reached the main street, he saw a man aiming a gun at him. He quickly ducked behind a wagon. Gunfire sounded all through the street. It seemed as if there were guns everywhere.
Buck ran down the boardwalk, turning and firing at anyone he could see. He joined Chris behind the wagon.
"It's about time you showed up," Buck stated.
"How did this happen?" Chris asked.
"We were headed to the saloon for a little breakfast and they just started firing out of nowhere," Buck explained. "I think Judge Travis was right. There were about twenty of them." Buck smiled widely. "Now there are only about ten."
Chris nodded. "Any of ours wounded?"
"Hell no," Buck replied proudly. "It's gonna take a lot more than some cowards hiding and firing guns to stop us," he added somewhat loudly.
Suddenly the gunfire stopped. Chris and Buck peeked over the wagon and saw four men riding off in the opposite direction.
Buck began laughing. "Looks like we scared off another bunch."
Chris frowned. "Where are they goin'?" he muttered.
The six men met in the middle of the street. Sheriff Kerns joined them as well.
"She remembers Sam Dennison," Chris began explaining. He told the men about Jessie's encounter with Dennison. They all listened intently, each wondering how or even if they could help Jessie.
"Maybe we should have followed them," Nathan said.
"They'll be back," Vin said. "We'll get ‘em then."
+ + + + + + +
Chris and Buck sat in the local saloon, mulling over the day's events and wishing they were back home where they didn't have to worry about this whole business with Sam Dennison. Chris swallowed some of his beer and then looked curiously at Buck.
"How do you know Dennison?" he asked.
Buck set down his glass and looked up at the ceiling. "Sam Dennison gave me my start as a lawman. He was the sheriff in the town where I grew up. I was looking for work and Sam told me that a town in Kansas needed a sheriff. Told me he would've taken the job, but he didn't want to force his wife to pull up roots and settle somewhere else. A few years after I left, I heard that Sam had turned to the other side of the law. I didn't want to believe it. I still find it hard to believe. Sam was such a good, law-abiding man." Buck shook his head.
"People aren't always what they seem," Chris stated flatly, hoping the end to this whole ordeal would soon come.
+ + + + + + +
Ezra walked up the path to Jessie's front door and knocked hesitantly. He had no idea why he was coming to her house, especially at this hour, but something was pulling him there. Whether it was the thought of picking up a few pointers from a renowned gambler or simply spending time in the company of such a beautiful woman, he wasn't sure. But either reason was sufficient enough to his way of thinking.
Seconds later, the maid answered the door, smiling warmly at him. She was a short, plump lady with a pleasant disposition. So much more approachable than the maids Ezra had known growing up.
She ushered him in and closed the door as he stepped into the foyer. She looked up at him with warm green eyes and asked, "Have you come calling for Mrs. Burton or young Amanda?"
"Mrs. Burton," Ezra quavered. Why he was nervous, he didn't know. He attributed it to the fact that it wasn't every day he called on a lady.
"I'll go fetch her. Make yourself comfortable in the parlor. Might I ask your name?"
"Ezra."
The maid scurried up the stairs as Ezra walked into the parlor. The furniture scattered about the room and the knick-knacks that sat about reminded Ezra of the homes belonging to his aunts and uncles. All the expensive pieces that sat about, forbidden from his young hands. A small smile crossed his lips; this house looked exactly like the home he had always dreamed for himself.
"Ezra," Jessie greeted as she entered the parlor with a smile. "If I had known you were coming, I would have had something prepared for you. I just tucked Amanda into bed."
When Ezra turned and beheld Jessie in the warm candlelight, he nearly choked on his breath. She looked so angelic and captivating. Her light brown hair hung down her back, with the front strands pinned up in a twist.
"Can I get anything for you?" Jessie asked as she came further into the room.
"No, but thank you for offering." Ezra seated himself in the chair by the fireplace as Jessie sat in the chair next to him. "I hope I'm not intruding by arriving unannounced."
Jessie laughed. "No, of course not. In fact, I was feeling a bit lonely tonight and I was hoping for some company. You are my saving grace." She smiled and suddenly she noticed how her heart seemed to be fluttering within her chest. She thought Ezra quite handsome and extremely charming.
"I am glad I could be of some assistance to you, then," Ezra replied. "I was hoping perhaps we could continue the conversation we were having yesterday evening. You were saying how you used to be a gambler."
