Mary Travis was just putting the finishing touches on the latest addition of the Clarion. Smiling in approval she placed the last page down on the counter and went to set up the printing press. Hearing the front door to the newspaper office open she grabbed a cloth to wipe the ink off her hands as she moved into the front part of the store."Can I help you?" Mary started to ask assuming it was someone coming to see her about business.
"Judge!" Mary gasped as she saw it was her father-in-law who had come in. "What are you doing here?" she asked as she rushed forward to give him a hug. "Is something wrong? Is Billy alright?"
"Oh yes everything is fine. Billy is doing splendidly," the judge assured Mary, returning her embrace.
"Then what are you doing here? I thought you were supposed to be in Fort Laramie."
"I was but I had to come over here on business. Something's come up that I need to talk with the regulators about."
"Is it serious?"
"Nothing that they can't handle. Do you know where I might find them?"
"The saloon most likely. They seem to spend most of their time in there.
"Thank you. I'll come and see you again once I have this straightened out."
"It's good to see you again Judge."
"It's good to see you too," smiled the judge as he gave her an affectionate squeeze on the shoulder. "I'll let you get back to your work now."
Mary stood where she was until the judge had left and closed the door behind him before she shook her head to clear it and returned to the back room.
Meanwhile, the judge had gone straight over to the saloon. After quickly glancing around, he saw the regulators sitting together at a back table.
"Judge Travis," said Chris, being the first one to see the man.
"Mr. Larabee," the judge responded as he sat down and nodded to the others in greeting.
"What brings you back to Four Corners?" inquired Josiah, sensing that something was wrong.
"I have situation on my hands and I was hopping that you gentlemen could help resolve it."
"Well, we'll certainly give it a shot," assured Buck, leaning forward. "What's going on?"
"There's a gang that goes by the name the Clear Water Cutthroats. It has about ten men in it. They've been up to all sorts of tricks. Cattle rustling, bank robbing, train hijacking and murder. They've been arrested a couple times but unfortunately they're professionals and there hasn't been enough evidence to convict them. Now they're going to be setting up camp outside of Four Corners for the next while. I don't think they'll bother the town since it's so small."
"Then what exactly do you want us to do?" frowned Vin.
"I've come up with a plan to shut them down but I need your help to carry it out. The gang is always on the look out for new talent."
"And you figured we could pretend to be outlaws and join up."
"Not all of you, but I think one or two of you could get in without arousing too much suspicion."
"Fine, me and Vin will head out tomorrow," decided Chris.
"JD has to be one of the men that goes," interrupted the judge.
"Why JD?" frowned Nathan, confused.
"Yeah, why me?" echoed JD.
"For legal reasons. He is the only one who has been officially sworn in."
"I'm not so sure that that's a good idea," frowned Chris.
"Why not?" protested JD. "I am the sheriff and I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
"We know that," soothed Josiah. "But you have to remember that these are professionals that we're dealing with and you don't exactly have a lot of experience just yet...."
"Will you please stop treating me like a baby?"
"I know you're concerned about the boy," interrupted the judge. "But as I said, for legal reasons he has to go, so there's no use wasting time arguing about it. The only question is if he goes in alone or if somebody goes with him."
"He ain't going in alone," Chris said firmly.
"But..." JD started to speak up.
"I wouldn't send any of us in alone," said Chris cutting off JD's protest.
"Well I'll let you sort this out," said the judge standing up. "I have some other business that I need to attend to but I'll come back to see what the decision is." Leaving the regulators to do the planning, the judge left the saloon.
"So, who's going to come with me?"
"I think me, Vin or Buck would be the best choice," decided Chris.
"It may not be such a wise decision for Vin to go," objected Josiah.
"Why not?"
"It's possible that they may recognize him and remember that he has a bounty out on his head. We'll already have enough to worry about."
"Josiah's right," agreed Vin. "It has to be either Chris or Buck."
"If I may interrupt for a second," Ezra's smooth southern drawl cut through the conversation. "Gentlemen this scheme of yours requires a certain amount of style and cunning. Now, if we were planning on simply going in with guns blazing, then yes, I would agree that either Mr. Larabee or Mr. Wilmington would be perfectly suited for the task, but this is not such a case. For this scheme to be efficient, you will need to send in someone with experience when it comes to bending people to their will. Somebody who can read people and predict their behavior. In other words somebody like myself."
"You?" echoed Nathan, surprised.
"What's the catch?" frowned Chris.
"Catch? My dear sir, what would ever give you the impression that my desire to put these ruthless criminals behind bars comes from anything but my sense of duty?"
"Because I know you and you only do things when they'll benefit you. So what do you get out of this?"