Jessie nodded.
"Mr. Larabee informed us of how you won the poker game against this Dennison character. What on earth could you have done to make him so adamant about exacting revenge on you?"
Jessie shrugged. "I don't remember the exact details of the game. I just remember my husband and I walking into the saloon separately, pretending we didn't know each other. We knew that the man sitting at the poker table was Sam Dennison. He was still a lawman at that time, but a very corrupt one. Anyway, Andrew and I used our usual technique; Andrew stood behind Sam, subtly glancing at his cards. If he smiled lasciviously at me, then it meant that Sam had a bad hand; if he put his hand in his pocket, then it meant that Sam had a winning hand. It wasn't exactly an original way to cheat, but we usually got away with it. After a while, Sam caught onto our pretense and became very angry. I don't remember much after that."
Ezra chuckled. "I can imagine the scorn he must have felt."
Jessie's face took on a look of sudden understanding. "I do remember. After Sam figured out our scheme, he took a swing at Andrew and knocked him to the floor. I grabbed a bottle of whiskey from the table and brought it down on his head, knocking him out. I heard later that he had to have shards of glass extracted from his head and the doctors were never sure if they got all of them out." Jessie began laughing. "He hates me because of the hefty medical bill I left him with."
Ezra shook his head, laughing. "I can see why he would be angry, but why would he take it out on a young child?"
Jessie sighed. "That is something we may never know. He's a sick man, that's all I can say about him. And a coward if he can't take his business straight to the source rather than harming a child who had nothing to do with it."
Ezra smiled, wishing to change the mood. "Well, tell me about this house. Is it a family home or did you win it in a game of cards?"
Jessie's face changed from serious concern to a bright smile. "As a matter of fact, I bought this house after Andrew left us. I needed a change, so I used all the money he forgot to take with him on our home."
The evening continued with pleasant conversation and stolen glances. When Jessie was staring off into the distance, Ezra would gaze at her features, unable to believe that such a beautiful creature even existed. Likewise, Jessie would study Ezra, taken aback by his strong profile and the perfection of his nose. It was all she could do from fainting in her seat at the thought of this man in her home.
Soon the grandfather clock in the entryway chimed midnight and Ezra figured it was time he returned to the hotel. He was enjoying the evening and didn't really want to leave, but he didn't want to overstay his welcome.
As they walked to the front door, Jessie said, "I hope you can come by again. I would love to talk with you some more."
"Likewise," Ezra answered, gazing into her hazel eyes. "Good evening, Jessie."
"Good night, Ezra."
Ezra leaned forward and placed a light kiss on her lips, unable to resist a small taste. She returned the kiss eagerly and was disappointed when he pulled away.
He placed his hat on his head and gave her a charming smile before opening the door and stepping out into the chilly night air. Jessie watched him walk to the front gate before closing the door and leaning against it with a dreamy look in her eyes.
The maid came from the back room, having heard the door open. She saw the smile on Jessie's lips and knew that the gentleman caller had just left. She sneaked back into her quarters, not wanting Jessie to know she had been there. Though it was doubtful that Jessie would have known of her existence if she had come through pounding on pots and pans.
+ + + + + + +
"What do you want me to do?!" Jessie asked, astounded.
"Nothing will happen to Amanda," Vin reassured her. "We won't let anything happen."
Jessie sat down on her sofa and looked up at the seven men. "So let me get this straight. You want me to send Amanda to town on some errand so these bastards waiting to kill her can get their chance? Sorry, but if that's the way to solve this problem, I'd rather not."
Chris stepped forward. "We'll be there the whole time. Nothing will happen to Amanda. We just want to lure them out so justice will be served."
Jessie sat silent for a few moments. Then, almost reluctantly, she nodded her head. "All right. But if anything happens to my daughter, I'm holding all of you accountable."
After setting the details of their plan, the seven men left Jessie's house and arranged themselves in their hiding places. Several minutes later, Amanda emerged from the house and made her way up the street.
Suddenly, four men appeared in the street with guns pointing at Amanda. The young girl's eyes widened in horror. She let out a shrill scream, which was followed by the cocking of a gun, and then another. The four men turned around and stared at the seven men standing in the street. They didn't even notice Amanda run back home.