"Besides the satisfaction of knowing that I've helped make this world a safer place to live in for poor unfortunates that cannot defend themselves..."
"Yeah, besides that."
"Well if this gang is as professional as the judge has made them out to be it, stands to reason that they would have gained a fair amount of capital from their ventures. Capital that if I were to somehow gain possession of while bringing them down to justice I would no doubt be able to keep as, say, a payment for my services."
"I should have known," groaned Buck. "Forget it Ezra."
"He does have a point," interrupted Josiah. "I mean this plan is going to involve some conning if we're going to get them believe our story, and Ezra here has the most experience when it comes to that sort of stuff."
"Josiah's right," Chris admitted grudgingly. "You two head out tomorrow morning."
"Oh wow, I can't wait," smiled JD excitedly. "This is going to be amazing, don't you think Ezra?"
"Astounding," agreed Ezra impassively, as he was already starting to imagine what cons he would use.
"Well just remember this isn't a game son," warned Buck.
"'Course I know that Buck," retorted JD indignantly.
"Just don't be forgetting that and getting your fool head shot off," buck grumbled.
"I'll tell the judge when he gets back," informed Chris, ignoring Buck and JD's usual bickering. After a minute, the judge's news was put aside as they returned to what they had been talking about before.
+ + + + + + +
The next morning Ezra and JD rose early and met at the livery to prepare their horses.
"So I guess we're all ready," noted JD as he looked around eager to leave.
"You've never participated in a con before have you?"
"Well no, not exactly."
"Very well, I can use the time it takes us to ride to the camp site to give you a few pointers."
"Such as?"
"When we get there we will no longer be who we really are. I've already made up new identities for both of us. You'll have to memorize and know this information off the top of your head."
"What's my new name?"
"Roger Mahone."
"I can do that, no problem. I'll have everybody convinced I'm Roger Mahone."
"It may be easier to do if you removed your badge from your shirt sheriff."
"Huh?" frowned JD looking down at his chest. "Oh I guess I forgot to take that off." He smiled, embarrassed, as he removed his badge. Ezra let out a sigh as he saw what he had to work with.
"Let us commence our journey," Ezra continued as he mounted Chaucer and headed in the direction that the judge had thought the Clear Water Cutthroats were going to set up their camp. JD quickly mounted his horse and followed.
"Well, tell me more about who I'm supposed to be?" insisted JD as they left town.
"Very well, now listen attentively for this information may very well save your life," started Ezra as he began.
+ + + + + + +
"We should be approaching their encampment presently," noted Ezra later that afternoon after hours of steady riding. The time had been put to good use though. Ezra had been quizzing JD on his new identity and was pleased at the younger man's progress. Although his demeanor was still not up to Ezra's professional standards it would make do for their task.
"I'm ready," nodded JD, looking determined. Ezra wasn't sure exactly who he was trying to reassure but decided to let the comment pass.
"Perhaps we should go through your information one more time."
"Oh come on Ezra I know that stuff inside and out now." Before Ezra could reply there was the sound of a gun shot nearby. The regulators immediately stopped their horses as they drew their weapons and looked around.
"Drop your weapons before I blow your goddamn heads off," a voice called. "We have you surrounded so don't try nothing stupid," he added as neither Ezra or JD moved to follow his instructions.
"Are you gentlemen planning on introducing yourselves?" Ezra called back remaining calm and collected.
"I said drop your goddamn guns," the voice repeated as another shot was fired. This one was close enough to break a tree branch that was merely inches from Ezra's head.
"I'm attempting to locate the Clear Water Cutthroats. Perhaps you could assist me."
"You don't listen too good, do you pretty boy?"
"A personal flaw that I have been informed of on several occasions. Now why don't you and your men come out of those shrubberies so that we may have a civilized conversation?" There was the sound of rustling before six well armed men came out of their various hiding places to surround Ezra and JD. All of them had their guns cocked and aimed.
"Maybe we should drop our weapons," whispered JD as he glanced about. If Ezra heard him he gave no sign of it.
"You better not be the law or me and my boys gonna hafta gut you and eat your entrails for dinner."
"I thought you intended to shoot us?" frowned Ezra.
"We can do both."
"Ah, you're multi-talented. Very commendable, I value that attribute in my associates."
"Associates?"
"Yes we've heard word of the doings of The Clear Water Cutthroats and decided that it would be in everybody's best interests if we were to combine our assets to further increase our economic profit."
"You want to join our gang?"
"I believe that's what I just said, yes."
"He's full of shit," growled another man. "Let's just waste'em."
"No, not yet anyway. Let's take'em back to the camp. The boss has been in a terrible mood since the last job. Getting to kill these two will cheer him up," decided the spokesman. "Get off you're horses and don't do nothing stupid."