"It doesn't seem right," Chris said, "four men coming to murder an unarmed child."
A gunshot sounded, followed by a voice saying, "What the hell's going on here?" Everyone turned and saw a man with dark brown hair. A beard covered his rough face and a frown filled his black eyes.
"Well well," Buck said. "Sam Dennison, imagine running into you at a time like this."
Sam Dennison walked into the street, his eyes burning into the seven men. "Buck Wilmington, I never thought I'd see you again. Too bad I'll have to kill you before we can catch up on old times." He cocked his gun, but Josiah had his gun on him before Sam could pull the trigger.
"I wouldn't try it," Josiah said.
"Maybe we can settle this without gunfire," Chris said.
One of the four men that had come up to Amanda aimed his gun and fired, but Chris shot him before he could do any harm. That caused the other three to start firing, but within minutes they were shot down as well.
"Or maybe not," Chris muttered.
"Looks like you've won," Sam said, putting his gun back in his holster. "Guess I'll go on my way now."
He took a step forward, but a loud gunshot came from behind him. He fell forward, blood oozing out of his back. The men saw Jessie standing some feet away, a gun in her hands.
"You aren't going anywhere, Dennison," she mumbled. She looked at the group of men and ran back to her house, leaving the seven men speechless.
+ + + + + + +
Jessie stepped into the restaurant and scanned the room until her eyes rested on Ezra, sitting at a table in the corner. After the ordeal that afternoon, Ezra had invited her to dinner. She knew he was going to tell her that he had to leave. She wasn't looking forward to seeing him go, but she knew he had to.
Ezra smiled and stood up as Jessie took her seat. He then sat back down and said, "I took the liberty of ordering for us already. I hope you do not mind."
"Of course not," Jessie answered. "I enjoy a little pampering now and then."
Ezra looked down at the table and then back up at Jessie, a look of sorrow in his eyes. "Jessie, we'll be leaving tomorrow."
Jessie nodded. "I know."
"Perhaps…perhaps you and Amanda should start somewhere fresh to drive these memories out of your mind. Why don't the two of you come with us?"
Jessie smiled, touched by his offer. "I couldn't do that. I have my home here. Amanda has friends here. It would be too difficult to start all over again. I do appreciate the thought, though."
"May I ask why you shot him?" Ezra asked, referring to Sam Dennison.
Jessie was looking at the table, but she raised her face and looked at Ezra with a deep seriousness in her eyes. "I couldn't forgive him for what he had done. And I knew that I wouldn't be able to sleep nights knowing he was out there somewhere, planning some other way to get back at me." She looked back at the table.
"That is understandable," Ezra answered.
Jessie looked back at Ezra with a small smile. "Thank you, Ezra. For understanding and for being here. It…it really means a lot to me."
Ezra nodded and reached across the table to take her hand in his. He didn't want to leave Jessie, but there was no way he could stay here. Though he complained about his duty back home, he knew he had an obligation to the people there. He only wished he didn't have to leave behind Jessie, a woman he felt so close to, despite having only known her for three days.
"You know, we may meet again. We can never be too sure what Fate has planned for us," Ezra said, smiling.
Jessie laughed and nodded. She hoped he was right; maybe Fate would have their paths cross again.
+ + + + + + +
The men saddled up their horses and prepared for their long journey back home. Now that the trouble was settled, there was no reason for them to hang around.
Amanda came bounding down the street, Jessie walking a few feet behind her.
"Do you really have to go?" Amanda asked when she reached the men. "Can't you stay a little longer?"
Chris smiled. "We have to get back home because the people there need us."
"What if we need you?" Amanda asked.
"Then if the occasion arises, we will return," Ezra chimed in. That seemed to cheer Amanda up, for a smile broke out on her face.
"Gentlemen, I cannot thank you enough. You have helped me so much, the reward money I gave you could never be sufficient," Jessie said.
"It was our pleasure to help you, ma'am," said Josiah.
"Please come back soon. My door is always open for you," Jessie said.
"That's such a tempting offer, how could we ever refuse it?" Buck said, smiling.
The group said their final goodbyes and headed out of town. Jessie and Amanda watched them ride off until they couldn't see them anymore and headed for their house, hand in hand. They didn't know if they would ever see them again, but they knew the memory of the Magnificent Seven would live on in their hearts.
The End