Ezra and JD slowly got down off their mounts, making sure not to upset anyone with a nervous trigger finger. When they had gotten down, two of the members took the leads.
"Come on," scowled the man with a wave of his gun. The small group slowly made their way along the path with Ezra and JD in the middle, guarded at every side.
+ + + + + + +
Back at the Cutthroats make shift camp, an old abandoned building that they had come across, the leader of the gang, Clive Roberts, was in his office going over some plans with his second in command, Ryan Stiles.
"There's still going to be some pressure on us after that last job so I think we should lie low for awhile. Then I have some leads we can follow up on."
"Oh like that last brilliant lead," grumbled Roberts taking a swig out of his flask.
"The lead wasn't that bad."
"That kid promised a half a million dollars would be in that train."
"As far as he knew there was. When I sent a couple of our boys to talk with him he assured them that that was what he was told. He begged forgiveness and asked for a second chance."
"I don't give second chances."
"Not that it really matters. He's dead now."
"Oh?"
"Yes, accidentally fell under one of those trains."
"What a shame. Must have tripped or something."
"Excuse me sir," a dirty head came around the door.
"What?" snapped Roberts angrily.
"There's something you should see sir. We caught two guys trying to sneak into camp. They claim they want to join up with us."
"Shoot' em."
"We thought you might want that honor sir. That is if you didn't want to have some fun with them first."
"What the hell," shrugged Roberts after giving it a thought. Grabbing his well-worn gun belt Roberts headed out with Stiles following after. In the middle of the camp three, men stood guarding the intruders.
"These them?" scowled Roberts.
"Yes sir," nodded the spokesman. "Found 'em coming in the east Side. I sent Mullarkey, Vranch and Simpson back out on patrol."
"You must be the distinguished leader of this gang," spoke up Ezra as Roberts looked them over.
"That I am and anyone who tries to cross me ends up with their throats shredded."
"A natural consequence in your line of business I would speculate."
"So you want to join us do you?"
"That would be correct, yes."
"Why the hell would we want you? As you can see we're doing fine as it is."
"True your financial situation is hardly shabby, but I submit that it could be even more lucrative."
"Now what can a fancy-talking pretty-boy like you do that none of my boys can?"
"You know what they say, you can catch more flies with honey then vinegar..."
"What the hell would we want with flies?" interrupted one of the men.
"It's a metaphor... never mind," Ezra started to explain but seeing there was no use quickly gave up. "Let me put it another way. There are certain jobs that require a particular amount of refinement and tact which you... gentlemen seem to be somewhat lacking. Now I have worked as the front man on several different jobs, all of which were successful by the way."
"You think you can come in here and tell us what to do?" bellowed one of the men. "Who the hell are you?"
"I would never conceive of telling you how to do your business. As anyone can see you're doing a magnificent job as it is. I merely am suggesting some extras that could help things move smoother."
"Extras?" frowned Roberts thinking of the last job. "Like what?"
"Like I said, I have worked as a front man, which means I am able to get people to trust me. Now, say you were planning on robbing a bank or hijacking a train. I would simply go ahead and work my way into the organization. By getting any inside information or other pertinent news, I then pass it on to you and the job gets done faster and with greater accuracy. Also if we utilize the information correctly we can maximize our income."
"If you have this all figured out why do you need us?"
"I may have the brains but I'm lacking in the brawn. As good as my associate and I are, we simply need more guns."
"That little fella's been awful quiet."
"Yes, well he's good with any sort of weaponry. Guns, knives, explosives you name it. I'm afraid when it comes to anything outside that realm he is somewhat simple-minded." As Ezra finished, it took all JD's willpower not to object. Ezra hadn't mentioned anything about him being simple-minded before.
"Fine, I'll give you a try with our next job. If you mess up we'll string ya up but we don't need the kid though. Lee you take care of him."
"Hey," yelped JD in protest as the man named Lee grabbed him by the collar and started to drag him towards the woods to take care of him.
"We work as a team," interrupted Ezra quietly, but forcibly removing Lee's hand.
"We already have enough guns without him," snapped Roberts.
"Yes, but besides being an excellent shot with a firearm this young man is also an expert with knives and explosives. How many of your men can honestly claim that?"
"Why don't we test him?" suggested Lee with a grin.
"All right. Well we can't be blowing anything up so we'll go with a knife test. Colin here is our best knife man," Roberts said indicating a man that was nearly twice JD's size. "If you can best him, you're in."
"That seems fair to me," nodded Ezra.
"Take your corners, boys." Roberts called out as Stiles handed them both a knife, and the bystanders made room for a good show.
"Ezra I can't do this. He's going to kill me," JD whispered desperately to Ezra as he backed up to his corner.
"Nonsense, he's not that large."
"I've seen smaller elephants."
"Then use your size to your advantage."
"But..."
"Think of all the young ladies you can impress with this story once we get back to Four Corners."
"You mean if I get back alive."
"True," nodded Ezra calmly. Before JD could reply, the fight had begun. With a growl Colin charged at JD, who managed to duck out of the way just in time. The sudden movement caused his hat to tumble off and he was temporally blinded as his thick, unruly hair fell into his eyes. When his vision cleared he could see Colin slowly stalking towards him. He had his teeth bared and spittle was coming from the corners of his mouth. Combined with the growling, the over all effect was that of a rabid animal. As the larger man approached, JD kept slowly backing up until he hit something hard. Glancing behind him quickly he saw that he had reached the wall of the building. Returning his attention to Colin he realized he had no where left to go.
Trying to use intimidation like his opponent was doing, JD bared his teeth and let out a growl. As Colin moved closer the growl got caught in JD's throat and turned into a strangled gurgle. Colin made another quick dive at JD who, having nowhere else to go, dove between his legs. The dive turned into a rather ungraceful somersault, but it served its purpose. Colin, caught by surprise by his opponent's sudden disappearance, momentarily let his guard drop. Taking his chance, JD scrambled to his feet and took a swing. Colin let out a roar as the blade ripped through his shirt sleeve and into his skin. Even as he turned around to get even, his shirt around the wound was turning red with blood.
As Colin resumed his attack JD realized that he'd really only managed to make the larger man even angrier. As Colin took a swing with his knife JD backed up quickly to avoid the blade. Not seeing the tree root behind him JD tripped and fell to the ground. Momentarily stunned, he didn't have time to move as Colin took another swipe. JD inhaled sharply as he felt a wave of pain shot up his leg. Looking down he could see the torn flesh through the ragged opening in his pants.
As Colin leaned forward to make the final blow, JD slammed himself as hard as he could into Colin's lower legs. At the force of the impact, Colin lost his balance and toppled forward. As he landed, he had the wind knocked out of him and JD took the opportunity to kick his knife away from his hand. Squatting over him JD raised his knife over Colin's heart and brought it down quickly.
"Do you give?" demanded JD, as he stopped the knife's descent merely inches from Colin's chest.
"I give," nodded Colin, as he got his breath back. JD climbed off his opponent, limping when putting weight on his leg reminded him of his injury. Catching his breath Colin got to his feet. Grabbing JD's hand he roughly shook it.
"All right you've earned yourself a chance," nodded Roberts in approval. "You two got names?"
"I'm Daniel Macrae and this is Roger Mahone," smiled Ezra, stepping forward.
"Get the boys to fill you in on the details and someone get the doc to take care of those two's wounds," Roberts called as he headed back to his office with Stiles following him.
"Come on." One of the guys called as he approached Ezra. "The guys that aren't on guard duty usually play poker or something. You know how to play?"
"I believe I'm acquainted with the basics of the game," nodded Ezra.
"Good I'll introduce you to the others."
"So what's the damage for today?" frowned a man as he came up and looked at JD's leg. "That'll have to be disinfected and bandaged. Come with me kid."
"Are you the doctor?" asked JD as he limped after the man.
"Yep, names Tony Slattery but everyone around here just calls me doc. So I heard you passed the test. Congratulations. You got a name?"
"Roger, Roger Mahone," answered JD as they got to the doctor's room.
"Take your pants off Roger."
"Huh?"
"I have to get at the cut and unless you want me to cut the leg of your pants..."
"That's okay," assured JD quickly as he took his pants off.
"Now this might hurt a little," the doctor cautioned as he got a bottle of alcohol off a shelf and came back to JD. Taking the top off he poured an ample amount on JD's wound. JD gasped and had to hold onto the side of a nearby desk to keep from collapsing as dark spots swam before his eyes. "You ok?"
"Just fine," JD managed to get out of his tightly gritted teeth.
"Good, cause this is going to hurt a hell of a lot more," answered the doctor as he took a roll of bandages and started to wrap it around JD's leg. "There that should hold you till it heals," the doctor nodded in satisfaction when he was done.
"Hey where's Colin?" asked JD when he noticed the larger man wasn't having his wound looked after.
"Colin never comes to see me," shrugged the doctor as he put his equipment back. "I'm not quite sure what he does but it must be working cause he ain't dead yet. Besides anything that keeps his ugly face out of here I'm not complaining about."
"I wouldn't mind not running into him for awhile either." JD nodded in agreement as he gingerly tested his leg. "Thanks, I guess I'll see you later."
"Probably," the doctor muttered darkly as he turned his back on JD. Shrugging the comment off JD headed off to look around.
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